Is it necessary to use your turn signal at a roundabout?

Roundabouts are becoming increasingly popular in Polish cities, but at the same time they raise many questions – especially among drivers with less experience. One of them comes up particularly often: do you have to turn on your indicator at a roundabout? And if so – when and which one?

In this guide, we dispel all doubts and present the rules in force in 2025.

What do the regulations say about signalling manoeuvres at a roundabout?

According to Article 22 of the Road Traffic Act, the driver is obliged to:

• signal any change of direction or lane,
• doing so sufficiently in advance to allow other road users to react safely.

There is no separate set of rules for a roundabout - general rules for signalling apply.

When should you use your indicator at a roundabout?

Entrance to the roundabout

• ➡️ You do not use your turn signal if you intend to go straight (i.e. leave the roundabout by the second exit).
• ➡️ Use your left turn signal if you want to turn left (e.g. take the third or fourth exit), provided that the roundabout has more than one lane and you can take the inner lane in advance.
• ➡️ Use your right turn signal if you intend to take the first exit (right turn).

Note: You do not need to signal when entering a roundabout if you intend to go straight or turn left - unless you are changing lanes before entering.

Exiting the roundabout

• ➡️ Always use your right indicator when leaving a roundabout – regardless of which exit you take. This is the most important signal to other road users that you intend to leave the roundabout.

What to avoid at a roundabout?

• Don't use your left indicator when leaving a roundabout - this is one of the most common mistakes.
• Don't signal your exit too late - if you signal only at the exit, you expose other drivers to dangerous reactions.
• Do not change lanes without signalling – on larger roundabouts (two-lane) this is dangerous and may result in a collision.

Practical advice for drivers

Single lane roundabout

Follow the circular motion, only signal when leaving the roundabout (right indicator).

Two-lane roundabout

• When turning left or making a U-turn, take the left lane and signal accordingly.
• When going straight or turning right – keep to the right lane.

Turbine roundabout

This is a special type of roundabout with marked lanes – only signal when exiting, because you cannot change direction once you have entered.

Drivers' most frequently asked questions

Summary

Do you have to use your turn signal at a roundabout?

👉 Yes – but it depends on the situation.

The most important rule?

Always signal when leaving a roundabout (right turn signal). You only signal when you are turning left or right – not when you are going straight. It is a simple habit that significantly improves safety and traffic flow.