RTA Roundabout Navigation and Priority Rules — Questions and Answers
Question 1: When approaching a roundabout in the UAE, who has the right of way?
- Vehicles entering the roundabout from the right
- Vehicles already circulating inside the roundabout (Correct answer)
- The vehicle that arrived at the roundabout first
- Larger vehicles always have priority in a roundabout
Correct answer: Vehicles already circulating inside the roundabout
In the UAE, vehicles already travelling inside the roundabout have the right of way. Drivers entering must yield and wait for a safe gap in circulating traffic before entering. This is the fundamental rule that prevents roundabout gridlock.
Question 2: When exiting a roundabout, a driver should signal:
- Right, just before reaching their exit (Correct answer)
- Left throughout the entire time inside the roundabout
- Right as they pass the exit before their intended exit
- No signal is required in a roundabout
Correct answer: Right, just before reaching their exit
The correct technique is to signal right just before reaching your intended exit. This warns other drivers and pedestrians at that exit that you are leaving the roundabout, making your intentions clear at the point they are relevant.
Question 3: In a two-lane roundabout, a driver intending to take the first exit (turning left/short distance) should approach in:
- The right (outer) lane (Correct answer)
- The left (inner) lane
- Either lane — no rule applies in roundabouts
- The lane closest to the central island
Correct answer: The right (outer) lane
When taking the first exit or turning right at a roundabout, drivers should use the outer (right) lane on approach and remain in it throughout. The inner lane is used for exits further around the roundabout (second exit onward), reducing the need to cross lanes while circulating.
Question 4: What is the recommended speed when driving inside a roundabout in an urban area in the UAE?
- 40 km/h (Correct answer)
- 60 km/h
- 20 km/h
- The posted speed limit of the approach road
Correct answer: 40 km/h
A speed of approximately 20–40 km/h is recommended inside urban roundabouts. Most UAE urban roundabouts have a posted limit of 40 km/h. Driving at roundabout speed allows safe navigation of the curve and timely reaction to other vehicles entering or exiting.
Question 5: A driver is circulating in the inner lane of a multi-lane roundabout. As they approach their exit, they should:
- Immediately cross to the outer lane when the exit is visible
- Check mirrors and signal right, then move to the outer lane when it is safe, then exit (Correct answer)
- Exit directly from the inner lane across the outer lane without signalling
- Continue around the roundabout again and re-approach in the outer lane
Correct answer: Check mirrors and signal right, then move to the outer lane when it is safe, then exit
The driver must check mirrors, signal their intention to move to the outer lane, confirm it is clear, then make the lane change safely before exiting. Crossing lanes without checking risks a side collision with a vehicle already in the outer lane.
Question 6: At a roundabout with a 'Give Way' sign on the approach road, what must an entering driver do?
- Enter at speed to merge smoothly with roundabout traffic
- Stop completely before entering even if no vehicle is inside
- Slow down, observe, and yield to vehicles already in the roundabout before entering (Correct answer)
- Flash headlights to signal intention to enter
Correct answer: Slow down, observe, and yield to vehicles already in the roundabout before entering
A 'Give Way' sign requires the entering driver to slow and be prepared to stop if necessary, allowing circulating vehicles to pass. If the roundabout is clear, they may enter without a full stop. The obligation is to yield to any vehicle that is already inside.
RTA Roundabout Navigation and Priority Rules
When approaching a roundabout in the UAE, who has the right of way?