L20 / 7 Minutes

Roundabouts & narrow passages

Those inside go – those facing the obstacle wait

text

Roundabout: those inside have priority

If the entry shows signs 215 (roundabout) and 205 (give way), traffic on the roundabout has priority (§ 9a StVO). You enter without indicating, anticlockwise, and indicate right before you exit. Stopping on the circular carriageway is forbidden.

steps

Safely through the roundabout

Slow down, watch traffic on the roundabout
Don't indicate when entering
Let vehicles on the roundabout pass – cyclists too
Enter and keep moving on the roundabout
Indicate right before your exit, shoulder check
When exiting, watch for pedestrians and cyclists

warning

Roundabout without sign 205? Right before left!

If sign 205 is missing at the entry, the general rules apply: right before left. Then whoever enters has priority over traffic on the circle – exactly the opposite of what you're used to. Such junctions are rare, but they come up in the exam.

facts

Roundabouts in brief

Direction: anticlockwise
Don't drive over the central island
Exception: large vehicles that couldn't get through otherwise
No stopping on the circular carriageway
Don't crowd cyclists on the roundabout – follow at a distance

image

Entering and exiting

Enter without indicating, priority on the circle, indicate right to exit – and watch for pedestrians at the exits.

This source question references an image or scene that is not yet supplied. Do not use it for scored practice.

check

You are entering a roundabout with signs 215 and 205. What is correct?

I indicate right when entering
I don't indicate when entering
Vehicles on the roundabout have priority

Check answer

I don't indicate when entering
Vehicles on the roundabout have priority

Enter without indicating; traffic on the roundabout has priority. You indicate right only before exiting.

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Narrow passages: who goes first?

Without signs, § 6 StVO applies: whoever has the obstacle on their side waits. If both sides are narrowed, communicate – if in doubt, let the other driver go. Signs make it clear: 208 means “oncoming traffic first”, 308 means “you have priority” – but not at any cost.

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