Despite the fact that the fundamental mission of roundabouts is to speed up circulation compared to conventional crossings, some drivers continue to make mistakes when driving through them. Everyone should be clear about the two main rules: the preference of the one who is circulating on it over the one who wants to join and that of the one who goes through the outside lane over the one who drives on the inside.
In traditional roundabouts, the dashed line allows drivers to take any exit, while in turbo roundabouts, whose name should not scare you, driving is much easier, because depending on which lane you enter —right or left— your exit options are predetermined. Of course, the preference of those who are already circulating through them remains unchanged.
The turbo roundabouts are intersections with channeled traffic designed to simplify the entrances and exits of vehicles. They are characterized by the fact that the central tablet is not circular and by the presence of spiral lanes with continuous separation lines between them, which no vehicle must pass. This appearance has the objective of guiding drivers towards their possible exits to avoid collisions and accidents and thus make traffic more fluid and safe.
Before reaching a turbo roundabout, you drive along a two-lane road in each direction. The vertical pre-signposting of the information panels and the horizontal markings of the road will indicate to the driver from which lane they should enter the intersection, depending on the exit they wish to take. You cannot change once inside the roundabout for the continuous line, which is why drivers must be clear in which lane they have to drive. Remember that the dashed lines are for drivers entering the roundabout from the left lane and that, if in doubt, the arrows on the road will indicate the possible exits.
The right lane is used to take the first or second exit, that is, to turn right or continue straight ahead respectively. The solid line will prevent drivers, in any case, from turning left or making a complete turn.
The left lane is the one that offers the most alternatives. Drivers who want to make a U-turn or turn left will have to join the inside lane of the turbo roundabout. It is also possible to go straight, as long as the driver keeps to the left when leaving the intersection.
