⭕ Roundabouts in depth

Lane and signal choice with the clock method, giving way to the right, cyclists, long vehicles, yellow bars, traffic-light, mini, double-mini and spiral roundabouts.

Roundabouts are everywhere in Malta — from Marsa to Mosta. For many learners they're the most stressful part, but they work on a simple system. This lesson is based on the roundabout notes our instructor hands out, explained in my own words.

The clock method

Imagine the roundabout as a clock face, with you entering at 6 o'clock:

• 9 o'clock = left (usually the first exit)
• 12 o'clock = straight ahead
• 3 o'clock = right
• 6 o'clock = full circle / going back

The three rules

1. Left (first exit, ~9 o'clock)

1. Mirrors, signal left, left lane.
2. Keep left on the roundabout, keep the left signal on.
3. Check the left mirror for cyclists/motorcyclists as you leave.

2. Straight ahead (intermediate exit, ~12 o'clock)

1. Normally no signal on approach. Appropriate lane — usually the left; follow road markings if they say otherwise.
2. Stay in your lane on the roundabout.
3. After you pass the exit before yours, check mirrors and signal left, then leave.

3. Right or full circle (any exit past 12 o'clock)

1. Mirrors, signal right, right lane.
2. Keep to the right (inside) on the roundabout, right signal on.
3. After passing the exit before yours: mirrors, signal left.
4. Quick glance to the left blind spot (someone may be beside you), then leave.
5. Check your mirror again after leaving.

On approach: speed and yellow bars

• Some approaches have yellow bars painted across the road; they get closer together and make your speed feel higher than it is — a warning to slow down.
• Start looking right early: traffic on the roundabout, the gaps and their speed.
• If there's a safe gap, entering without stopping is correct; stopping unnecessarily surprises the driver behind.

"Blockers" and other hazards

• Blockers: vehicles waiting at an entry to your right, about to emerge. The traffic on your right may stop for them, or they may pull out in front of you — watch them too.
• Cyclists and motorcyclists: they may go round in the left lane even when turning right. Give them plenty of room and check your left mirror when leaving.
• Long vehicles (buses, lorries): they may need both lanes to turn and their signals can look misleading. Don't sit alongside them; stay behind.
• Pedestrians: watch crossings at the exits — they can be right in front of you as you leave.
• The car in front: don't assume the car ahead has gone at the entry. Look ahead again before moving off; rear-end shunts are very common here.

Segregated left-turn lanes

Some large roundabouts have a separate lane outside the roundabout for traffic turning left, separated by an island or by hatched markings (chevrons) bordered with continuous lines. Once in that lane you can only go left. Never enter chevrons bordered by a continuous line — it's one of our instructor's grievous mistakes.

Traffic-light controlled roundabouts

Some busy roundabouts have traffic lights at the entries or on the roundabout itself. Obey them — including lights on the circulating carriageway. If the lights are out of action (off or flashing amber), the normal rules apply: give way to the right.

Mini roundabouts

• They're harder to see: the centre is just a painted or slightly raised circle. Look out for the blue circular sign.
• Same rule: give way to traffic from the right.
• There's less time to signal — decide early.
• Where possible drive around the central marking, not over it. Long vehicles may have to drive over it.
• U-turns at mini roundabouts are usually not safe.

Double mini roundabouts

Two mini roundabouts close together: treat each one separately, give way to the right at each and signal for each. You may have to stop between them — don't block them.

Spiral roundabouts

The lane markings form a spiral that leads outwards: the lane you enter in carries you to the right exit by itself. Choose the right lane on entry and follow your own lane's markings; don't change lanes on the roundabout. Painted arrows and direction signs show where each lane goes.