Giving the correct right of way in the roundabout is one of the most common mistakes that happen to motorists: there is a new rule that must be respected to avoid paying a hefty fine.
There roundabout it is a modification to the road route that is increasingly used. This is because, compared to the classic crossing, it allows to reduce the risk of road accidents in addition to making traffic flow out more easily, especially since the use of traffic lights is avoided.
It is no coincidence then that the European legislation is trying to spread this system a lot, precisely by virtue of the purposes we have just listed.
The unruly motorists obviously they remain so even in the presence of what in Italy we have the habit of calling as “roundabout“, But the risk of serious accidents is certainly lower than in a traditional intersection, where a front end due to lack of discipline is an eventuality that should not be underestimated.
Said this, correctly follow a roundabout it must follow precise rules that change even if we consider Italian and European regulations. The fact is that in both cases, in the event of a violation, in addition to the risks of an accident, the highway code provides for heavy penalties which include the deduction of points from the driving license. In the most serious cases, even suspension.
How to correctly give way in the roundabout
The rule that is spreading more and more, especially in Northern Italy, is that of European legislation. In this case, the law provides that the precedence in the roundabout must always be given, in any situation, to the cars that are already inside it.
Vehicles that want to enter, therefore, must necessarily give priority and only that once the roundabout is free, or there is enough space for a safe and easy entrance, they will be able to transit. It is no coincidence that the road signs foresee the double sign: one indicating the roundabout and the other indicating giving way.
Let’s remember what the Italian legislation, which is actually falling into disuse. In that case, the right of way in the roundabout is guaranteed to those coming from the right, even from cars that are already inside. A roundabout to be covered in this way can be recognized by the presence of a single road sign dedicated exclusively to the roundabout, without what indicates giving way.
It is a system that, as we have said, is being used less and less. Both because the European legislation pushes differently, and because it is a priority that risks slowing down traffic and creating unnecessary risks inside the roundabout. With the European precedence, on the other hand, a smoother journey is favoredwith the good patience of those who have to enter.
Precisely because unruly motorists certainly do not disappear with roundabouts, some municipalities have been set up in many municipalities cameras to catch those who do not follow them correctly. And the fines can be very steep.
The irregular entry into the roundabout entails a fine which starts from 167 up to 666 euros. Whoever draws up the minutes also has the optional right to choose whether deduct or less 5 points from the driving license: a choice that depends on the danger of the infringement.
But be careful if you are a repeat offender, because this is where things get really heavy: the biggest risk is that of driving license suspension for up to three months.
