U-turn at the roundabout - how to do it according to the regulations?

In many agglomerations, roundabouts have clearly improved traffic flow. In our country, this is similar, but moving along it involves several problematic maneuvers. How to make a U-turn at a roundabout according to the rules? The hardest part about all this is that it's hard to find reliable rules. How is this possible? Well, the Rules of the Road are not very expansive when it comes to roundabouts. Therefore, in many cases, the personal interpretation of drivers, trainees, examiners and police officers remains. Check out how to make a U-turn at a roundabout!

U-turn at the roundabout - driving lessons

Already at the stage of the driver's license course, many disputes arise. You can also see how instructors teach their students to turn on the left turn signal when entering a roundabout. This is to inform others that the driver will want to make a U-turn at the roundabout, or take a different exit than the first one. However, the rules do not state that this must be done. So why are young drivers still being taught this? Probably because such behavior is required by many examiners who have the right to "not fail" the examinee.

U-turn at the roundabout - how to prepare for it?

But let's deal with other technical issues first. When it comes to single-lane roundabouts, things are pretty simple:

• before entering, you need to make sure that the vehicles on it do not want to cross your direction of travel;
• you must give way (by right-hand rule) to all vehicles on the right unless there is a "give way" sign in front of the roundabout;
• when you are at a roundabout, you turn on your right turn signal before exiting it.

However, things get a little more complicated when there is more than one lane at the intersection.

U-turn at a multi-lane roundabout

The key to safely passing such a roundabout is the correct preparation for the maneuver. Multi-lane roundabouts use vertical and horizontal signs to indicate the direction of traffic. Stick to them to keep yourself and others organized while traveling. U-turns at a multi-lane roundabout are possible from the leftmost lane. Take the right track in advance so as not to create additional difficulties at the intersection.

How to make a U-turn at a roundabout and do it right?

1. When entering a roundabout, make sure you have space for it. Take the leftmost lane if the roundabout has more than one lane.
2. Remember that you must choose the right lane before leaving the roundabout. Why? The exit from the left lane intersects the direction of movement of vehicles in the right lane. According to the rules, this is forcing the right of way. 
3. Therefore, if you forget to switch to the right exit lane earlier, give way and only then leave the roundabout. 
4. Also, do not forget about the turn signal informing about the intention to exit.

U-turn at the roundabout - right turn signal

Let's first deal with the easier thing for many drivers, namely the right turn signal on the descent. The driver applies the rules regarding intersections at the roundabout and is obliged to inform other road users about:

• lane change;
• exit from the intersection.

U-turns at a roundabout always end up leaving the roundabout, so it is natural to choose the lane that leads away from the intersection. When passing the penultimate exit, you must activate the flasher to inform other drivers that you intend to leave the roundabout.

U-turn at the roundabout - left turn signal

As mentioned earlier, trainees learn to turn on the left turn signal before entering a roundabout. They do it in courses and state exams. However, such a maneuver, combined with the left flasher, seems pointless to many drivers. What do the rules say about this? They don't talk too much, and traffic rules are almost completely silent about roundabouts.

Left turn signal at the roundabout - why controversial?

Crossroad traffic rules state that a driver must signal a lane or direction change. Is driving on a road marked with a roundabout a change of direction? Of course not. Therefore, it makes little sense to go left with the left turn signal on. U-turns at a roundabout do not require the use of the left turn signal because you always follow a predetermined lane.

U-turn at the roundabout and left turn signal - court decisions

It happened that students who did not agree with the failure of the exam, sued the examiners or whole WORDS in the courts. What is very interesting, in the work in progress, the solutions were consistent and almost identical. They were beneficial for trainees who did not turn on the left turn signal at the entrance. Here is an example of a justification issued by the Municipal Board of Appeal and then upheld by the Voivodeship Administrative Court in Lublin:

“In accordance with § 36 para. 1 of the Decree of the Ministers of Infrastructure and the Interior and the Administration on Road Signs and Signals, the sign C-12 (circular traffic) means that at the intersection the traffic is circular around the island or square in the direction indicated on the sign. When entering such an intersection, the driver maintains the current direction of movement.

Bypass rules - what you need to know?

There are some important tips to follow when driving around a roundabout or simply entering it. We have detailed them in the following paragraphs:

1. Obey traffic light rules or signs and signs at roundabouts.
2. Give way to traffic at the roundabout or to those on the right if there is no "give way" sign.
3. Select the lane corresponding to the direction of travel (right for exit, left for straight or turn).
4. Give way to the tram exiting the roundabout.
5. Do not signal with your left turn signal that you are making a U-turn at a roundabout.

Bypassing the roundabout - what mistakes to avoid and what to remember?

In addition to the general rules associated with driving at roundabouts, there are some mistakes that should be avoided. If you avoid them, it will result in the safety of all road users. Here are some more tips:

1. Use other lanes if there is a queue on the right and the left is free.
2. Do not enter a roundabout if there is no space on it.
3. Do not leave the roundabout from the left lane and, if necessary, give way to people in the right lane.
4. Don't forget to turn on your turn signal to inform you that you are leaving the roundabout.

What is worth remembering in the context of a U-turn and driving in a circle? About sanity and the most important tips presented above. Thanks to them, you will safely overcome each carousel. Also, do not forget to be aware of any changes in the provisions of the traffic rules and do not be surprised by the changes that are introduced periodically. We wish you a wide road!