That moment of hesitation as you approach a busy two-lane roundabout—which lane do I take? When do I signal? Who has the right of way? Mastering 2 lane roundabout rules is one of the most critical skills for driving in the UAE. Get it wrong, and you risk a serious accident, a steep fine, and the fury of other drivers. Get it right, and traffic flows smoothly and safely for everyone. This guide breaks down the official rules and the unwritten “road etiquette” into simple, actionable steps. We’ll cover lane selection, signaling like a pro, and exactly who has priority, so you can approach your next roundabout with confidence, not confusion.
The Golden Rule of Roundabouts: Give Way to Traffic ALREADY on the Roundabout
This is non-negotiable and the foundation of all roundabout rules. Traffic already circulating within the roundabout has the absolute right of way. You must wait at the yield line for a safe gap before entering. Ignoring this is the leading cause of side-impact collisions at roundabouts.
Lane Discipline: Choosing the Correct Lane BEFORE You Enter
Your intended exit determines your entry lane. Think ahead. For a standard 4-exit roundabout (like a crossroad), follow this universal rule:
Taking the First Exit (Turning Right / 90 Degrees)
- Approach in the RIGHT-HAND LANE.
- Signal RIGHT as you approach.
- Stay in the right lane, exit smoothly, and cancel your signal.
Going Straight Ahead (Second Exit / 180 Degrees)
- You may approach in EITHER the LEFT or RIGHT lane (unless signs/markings dictate otherwise).
- Common & Safer Practice: Approach in the LEFT-HAND LANE. This keeps the right lane clear for those turning right.
- Do NOT signal on approach.
- Once you have passed the first exit, signal RIGHT to indicate your intent to exit.
- Exit from your lane—left lane exits to the left lane of the exiting road.
Taking the Third Exit (Turning Left / 270 Degrees) or Doing a Full U-Turn
- Approach in the LEFT-HAND LANE.
- Signal LEFT as you approach to show you are taking the “long way around.”
- Stay in the left (inner) lane of the roundabout.
- After passing the exit before the one you want, signal RIGHT.
- Check your right-side mirror and blind spot, move to the right lane if clear (if it’s a 2-lane exit), and exit.
The critical question drivers ask: “I’m in the inside lane going straight. Can I exit directly from the inside lane?” The answer is NO, not unless the lane markings explicitly allow it. You must exit from the corresponding outer lane. Cutting across the outer lane to exit is illegal and extremely dangerous.
Signaling Correctly: It’s a Language, Not a Suggestion
Your indicators are how you “talk” to other drivers on the roundabout.
- Signal on Approach: Indicate your initial direction (Right for 1st exit, Left for 3rd/4th exit, nothing for straight).
- Signal to Exit: This is the most forgotten but most important signal. Always signal RIGHT just after you pass the exit before the one you want. This tells drivers waiting to enter and those behind you exactly what you are doing.
The Dangers of Lane Switching INSIDE the Roundabout
Changing lanes within the roundabout itself is highly discouraged and often illegal unless absolutely necessary and done with extreme caution.
- The Rule: Enter in the correct lane for your exit and stay there until you exit.
- The Exception: If you need to move from the inner lane to the outer lane to exit, you must:
- Signal RIGHT well in advance.
- Check your mirrors and blind spot thoroughly.
- Give way to any vehicle already in the outer lane. They have priority.
If it’s not safe, continue around the roundabout for another loop and position yourself correctly.
UAE-Specific Fines for Roundabout Violations
Get the rules wrong, and it will cost you. Key fines under UAE Federal Traffic Law include:
- Failure to Give Way to Traffic Already on the Roundabout: 400 AED and 4 Black Points.
- Sudden Swerving/Lane Change Without Signal: 400 AED and 4 Black Points.
- Obstructing Traffic Flow: 200 AED fine.
- Driving in the Wrong Lane: This can be considered “not following lane rules,” leading to a 200 AED fine.
Special Scenarios & Advanced Tips
- Multi-Lane Exits: Often, a two-lane roundabout will feed into a two-lane exit road. The golden rule applies: Exit into the lane that corresponds to your circulating lane. Outer lane exits to the right lane of the exit road. Inner lane exits to the left lane of the exit road.
- Who Goes First if Two Cars Arrive at the Same Time? The vehicle on the RIGHT has priority. However, always exercise caution and never assume the other driver knows the rule.
- Large Trucks & Buses: They may need to use multiple lanes to navigate. Give them extra space and be patient.
- The “Zipper Merge” on Exit: When two circulating lanes exit into one, drivers should merge alternately (like a zipper). Forcing your way in is aggressive driving.
FAQs: Clearing Up Common Roundabout Confusion
Q1: If I’m going straight, can I stay in the right lane the whole time?
A: Technically, often yes (check markings). But it’s poor practice. It blocks drivers who need to enter and turn right at the first exit, causing congestion. The left lane is usually more efficient for straight-through traffic.
Q2: What if I’m in the wrong lane as I approach?
A: Do not make a sudden, dangerous lane change. Commit to the lane you are in. Take the exit that lane dictates, find a safe place to turn around, and correct your route. A few minutes lost is better than an accident.
Q3: Do pedestrians have right of way at roundabouts?
A: At designated pedestrian crossings (usually at the entry/exit points), YES, you must stop and give way to pedestrians who are crossing.
Q4: How do I handle a roundabout with more than 2 lanes?
A: The same principles apply but with more precision. Read the lane-direction arrows on the road well in advance. They will show you which lane leads to which exit(s). Always follow the painted arrows.
Q5: What should I do if someone cuts me off or doesn’t give way?
A: Defensive driving is key. Slow down or stop to avoid a collision, even if you have the right of way. It’s not worth the accident, injury, and insurance hassle. Let the aggressive driver go.
Conclusion: Confidence Comes from Clarity
Mastering 2 lane roundabout rules is about predictable, disciplined driving. It’s a system that works perfectly when everyone follows it: choose your lane early, signal your intentions clearly, give way to circulating traffic, and exit smoothly from the correct lane. By internalizing these steps, you transform a potential stress point into a smooth, safe maneuver. Remember, on a roundabout, you are part of a flowing system. Your correct actions don’t just protect you—they keep the entire flow of traffic moving safely and efficiently for all.
Approach with a plan, signal with purpose, and exit with care. Safe driving.
