Driving in Italy: Roundabouts — Rules & Right of Way

Roundabouts (rotatorie or rotonde) are everywhere in Italy — and they follow specific right-of-way rules that differ from some other countries. Getting them wrong is a leading cause of both accidents and Patente B practical exam failures.

The Core Rule: Cars Inside Have Priority

In Italy, vehicles already inside the roundabout always have priority over vehicles entering. You must give way at the entry point unless a sign specifically states otherwise.

Look for the GIVE WAY sign (Dare la precedenza, an inverted triangle) at every entry. If it's missing, treat the normal priority rules as applying — but in practice, all modern Italian roundabouts have it.

How to Enter a Roundabout

1. Slow down as you approach the yield line
2. Check for vehicles already circulating — from your left and ahead
3. Give way if any vehicle is already inside
4. Enter when clear, staying in your lane
5. Do not stop abruptly once inside unless forced to

Lane Discipline Inside a Roundabout

Italian law requires you to:

• Use the right lane for the first exit or to exit
• Use the left (inner) lane to travel further around (second exit or beyond)
• Signal right before your exit
• Check your mirrors and blind spots before moving from inner to outer lane

A common mistake is entering in the right lane and then cutting across to continue around — this is illegal and dangerous.

Signalling at Roundabouts

Moment	Signal
Entering	No signal required (you are giving way)
Taking the first exit	Right indicator as you enter
Taking later exits	No indicator while circulating; right indicator as you approach your exit
Exiting	Right indicator + shoulder check

Common Mistakes on the Practical Exam

• Entering without giving way to circulating traffic
• Signalling left when entering (incorrect — creates confusion)
• Staying in the inner lane past your exit then cutting across
• Not checking the right-side mirror before exiting

Mini-Roundabouts (Rotatorie Compatte)

In older town centres you will encounter mini-roundabouts with a painted central circle. The same rules apply — but the limited space means you may need to go over the central marking in larger vehicles (permitted if necessary).

Master the Theory with Driving Freedom

Roundabout questions appear frequently in the Patente B theory exam. The Driving Freedom app covers every right-of-way scenario with visual explanations.

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