Roundabout rules in Lithuania: priority, turn signals and lane choice
In short: when entering a roundabout no turn signal is shown; when exiting, the right signal is mandatory, as it is when changing lanes inside. Priority depends on the signs: with a "Give way" sign (most Lithuanian roundabouts) traffic already on the roundabout goes first; without priority signs the right-hand rule applies — entering vehicles have priority. A signal never grants priority (Rules point 87).
Priority: two scenarios depending on signs
The stereotype "the roundabout is always the main road" is wrong — the signs at the entry decide:
| Scenario | Signs at the entry | Who has priority |
|---|---|---|
| A (most common) | "Give way" (203) or "Stop" (204) | Traffic on the roundabout — the entering driver must let everyone already circulating pass (point 154) |
| B (rarer) | Only "Roundabout" (410) or no sign | An equal junction — the right-hand rule applies (point 155): drivers on the roundabout give way to vehicles entering from their right |
In practice most Lithuanian roundabouts follow scenario A, but mixed cases exist — so the one rule that always works is: read the signs, not your habits. The general priority principles are covered in the right-hand rule guide.
Turn signals on a roundabout
- Entering — NO signal (point 86). This was written into the Rules because a signal at entry misleads: following or parallel drivers read it as a lane change or an exit.
- Exiting — the right signal is mandatory, switched on in advance, not at the moment of the manoeuvre.
- Changing lanes inside the roundabout (or before it) — a signal is mandatory as anywhere else (point 95).
- A signal grants no priority (point 87) — even signalling your exit, you must still give way where required.
- Failing to signal when required carries a €30–90 fine.
Lane choice and changing lanes
- Right lane — for the first exit and going straight (unless markings say otherwise).
- Left (inner) lane — for turning left, making a U-turn, or going straight when the right lane is busy.
- You may not exit from the inner lane by cutting across the outer one — first change into the outer lane (with a signal, giving way to traffic in it), then exit.
- Solid markings inside a roundabout may not be crossed; stopping on a roundabout is prohibited — if you miss your lane change, simply do another lap, which is fully legal.
- Trucks and buses may occupy part of the adjacent lane because of their size — leave them room.
- When exiting, give way to pedestrians and cyclists crossing the exit.
The most common mistakes
- Signalling on entry — misleads others and formally breaches point 86.
- No signal on exit — the most frequent mistake, also at the practical exam, where it counts as a significant error.
- Exiting from the inner lane across the outer one — the most dangerous mistake and the top cause of roundabout crashes.
- Not giving way to traffic on the roundabout — a critical error at the practical exam and an instant fail.
- Stopping on the roundabout "to think" — prohibited; do another lap instead.
- Entering a congested roundabout — if you would have to stop inside it, wait before entering.
Interesting facts about roundabouts 🎯
- Roundabouts are among the most error-prone topics in the KET exam — roughly every fifth candidate stumbles on them.
- They structurally eliminate the deadliest crash type, the perpendicular side impact: all trajectories move the same way, so serious crashes on roundabouts are several times rarer than at signalised junctions.
- The "no signal in, signal out" order was formalised in Lithuania only in a 2014 amendment — part of older drivers still follow pre-2014 habits.
- Turbo roundabouts (with lane-locked trajectories) are still rare in Lithuania, but on them you cannot change lanes inside at all — you pick your lane before entering.
- In RoboKET's mistake statistics, roundabout questions consistently rank among the hardest in the priority topic — drill them via the topic filter until you hit 90%.
Frequently asked questions
Do I signal when entering a roundabout in Lithuania?
No — no turn signal is shown when entering a roundabout (Rules point 86). The signal is mandatory when exiting (right, switched on in advance) and when changing lanes inside.
Who has priority on a roundabout?
It depends on the signs: with a "Give way" or "Stop" sign at the entry (most Lithuanian roundabouts), traffic on the roundabout goes first. Without priority signs the junction is equal and the right-hand rule applies — circulating drivers give way to vehicles entering from their right.
Which lane should I choose on a roundabout?
Right lane for the first exit and going straight; left lane for turning left or making a U-turn. You may not exit from the inner lane across the outer one — change into the outer lane first, with a signal and giving way.
Can I stop on a roundabout?
No — stopping on a roundabout is prohibited. If you miss your exit or lane change, do another lap: it is legal and far safer than a sudden manoeuvre.
What is the fine for not signalling on a roundabout?
€30–90 under the Administrative Offences Code. At the practical exam a missed exit signal is a significant error, and failing to give way to circulating traffic is a critical error and an instant fail.