Traffic in the roundabout after the changes in the Highway Code

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The changes in the Highway Code indicate a new traffic rule in the roundabout, according to which only one lane will always have priority. Many drivers have not yet got used to this change.

Traffic in the roundabout, following the changes in the Highway Code. The main function of a roundabout is to facilitate the flow of traffic at an intersection and prevent road congestion. In Romania, the number of roundabouts is constantly increasing. They are installed both in urban areas and on county and national roads and even on highways.

Roundabout traffic rule, amended in 2023

Currently, there are roundabouts with 2, 3 or even 4 traffic lanes. These lanes, although circular, require drivers to follow the same rule as in the case of straight roads. Specifically, it must signal when it is changing lanes and give priority to those already in that lane at the time of entry.

Despite maintaining the general rule that those inside the roundabout have priority, other rules have been introduced.

Thus, those in the central area of ​​the roundabout, i.e. in the lane closest to its middle, must signal and give priority to those in the lane to their right when they want to exit the roundabout.

Road Code. Who has priority at the roundabout

The Highway Code updated in 2023 clarifies who has priority at the roundabout.

“In the case of roundabout intersections, vehicle drivers must comply with the rules regarding traffic in the lanes, having the obligation to signal in time to leave the intersection and ensure that they can do so without disrupting traffic or endangering the safety of other road users ”, it is established by Art 107, point 1.1, of law 195/2002.

Basically, when we drive in a roundabout on lane 2 and want to exit, we activate the right signal. Only after making sure there are no other cars in lane 1 can we leave the roundabout. According to the illustration above, the driver of the orange car (represented by the blue line) is required to give priority to the green car (represented by the red line). This is because they are making a lane change maneuver to exit the roundabout while the green car maintains its lane.

Who always has priority

The recent change to the Highway Code regarding roundabout traffic requires that only one lane always has priority. Specifically, when a vehicle enters the roundabout, it is allowed to move without giving priority to other vehicles only if it is in lane 1.

Photo source: Dreamstime

Road Code. Parking rules in the roundabout

According to the legislation, it is forbidden to park or stand a vehicle at a distance of less than 25 meters from a roundabout or pedestrian crossing.

Voluntary stopping of vehicles is prohibited […] in intersections, including those with roundabout traffic, as well as in the preselection area where continuous markings are applied, and in their absence, at a distance of less than 25 m from the corner of the intersection”, establishes Art. 142, letter f) from law 195/2002.

The only situation in which a car is allowed to be parked near a roundabout is when there is a designated parking lot in that area, properly marked both on the road and with a distinctive “P” sign. It will also be equipped with an additional indicator indicating the exact point where parking is allowed. In general, these parking lots are located no more than 25 meters before a roundabout.

There are situations where, in a multi-lane roundabout, the first lane is reserved for stopping and parking vehicles. This is properly signposted, both by signs and road markings. In the absence of these signs, stopping or parking in the roundabout is prohibited.

Photo source: Dreamstime

Roundabout with “turbo lane”

The authorities have created various types of roundabouts, some of which are equipped with a so-called “turbo lane”. This lane gives right-of-way to drivers in it, regardless of the direction they are coming from.

Thus, when you are preparing to enter a two-lane roundabout and notice that the line separating them is continuous in the forward direction, this indicates that those in the roundabout are not authorized to enter your lane. At the same time, you will be forced to continue moving forward and you are not allowed to turn left.

In addition, the solid line can indicate the direction to the right or even to the left. Therefore, you have the right of way, but also the responsibility to follow the direction indicated by the solid line.