RoundaboutFrance
An introduction to the traffic rules and road signs of France. Learn about driving, road safety and much more in our illustrated book, with answers to frequently asked questions.
For informational purposes only. Always follow official regulations. Some content and images were created with AI assistance.
27. 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.
Wikimedia.org • Florian Pépellin • CC BY-SA
Who has priority at a roundabout in France?
At a legally defined carrefour à sens giratoire, entering drivers must yield to traffic circulating around the junction. A circular layout described informally as a rond-point is not enough to settle priority: check the signs and applicable junction rules.
🔗 legifrance.gouv.fr • French Road Code — R110-2, R412-9–10, R415-10–11
Warning for a roundabout.
English • Traffic sign AB25 • Roundabout. This is the specific sign referred to in article R. 110-2 of the Highway Code.
Français • Panneau AB25 • Carrefour à sens giratoire. Ce panneau constitue la signalisation spécifique mentionnée à l'article R. 110-2 du code de la route.
🔗 Sources
🔗 Commons.wikimedia.org
🔗 Equipementsdelaroute.cerema.fr • Arrêté du 24 novembre 1967
© Roulex 45 et les contributeurs Wikimedia • CC BY-SA 3.0 • SVG original non modifié.
Image via Commons.wikimedia.org
Roulex 45 • CC BY-SA 3.0 • Source revision 2013-07-05. Wikimedia original unmodified.
How should you choose a roundabout lane in France?
Choose your intended exit before entering and follow the lane arrows and destination signs. Keep to the marked route and make any permitted lane change only when safe; having priority over entering traffic does not give you priority to change lanes.
🔗 legifrance.gouv.fr • French Road Code — R110-2, R412-9–10, R415-10–11
What should you check when leaving a roundabout in France?
Check the lane you will cross or enter, signal the manoeuvre as required and look for cyclists and pedestrians at the exit. Obey any separate crossing controls and do not force an exit across another vehicle’s path.
🔗 legifrance.gouv.fr • French Road Code — R110-2, R412-9–10, R415-10–11

Traffic rules
France