RoundaboutArgentina

Learn traffic rules with clear explanations and visual examples in our illustrated book, designed to make studying simple and engaging.


11. Roundabout

A roundabout is a circular road arrangement in which traffic travels around a central island in one designated direction. Vehicles enter and leave through connecting roads, and traffic signs or local rules determine who has priority.

Drivers should reduce speed, choose a suitable lane, observe all road users and signal as required when leaving. The direction of travel, entry priority, lane use and rules for cyclists and pedestrians depend on local traffic signs and regulations.

Direction sign for the Costanera Sur access from National Route 12. (Posadas, Misiones, Argentina)
Wikimedia.org • Horacio Cambeiro • CC BY
What is a roundabout?

A roundabout is a circular road arrangement where traffic travels in one direction around a central island before leaving through the chosen exit.

How can you recognise a roundabout?

A roundabout is normally identified by a circular-direction sign, a central island and entry roads controlled by signs, markings or local priority rules.

Which direction does traffic travel around a roundabout?

The direction depends on the country’s driving side. Traffic normally travels anticlockwise in right-hand-traffic countries and clockwise in left-hand-traffic countries.

Who has priority at a roundabout?

Priority differs between countries and roundabout designs. Entering traffic commonly gives way to traffic already circulating, but drivers must always follow the actual priority signs and signals.

Must you stop before entering a roundabout?

Not always. Stop when required by a stop sign, traffic light or approaching priority traffic. Otherwise, reduce speed and enter only when there is a safe gap.

Does a roundabout always have a give-way sign?

No. The sign arrangement depends on local law. Some circular intersections use ordinary priority rules or traffic lights instead.

How should you approach a roundabout?

Reduce speed, observe the signs and markings, choose the appropriate lane and check for pedestrians, cyclists and circulating traffic.

Which lane should you choose?

Follow the lane arrows and destination signs. As a general guide, use the lane appropriate for your exit, but exact lane-selection rules differ between countries and roundabout layouts.

May you use an inner lane?

Yes, where the road layout and local rules permit it. Before leaving, change lanes safely and give way to road users already travelling in the lane you wish to enter.

Do you need to signal when entering?

This depends on local law. Some countries require a signal for particular exits, while others require no signal when entering.

Do you need to signal when leaving?

Usually, yes. Signal in the direction of the exit early enough to inform other road users, but not so early that your intention becomes misleading.

Does signalling give you priority?

No. A direction indicator communicates your intention but does not permit you to force another road user to brake or change direction.

May you change lanes on a roundabout?

Only when the lane markings permit it and the manoeuvre can be completed safely. Check mirrors and blind spots, signal where required and give way to traffic already in the target lane.

What should you do if you miss your exit?

Continue around the roundabout and approach the exit again. Do not stop, reverse or cut suddenly across another lane.

May you drive over the central island?

Normally not. Some small roundabouts have a mountable central section intended only for vehicles that cannot otherwise negotiate the road safely.

Do cyclists have priority at a roundabout?

Priority depends on whether cyclists use the carriageway, a continuing bike path or a separate cycle crossing. Drivers and cyclists must follow the signs, markings and local priority rules.

What should drivers check before leaving?

Check mirrors and blind spots for cyclists, mopeds, motorcycles and vehicles beside you. Also check for pedestrians crossing the exit road.

Do pedestrians have priority at roundabout exits?

Pedestrian priority depends on crossings and local law. Drivers should approach exits slowly and be prepared to yield to pedestrians crossing or about to cross.

Does a roundabout have a special speed limit?

Not universally. The posted or general road limit applies, but drivers must travel slowly enough to negotiate the roundabout safely.

May you overtake on a roundabout?

Passing another vehicle may be permitted on a multilane roundabout, but drivers must remain within their lane and avoid unsafe lane changes. Local overtaking restrictions may apply.

May you stop or park on a roundabout?

Follow local signs and parking rules. Stopping or parking on the circulating roadway is commonly prohibited or unsafe because it obstructs traffic and reduces visibility.

Is every circular intersection a roundabout?

No. A circular junction may be governed by traffic lights, ordinary priority rules or another road design. Its legal status depends on its signs and local definition.

1 Argentina 2 Motorway 3 Speed limit 4 Minimum speed 5 Bike path 6 Speed bump 7 Slope 8 Bus stop 9 Stop sign 10 Give way 11 Roundabout 12 Road narrowing 13 Railway crossing 14 Mandatory direction 15 Turn prohibition 16 School area 17 Overtaking 18 Crossing animals 19 Curve 20 Wrong-way driving 21 Roadworks 22 Height limit 23 Traffic lights 24 International border 25 Parking 26 No parking 27 No stopping 28 Reversing 29 Uncontrolled crossroad 30 Licence plate 31 Charging station 32 Dip 33 Identity card 34 Pedestrian 35 Cyclist 36 Truck 37 Bus 38 Police 39 Ambulance 40 Taxi 41 Pothole 42 Path 43 Particulates 44 Air pollution 45 Rush hour 46 Road code 47 Street gutter 48 Cargo bike 49 Forestry vehicle 50 Construction vehicle 51 Semi-trailer truck 52 Trolleybus 53 Speed pedelec 54 Delivery vehicle 55 Idling 56 Tow truck 57 Four-wheel drive 58 Bicycle 59 Motorcycle equipment 60 Rail track 61 Caravan 62 Trailer 63 Tow hitch 64 Fire truck 65 Siren 66 Convoy 67 Emergency vehicle lighting 68 Agricultural machinery 69 Electric bicycle 70 Electric vehicle 71 Pedelec 72 Quadricycle 73 Microcar 74 All-terrain vehicle 75 Van 76 Recreational vehicle 77 Scooter 78 Trikke 79 Personal mobility device 80 Skateboard 81 Segway 82 Kick scooter 83 Roller skates 84 Mailman 85 Hitchhiker 86 Toddler 87 Child 88 Disability 89 Motorail 90 km/h 91 mph 92 Speedometer 93 Ride height 94 Dirt road 95 Driving 96 Start-stop system 97 Manual transmission 98 Automatic transmission 99 Throttle 100 Tachometer ...