Multi-lane and spiral roundabouts

By the end of this topic you can

• You can read a lane-by-lane advance sign and pick the right lane well before the roundabout.
• You can follow painted lane destinations and arrows on and around the roundabout.
• You can stay in your lane and let the markings guide you towards your exit.
• You can deal with traffic lights on the roundabout itself.
• You can handle a wrong lane choice safely by going round again or taking another exit.

What you need to know and understand

• Follow all signs, traffic lights and lane markings on the approach and on the roundabout.
• With more than three lanes at the entrance, use the most appropriate lane for your exit.
• On a spiral roundabout, the lane you choose on approach will usually lead you off at your exit if you follow it.
• Some large roundabouts have traffic lights part way round; you must obey them like any other signals.
• Vehicles may cross in front of you to leave, especially those taking the next exit, so watch the left side carefully.
• If you miss your exit, it is safer to go round again than to cut across lanes.

Reading the advance signs

Large roundabouts usually have a map-type sign or overhead gantry showing each lane with its destination. Pick out your road number or town name, then match it to a lane. Many approaches also have destinations or road numbers painted on the surface. If you can, check the route before you set off so you know what to look for.

Get into your lane early and settle there. Last-second lane changes near the give way line are a common cause of side-swipe collisions.

How a spiral roundabout works

On a spiral roundabout the lane lines are painted so that the outer lanes peel off at the earlier exits, and the inner lanes gradually move outwards towards later exits. You stay between your lane lines and the road carries you to your exit.

The danger comes when drivers ignore the markings, for example staying on the outside lane to go a long way round, or cutting straight across from the inside to an exit. Keep checking your mirrors, especially the left one, and be ready for someone else's mistake.

• Follow the arrows in your lane, not the habits you use on simple roundabouts.
• Signal left before you leave, as on any roundabout.
• Do not straddle two lanes; pick one and stay in it.
• Watch for lanes that end or split, often marked with arrows and a broken line.

Traffic lights and stopping points

Some large roundabouts have traffic lights at the entries and also on the circulating carriageway. Treat each set as a separate junction. Look for criss-cross yellow box markings too: at signalled roundabouts you must not enter the box unless you can cross it completely without stopping.

If you realise you are in the wrong lane, do not swerve. Carry on in your lane, take the exit it leads to or go round again, and find a safe place to turn round later.

Common mistakes

• Choosing a lane by habit instead of by the signs. Read the gantry or map sign every time.
• Changing lanes on the roundabout without a mirror and blind-spot check. Only change lanes if the markings require it and it is safe.
• Panicking after picking the wrong lane. Go round again or take the next sensible exit.
• Forgetting the traffic lights partway round. Look ahead for signals once you are on the roundabout.
• Entering a yellow box when your way out is not clear, then blocking the roundabout.

Test yourself: Multi-lane and spiral roundabouts

Answer each question, then read the explanation. Questions come in a random order each time.

Go deeper

• Mini Roundabout Rules