Spain’s roundabout rules drive foreigners and Spanish mad

Spain’s roundabout rules controversy

Welcome to the Spanish roundabout — the one place where common sense takes a coffee break and road rules spin in circles.

If you ask any foreigner driving a car, they’ll tell that A roundabout is like entering another universe in Spain. One minute you’re Try to ExitThe Next Three confused drivers, a pensioner riding a moped and three other motorists honk at you. So, what’s the story? What does Spanish driving school teach? What is it about bad roundabout drivers that makes so many drivers, both foreign and Spanish, lose their patience? Let’s break it down — and hang on tight, This ride is bumpy.

What the law says

Spain’s theory is known as the “clock face” rule. Just It should be simple, just like in other countries. It should be easy.

Right (to the right) 12 o’clock)? Stay on the outside lanes and signal right.

Going straight ahead (at 12)? You can stay on the outside but an indicator is not necessary unless it clarifies for other road users.

What is better, going left or around the roundabout? Then — and Only a few people know how to pronounce the word “only” then — you’re supposed to enter The following are some examples of how to use You can also find out more about the following: The inside (left-hand) laneAs you leave, you should signal right and slide gracefully to the left. A smooth dance. Right goes RightRight goes Right. So far, so logical… ish.

Spain hasn’t been able to do it. Officially Regulated Roundabout usage with a clear rulebook. The Dirección General de Tráfico (DGT) It has been years since the company sent out vague messages about “just doing whatever feels safe”. It is not a good idea to use You’ll feel like Mario Kart when you dodge cars. It’s very common to see police officers taking roundabouts the wrong way, and even driving instructors…

What Driving Schools Teach: A shortcut to confusion

Spanish driving instructors have given up on trying to explain something that is not understandable. Instead, they use a shortcut Their own. Their golden rule? ‘Just stay in the right lane — no matter what.’ First exits, third exits, loop the loop… doesn’t matter. It’s either the right lane or nothing. This is a method that some driving schools use to teach students how to navigate roundabouts. If everyone else is doing it…

You must adhere to the same lane discipline rules as you would in any other city: Right lane only. Normal driving, left lane for overtaking — as if you were on the M-30, not navigating a roulette wheel.

The result? The result? You have drivers cutting across traffic from the outer lanes, like a seagull trying to steal chips. Safe? Hardly. Legal? Sensible? Not in my lifetime.

Portugal’s polite response

Imagine this: It’s Christmas 2024 in Portugal.The patience of the people has been snapped. Our Portuguese neighbours took to social media in protest, launching a cheeky but stern campaign urging Spaniards to ‘change their mindset at the border.’

See, In Portugal, roundabout rules are very clear: you can’t exit a roundabout using the outside lane. Simple. Logical. And — wait for it — legal.

Legal clarity vs. Road reality

Why hasn’t Spain solved this problem? Apparently, the DGT and even the judiciary found it easier to opt for legal clarity on paper, using lane discipline rules — even if that meant chucking road safety and common sense into the hard shoulder.

Insurance companies? Insurance companies? Driving examiners? Grateful. But what about actual drivers? There’s chaos in the streets. Why without Changes to the rules of change DirectionsPeople treat roundabouts as racetracks. No one is responsible for anyone’s actions.

What about using the left lane when turning right? That’s not just confusing — it’s the root cause of Spain’s roundabout carnage.

A Galician glimmering of hope?

Not all hope is lost. Not all hope is lost. A CoruñaSince more than 20 years, a Galician city has quietly tested a solution: Markings on the longitudinal lane. These lines are cleverly drawn to guide cars through roundabout-like lanes of an autobahn. The beauty? There is no need to change lanes All the best — You can also read more about the benefits of using Pick the one that corresponds to your exit and continue with it.

No fuss, no fear, no fury.

Guess what? Now, similar designs are popping up across the United States. That’s right — what Spain’s been doing for decades is suddenly trendy in America. So perhaps, just perhapsThe solution will be rebounced across the Atlantic You can also find out more about the following: Spain can now start boasting about its “imported innovation”.

What is the? DGT officially states:

Yes, you can. DGT has released guidance The following are some examples of how to use Recommendations the “clock face” system — i.e.:

• Enter inside lane If you are leaving, it is important to know what your next steps will be. Right of 12 o’clock (e.g. turning left or making a U turn).
• Enter outside lane If you are leaving, it is important to know what your next steps will be. Right 12 o’clock Turning right is an example.
• You can also read about how to get in touch with us. Move right slowly Signalise your exit by leaving the room.

This is a good example of a reputable company. It is similar to the way that many European countries teach. It is common sense.

BUT…

What is the best way to get in touch with you? What happens in reality?

• You can also find out more about the following: Legal guidance is not binding apparently— it’s just advice.
• The following are some of the ways to get in touch with us Driving schoolsLearners are frequently taught to Keep to the right side of the roadNo indicating unless you’re exiting. It’s not necessary to indicate when you exit. It is easier to remember.
• The reason for this is that in the Driving TestStaying on the right lane can be seen as safer and prevents failures from unpredictability lane changes.
• You can also find out more about the following: DGT and Examiners This has been accepted as a standard informally to simplify testing. Many examiners don’t fail students for going left in a roundabout while they are on the right-hand lane, but they do if the student tries to follow the roundabout rules.
• You can also find out more about the following: The judiciary and insurance Go along with it, too, as it creates Legal predictability — even if it’s a disaster for Actual road safety and logic.

Bottom Line:

DGT: “Do it as other countries” Turns a blind-eye When you are looking for a way to improve your finances, then look no further than Driving schools teach the opposite — and the system rewards the simplified version instead.

Final round

Until then, Spanish roundabouts remain a lawless labyrinth — part logic, part lunacy. Take note if you are new to driving in Spain: the key is predictability and not panic. Use your indicators. Plan ahead. Whatever you do, be patient. One long-suffering motorist put it best on Facebook: In Spain, a roundabout is the place where rules die. No lies detected.

Drive safely. Drive safely.

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