As of: March 31, 2024, 7:34 a.m
By: Sebastian Oppenheimer
Comments
Press
Split
Two-lane roundabouts make many drivers sweat: Who is allowed to drive into which lane when entering?
In Germany, the construction of roundabouts was avoided for a long time, preferring instead to rely on traffic light intersections. This changed at the beginning of the 1990s: Since then, more and more roundabouts have been built in this country. In other countries, such as France, roundabouts have already enjoyed great popularity - even if things can sometimes be chaotic there, such as at the Arc de Triomphe. But of course there are not only single-lane roundabouts in Germany either. But what about a two-lane roundabout? Who is allowed to drive in which lane when entering?
A two-lane roundabout: which car is allowed to enter which lane? © PantherMedia (montage)
You can find even more exciting car topics in the free newsletter from our partner 24auto.de.
Roundabout in Germany: Which rules need to be observed
Most people are probably familiar with the rules in a German roundabout: enter to the right and then continue in an anti-clockwise direction. Vehicles in the roundabout have the right of way. The lights do not flash when entering the roundabout, but only when leaving the roundabout. Driving over the central island is prohibited - even if it is only painted on. Uncertainty can often be observed among drivers when it comes to two-lane roundabouts: Who is allowed or has to enter which lane?
Entering a two-lane roundabout: who has to go into which lane?
Does the blue car – in our example graphic – have to drive into the inside lane and the white vehicle have to turn into the outside lane? In fact, this is not regulated by law. The two drivers have to communicate. However, the ADAC advises that cars that want to exit at the next or next exit should get into the right-hand lane at the entrance. According to the automobile club, the inside lane is more recommended if you don't want to leave the roundabout until later. However, drivers must always keep an eye on the car driving to their right.
My news
NATO fighter jets rise: Russian planes intercepted over the Baltic Sea
Meloni takes action: Italy cancels the “super bonus” read
After 20 years, the citizen's benefit recipient finally finds work - two days later he is already annoyed
Quake in the construction industry: Read the bankruptcy of a large German real estate company
After rocket attacks on Ukraine, Poland launches fighter jets in the middle of the night
Wages instead of citizens' money: Jobcenter starts unusual reading campaign
If you are in the inner lane of a two-lane roundabout and want to leave, you must respect the priority of the driver on the outside. If you can't move to the right lane in time, you have to do an extra lap.
Roundabout of extremes: The “Magic Roundabout” in Great Britain
By the way, there is still a significant improvement over the “normal” roundabout – in Great Britain. In Swindon, the so-called “Magic Roundabout” was built there in 1972 and is still in operation today. These are two concentric roundabouts running in opposite directions, which are connected to each other via five smaller roundabouts. Sounds pretty complicated - and it is: Apparently even locals avoid the roundabout, also known as the “Traffic Circle of Hell”.