Rules for leaving a roundabout

Traffic rules are constantly updated and adjusted. The driver must clearly know the rules in order to avoid accidents and not break the law.

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Circular motion concept

In Russia, sections of roads with roundabouts are common. The traffic rules explain that the concept of a roundabout implies an intersection at which the direction of movement of vehicles in a circle is provided in a counterclockwise direction.

This area may be adjacent to three to five roads. Regulation of such areas is carried out only with the help of signs at the entrance, which indicate traffic priorities, and road markings.

The driver must indicate any intention: entering, exiting or changing lanes using turn signals.

What is a roundabout?

A roundabout is an intersection of paths that is a circle along the contour of which traffic moves. At the same time, travel through its interior is either limited or prohibited.

Since in Russia the movement of vehicles in the right lane is officially recognized, when driving through a roundabout, the car moves counterclockwise. In countries where vehicle positions are distributed differently, traffic on a roundabout will move clockwise.

Roundabouts are unregulated, which is why there are no traffic lights within their boundaries. It is believed that movement along this trajectory involves increased danger. Therefore, it is given priority over other transportation options.

Roundabout sign

Before the roundabout there must be a sign 1.7 from the warning category - “Intersection with roundabout traffic”. It is placed 50-100 meters from the intersection within the city and 150-300 meters outside it. Directly before the intersection, another warning sign 4.3 is placed - “Circular traffic”, according to which the motorist is obliged to drive in accordance with the directions of the arrows.

In addition, priority signs may be placed indicating the direction of the main road. If there are none, the intersection is a crossroads of equivalent roads, and while driving around the ring you will need to give way to cars on the right side that plan to enter it.

Circular speed

The choice of speed at a roundabout intersection is made on a general basis, taking into account weather and road conditions. If the diameter of the circle is large enough, drivers can reach high speeds on it, which can cause problems for motorists with little experience entering the intersection. Therefore, it is important to choose the right time to start moving, and also to maintain confidence during it, immediately accelerating at the intersection to an average speed.

Expert opinion

Evgeniy Romanov

Lawyer, specializes in protecting rights in areas related to traffic rules, insurance and disputes with the traffic police.

The most common speed at medium-sized roundabouts in normal weather and road conditions is approximately 40 km per hour.

Signs and road markings for roundabouts

The imperfection of traffic rules in Russia makes it difficult for drivers to understand traffic around the ring. The introduction of new rules in 2021 has not yet borne fruit, because many motorists are not aware of the changes and continue to drive as they are accustomed to.

In order not to break the rules, first of all you need to follow the signs before entering the roundabout. More recently, the main sign warning about the circular section was sign 4.3 - a blue circle with three white arrows depicting the direction against the clock.

Thus, when entering the circle, cars were an obstacle on the right and must continue moving, and vehicles located on the circle must yield to them. This rule may still apply today.

The combination of sign 4.3 together with additional priority signs 2.4 - Give way or 2.5 - Driving without stopping is prohibited, began to be used only in 2010. Thus, the road on the ring has become the main road, and all entering vehicles must give way to vehicles moving along it.

Also, before entering the site, a main road sign may be installed indicating a dedicated lane. If the automobile ring is located around a ring with tram tracks, then the tram, after entering its borders, will have priority and will need to be allowed through at the exit.

Who is inferior to whom on the ring (in a circular motion)?

• if there are signs

  priority - we are guided by these signs.

• in the presence of traffic light regulation

  or, in fact, the traffic controller - we are guided by the instructions of the traffic light or the traffic controller (do not forget that the traffic controller’s signals are “more important”)

• in the absence of signs

  priority, traffic light and traffic controller - vehicles moving in a circle have priority.
  Whoever is on the ring is more important. This rule (clause 13.111)
  was clearly formulated and officially appeared in the traffic rules by order of November 8, 2021.

Examples again:

In the picture presented, we need to decide - who is inferior to whom on the ring? We see that there are no priority signs in front of the intersection, as well as a traffic light or traffic controller. This means that we are obliged to give way to both vehicles that are already moving around the roundabout. This example in the tickets is here: Ticket 16 question 14

In this situation, similar to the previous one, there is nothing in front of the intersection except sign 4.3. A truck entering such an intersection must give way to us, because we are already driving in a circle. See an example with a detailed explanation here: Ticket 27 question 14

From which lane should you enter the roundabout?

A section of a road with a roundabout is an exception to the usual rules about changing direction.

If at a regular intersection a driver intending to change direction must take the far right lane, then at a roundabout he can continue driving from his lane.

The movement continues as follows:

1. If the number of lanes is equal on both segments, then the exit from the roundabout will be made from an equivalent lane. If the driver needs to turn right, he must enter this area in the right lane, drive straight in the middle lane, and turn left in the left lane.
2. If the number of lanes on both sections of the road is different, then changing lanes from one lane to another can be done both in advance and after entering the intersection.

After entering this intersection:

After entering an intersection where there is a roundabout, indicated by sign 4.3 “Roundabout”, you will have priority in traffic over a passenger car, since when entering this intersection its driver is obliged to give way to vehicles moving along it, clause 13.11 (1 ). Changes to traffic rules from November 8, 2017.

Driving straight around the roundabout

Continuing to drive straight is preferable in the middle lane for three-lane roads or in the left lane if there are two. Next, you need to change lanes when leaving to the far right lane for the exit.

Driving in a straight direction can be started and continued in the rightmost lane - this is not a violation, but it can make it difficult for other participants to change lanes and exit.

Do not forget that traffic can be regulated by signs or markings that indicate the priority direction.

In which direction is the driver of a car allowed to continue driving?

The “Roundabout” sign informs that there is a roundabout at this intersection.

• When entering such intersections, it is not necessary to take the extreme right position on the roadway.
• As for leaving the intersection, the rule common to all intersections applies here - to turn right, you must take the extreme right position and turn into the extreme right lane.

How to make turns on the ring correctly?

Entering a section of road with a circular direction misleads many drivers. Even experienced drivers may not know what turn signals to turn on correctly when entering.

It is correct to use the right turn signal. After all, this is the same intersection and driving against the direction of traffic on the left turn signal will be a gross violation of the rules.

When driving around the roundabout, a driver who does not plan to change lanes must turn it off.

Turning right from this intersection will always be an exit from the site. Changing lanes must be done with the right turn signal on.

Turning left while on a ring section of the road must be done with caution. When driving along the roundabout, you must not turn on the left turn signal, but still enter the desired direction of the road from the right outer lane with the right turn signal on.

Rules of conduct for pedestrians in roundabouts

Most often, ring sections of the road are not regulated by traffic lights, and there are one or more pedestrian crossings located on them. What should pedestrians do when they find themselves in this place?

A pedestrian can cross the road only in designated places, zebra crossings and in front of pedestrian crossing signs. A person should also be guided by general rules - calculate the distance to approaching cars and assess the traffic situation.

If the ring is regulated by a traffic light, then you need to cross it using the permitting signals. Drivers are obliged to let pedestrians pass, despite the fact that they are on a priority section of the road. It’s also worth remembering that cars only go one way here.

Violations of rules on the ring and penalties

Being attentive, following the rules and paying attention to all surrounding vehicles is the key to being safe on the ring section of the road. Violation of traffic rules for drivers in this area is a guarantee of receiving a fine.

If there is a traffic light in front of the roundabout, and the motorist enters while ignoring the prohibiting signal, the fine will be 1,000 rubles. If the violation was committed again, the amount will increase to 5 thousand or a deprivation of rights will be awarded for up to 6 months.

Fines may also be imposed if:

1. During entry, priority was not given to vehicles located in the circular area.
2. Driving clockwise on the roundabout, that is, in the oncoming lane.
3. No light signals were used during the maneuvers.
4. The exit from the site is not from the far right lane.
5. Parking on the site at a distance of less than 5 meters from the intersection with the roadway.

Deprivation of rights is provided if the driver was moving counterclockwise - towards the direction.

Ignoring signs or obstructing other participants in the ring will cost the violator 1000 rubles.

If parking rules are violated on this section of the road, the fine will be 500 rubles.

The driver needs to be collected and choose the right lane to further overcome this section of the road in order to ensure the safety of himself and other road users.

In order not to make mistakes, you need to remember three simple rules:

1. Warn of any maneuver with turn signal signals.
2. Where the car is heading is where the turn signal needs to be turned on.
3. If you need to change lanes, you should let cars moving along it pass.

Young drivers often get confused and lost in such areas. If it is not possible to change lanes or the required exit was missed, then you need to continue driving in a circle, preferably in the far left lane.

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