Why don't we signal when entering a roundabout? Viral explanation from a police officer: 'This can be more confusing'

A Romanian police officer's concise explanation regarding the proper signaling procedure for roundabouts has captured widespread attention online, becoming a viral sensation on the Romanian Police's Facebook page. The video, featuring the officer clarifying driving rules, has garnered thousands of comments and ignited a fervent debate among motorists.

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Why don't we signal when entering the roundabout? According to Article 54 of the Highway Code, we are obliged to signal any change in direction. When entering the roundabout, we do not change direction. We only change direction when exiting the roundabout.

The officer explains that, according to Article 54 of the Highway Code, drivers are obligated to signal any change in direction. However, he clarifies that entering a roundabout does not constitute a change in direction of travel. This change, he asserts, only occurs upon exiting the roundabout. He specifically addresses the common practice of drivers signaling left upon entering, stating that this can be more confusing than helpful to other road users.

According to the officer, signaling right is necessary when changing lanes within the roundabout or when preparing to exit. He advises drivers to ensure they are in the correct lane, signal right in advance, and then proceed to exit. If no signal is given, it implies the driver intends to continue circulating within the roundabout.

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On the contrary, this can be more confusing, because the turn signal may return to the neutral position when we want to signal right.

The viral post has elicited a spectrum of reactions from the public. While many drivers have expressed support for the police's clarification, acknowledging that left signaling upon entry can indeed be misleading, others have countered that they were taught differently in driving school. Some argue that left signaling can be beneficial in complex or multi-lane roundabouts to indicate continued movement within the intersection. This divergence in opinion has led to calls for clearer legislation and more consistent instruction from driving schools.

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Within the roundabout, we signal lane changes and exiting it. In advance, we will check, signal right, and move into lane 1, between the penultimate exit and the desired one.