Roundabouts in Spain: Lane Rules, Priority and Indicators

Who has priority at a roundabout in Spain?

At an ordinary roundabout, vehicles already circulating have priority over vehicles entering, unless traffic officers or signals regulate priority differently.

Approach at a suitable speed, check the signs and look for traffic approaching from your left. Give way and stop if necessary. Only enter when you can do so safely.

Example: A car is already circulating towards your entrance. You must let it pass before entering if your manoeuvre would interfere with its progress.

Important: Priority when entering and priority when changing lanes are different. Being inside the roundabout does not give you permission to move into another vehicle’s lane.

Sources: General Traffic Regulations, Article 57 and DGT roundabout guidance.

Which lane should you use at a roundabout in Spain?

The outer lane is the lane furthest from the central island. At an ordinary roundabout, it is also the lane from which you normally leave.

Roundabouts outside built-up areas

Normally use the right-hand, outer lane. You may use another lane when traffic or road conditions justify it, provided you do not obstruct a faster vehicle following you.

Roundabouts in built-up areas

Where two or more lanes in the same direction are marked, you may choose the lane that best suits your destination, provided you do not obstruct other traffic. Follow any signs or lane markings that specify a different route.

Practical tip: For an early exit, the outer lane usually makes your route simpler. If you use an inner lane, plan your move outwards in good time before leaving.

Remember: Choosing an inner lane does not give you priority over vehicles in the outer lane.

Sources: General Traffic Regulations, Article 31 and Article 33.

How to change lanes and leave a roundabout safely

Before changing lanes, check your mirrors and blind spot, signal your intention and give way to vehicles already travelling in the lane you want to enter. An indicator does not give you priority.

At an ordinary roundabout, move into the outer lane safely and in good time before your exit. Then signal right to leave.

Example: You are in the inner lane and another car is alongside you in the outer lane. You must not cut across its path to reach your exit.

If you cannot move out safely: Continue around the roundabout and prepare for another opportunity. Missing an exit is better than forcing a dangerous manoeuvre.

A road with two lanes after the exit does not, by itself, authorise you to leave directly from an inner circulating lane. Follow the signs and markings where a roundabout has specially directed exit lanes.

Sources: General Traffic Regulations, Article 74 and DGT roundabout guidance.

When should you use your indicators at a roundabout?

• Moving to an inner lane: Signal left before changing lanes, after checking that the manoeuvre is safe.
• Moving to an outer lane: Signal right before changing lanes and give way to traffic already in that lane.
• Leaving the roundabout: Signal right in good time before your exit.

Cancel the lane-change signal once the manoeuvre is complete. Continuing around the central island in the same lane does not, by itself, require a left indicator.

Example: You intend to take the third exit but remain in the same circulating lane. Do not keep your left indicator on simply to announce that you are staying on the roundabout.

Practical tip: Make your exit signal clear without suggesting that you intend to take an earlier exit.

Remember: Signalling tells other road users what you intend to do. It does not give you priority or replace your checks.

Sources: General Traffic Regulations, Article 109 and Article 74.

Cyclists, pedestrians and specially marked roundabouts

Cyclists travelling as a group

When the first cyclist in a group has already entered a roundabout, the group has priority over other vehicles. Give way to the remaining riders rather than cutting through the group.

Pedestrians and cycle crossings

Check for crossings at both entrances and exits. Give way to pedestrians at marked pedestrian crossings and to cyclists using properly signed cycle crossings, while following any traffic lights or officers regulating the crossing.

When turning into another road, you must also give way to pedestrians crossing that road, even where there is no marked pedestrian crossing.

Roundabouts with directed lanes

Some roundabouts use arrows, continuous lines or physical separators to direct lanes towards particular exits. Read the signs before entering and follow the marked route. Do not cross a continuous lane-separating line to correct a missed exit.

Remember: The ordinary roundabout layout is not the only layout you may encounter. Follow the instructions that apply to your lane.

Sources: General Traffic Regulations, Article 64, Article 65 and Annex I: road markings.

Understand the rules with your instructor

Study Spanish driving theory in English with Luis Sánchez. His original audio explains the rules throughout the manual and why each test answer is right or wrong.

For more examples of priority at junctions and traffic lights, read our right-of-way guide for Spain.

Try two topics from Unit 1 and one practice quiz. No registration or payment is required.