Have you ever entered a busy two-lane roundabout in the UAE, your heart pounding as you try to guess which lane the car next to you will take? You’re not alone. 2-lane roundabout rules in the UAE are strictly defined by law, but a lack of universal signaling creates confusion and risk. This isn’t just about avoiding a fine—it’s about preventing a sideswipe collision. This guide will give you the crystal-clear, legally-correct rules, explain the unspoken local driving habits, and provide a foolproof system for navigating any two-lane roundabout with confidence.
The Golden Rule of UAE Roundabouts: Priority to Circulating Traffic
This is the universal, non-negotiable rule. Vehicles already inside the roundabout have the right of way. You must wait for a safe gap before entering. Ignoring this is the most common and dangerous mistake.
Official UAE Law: Lane Discipline & Signaling for 2-Lane Roundabouts
The law (Federal Traffic Law No. 21 of 1995 and its regulations) provides the framework. Here’s the breakdown:
1. Choosing Your Lane BEFORE Entering:
Your intended exit determines your starting lane.
- Taking the 1st Exit (Turning Right):
- Approach Lane: Use the RIGHT-HAND LANE.
- Signal: Signal RIGHT on approach and maintain it until you exit.
- Going Straight (Taking the 2nd Exit or 12 o’clock position):
- Approach Lane: You may use EITHER the LEFT or RIGHT lane (unless marked otherwise).
- Best Practice/Safer Choice: Use the RIGHT-HAND LANE for going straight. It’s less complex.
- Signal: No signal on entry. Signal RIGHT only after you have passed the exit before yours and are about to exit.
- Taking the 3rd Exit or Full Turn (Turning Left / Going Around):
- Approach Lane: Use the LEFT-HAND LANE.
- Signal: Signal LEFT on approach. Maintain the left signal while circulating. Change to a RIGHT signal after passing the exit before yours and before you exit.
2. Circulating Inside the Roundabout:
- Stay in your lane. Do not drift or change lanes within the roundabout unless absolutely necessary and with extreme caution.
- The inner (left) lane is for circulating and exiting to the left or going around.
- The outer (right) lane is for exiting at the immediate or next exit.
3. Exiting the Roundabout:
- You must exit from the outer (right) lane. If you are in the inner (left) lane and need to exit, you must safely change to the outer lane before your exit.
- Always signal RIGHT before exiting. This is the most critical and most ignored signal.
The “UAE Reality” & Unspoken Challenges
While the law is clear, on-road behavior adds complexity:
- The “Straight from Any Lane” Habit: Many drivers use the left lane to go straight, cutting across the outer lane to exit. This causes conflicts.
- Lack of Exit Signaling: Most drivers do not signal right before exiting. You cannot assume the car in the outer lane next to you will continue around.
- Aggressive Lane Changes: Sudden shifts within the roundabout are common.
Your Defensive Driving Strategy:
- Assume Uncertainty: Never assume another driver will follow the rules or signal. Treat every vehicle as a potential hazard.
- The Right-Lane Preference: For simplicity and safety, use the right-hand lane for both 1st and 2nd (straight) exits whenever possible.
- The Left-Lane Caution: Only use the inner (left) lane if you are sure you are going past the straight exit (3rd exit or U-turn). Be hyper-aware of cars in the right lane that may be going straight.
Visual Guide & Step-by-Step Scenarios
Scenario A: You want the 1st Exit (Turn Right)
- Approach in the RIGHT lane.
- Signal RIGHT well in advance.
- Yield to circulating traffic.
- Enter, stay in the outer lane, and exit smoothly. Keep your right signal on.
Scenario B: You want the 2nd Exit (Go Straight) – RECOMMENDED METHOD
- Approach in the RIGHT lane.
- Do not signal on entry.
- Yield and enter.
- Once you pass the 1st exit, signal RIGHT.
- Check your left blind spot for cars in the inner lane that may be cutting across.
- Exit smoothly.
Scenario C: You want the 3rd Exit (Turn Left)
- Approach in the LEFT lane.
- Signal LEFT on approach.
- Yield and enter, staying in the inner (left) lane.
- After you pass the 2nd exit, signal RIGHT, check your right mirror and blind spot.
- Safely change to the outer (right) lane before reaching your exit.
- Exit.
What NOT to Do: Common Mistakes & Fines
- Entering without yielding: Fine AED 500, 6 black points.
- Stopping inside the roundabout (unless avoiding an accident): Causes severe congestion and risk.
- Changing lanes inside without signaling or caution: Major cause of sideswipe collisions.
- Exiting from the inner lane (cutting across the outer lane): Fine AED 400 for incorrect lane usage.
- Not signaling your exit: While not always ticketed independently, it’s dangerous and can contribute to fault in an accident.
FAQs: Your Roundabout Questions Answered
Q1: If I’m in the right lane going straight, and a car in the left lane tries to exit across me, who is at fault?
The car changing lanes (the one in the left lane) is almost always at fault. The driver in the right lane has the right to exit. However, insurance may assign partial fault if you didn’t signal your exit. Always signal right.
Q2: Can I use the left lane to go straight if the right lane is heavily congested?
Technically, the law allows it. But it is high-risk. You must be prepared to yield to cars in the right lane who are exiting and may not expect you to cross their path. If you must, proceed with extreme caution and clear signaling.
Q3: What if I miss my exit?
Continue around the roundabout for another loop. Never stop, reverse, or make a sudden dangerous maneuver to take your exit.
Q4: Are there specific signs for roundabout lanes?
Often, yes. Look for blue advance direction signs on the approach that show which lane leads to which exit. Always obey painted lane arrows on the road itself.
Q5: How do I deal with large trucks and buses in roundabouts?
Give them extra space. They often need to use multiple lanes to navigate. Do not try to squeeze beside them.
The Ultimate Roundabout Mantra: Slow, Signal, See
- SLOW down on approach.
- SIGNAL your intent (left if going beyond straight, right if taking the first exit).
- SEE and yield to all traffic already in the circle.
- SIGNAL RIGHT before your exit and check your blind spot.
Mastering 2-lane roundabout rules in the UAE is about knowing the official law, anticipating the unpredictable behavior of others, and adopting a disciplined, defensive approach. Apply this knowledge, and you’ll transform roundabouts from points of stress into smooth, safe transitions on your journey.
