European roundabout rules clarified for drivers

The Auto Club Europe (ACE) explains that roundabouts across Europe fall into two categories. "Real" roundabouts give priority to traffic already in the circle and are marked by a blue circular sign with three white arrows combined with a yield sign. This system is used in Belgium, Croatia, Luxembourg, the Netherlands, Austria, Switzerland, Slovenia, Spain and in most French, Italian, Polish and Czech roundabouts. Drivers should slow down on entry, allow circulating vehicles to pass and signal when leaving.

In "unechte" (pseudo) roundabouts the circular sign is missing or stands alone, so the general "right‑before‑left" rule applies and the traffic inside must yield to vehicles entering. This arrangement can be found in France, Italy, Croatia, Austria, Poland, the Czech Republic and Germany.

Special cases include the United Kingdom, where roundabouts are navigated clockwise because of left‑hand traffic and drivers signal their intended exit before entering, and the Netherlands, where many roundabouts feature separate cyclist lanes that may have priority. Observing the correct signage can prevent misunderstandings, accidents and fines for motorists travelling abroad.