New Rules at Roundabouts Change Vehicle Priorities
When approaching a roundabout, drivers who are entering from an entrance marked with a main road sign will be given priority. This update to traffic rules was explained by an auto expert and reported by RIA News, clarifying how the changes affect everyday driving.
In many cities, drivers are used to a circle where those already inside have the right of way, and those entering must yield. The new rule describes a different scenario. If the main road continues straight and intersects a roundabout with a sign indicating it as the main road, vehicles traveling toward and then through the roundabout now have priority over those who are completing the circle. This adjustment is intended to streamline movements at complex junctions and reduce bottlenecks that occurred when priority was granted to vehicles already inside the circle. The emphasis is on clear signals from the main road and predictable behavior for drivers approaching these intersections, which marks a practical shift in how roundabouts are navigated in such layouts, particularly where the main road signage directs traffic.
Previously, after a rule change in 2010, the roundabout often became the head of the road, with priority given to drivers who had already entered the circle. This led to congestion and confusion among road users. Valery Soldunov, an auto expert with the All-Russian Association of Drivers, noted that there was an older provision suggesting priority within the circle only when no other rules applied. He pointed out that this ambiguity contributed to drivers hesitating and misinterpreting who should yield in various scenarios at roundabouts.
Another voice in the discussion, Viktor Travin, who chairs the Vehicle Owners Legal Protection Board, has observed that frequent updates to traffic rules at roundabouts can leave drivers uncertain about the correct approach. The pattern of changes has made some drivers cautious and others unsure about how to react when both the circle and the entering traffic appear to have a claim to priority. These concerns reflect the evolving understanding of roundabout navigation and the need for consistent signage and clear guidance across regions.
A government decree outlining the updated rules for crossing roundabouts became effective on March 1, 2023. The decree emphasizes that entering traffic with a main road sign takes precedence when the main road continues through or intersects a roundabout. This policy aims to harmonize driving behavior, reduce confusion, and improve traffic flow at intersections where multiple streams of vehicles converge. The changes underscore the importance of proper signaling and driver awareness as essential components of road safety and efficiency, especially in busy urban areas where roundabouts are common and traffic patterns can be highly variable. It is vital for drivers to stay informed about these updates and apply them consistently to maintain smooth, predictable movement through intersections across the country. Citations: RIA News reporting on expert perspectives and the government decree issuing the 2023 update on roundabout rules. [citation]