The rules, in words
- 1
Give way on entry
Traffic already on the roundabout has priority, whichever lane it is in. Wait at the dashed give-way line until there is a gap. Roundabouts go anticlockwise.
- 2
First exit: the right-hand lane
If you are leaving at the first exit, take the right-hand lane in, stay in the outer lane and indicate right before you leave.
- 3
Later exits: the inner lane
For the second exit or any later one, you may take the right-hand lane only after passing the exit immediately before yours. Move over gradually, indicating, and leave from the right-hand lane.
- 4
Moving over: look first
Changing lanes is your manoeuvre, so the car already in the outer lane goes first. Indicate, check your mirror and over your shoulder, and if the outer lane is not clear, slow down and wait. If it stays blocked, go round once more rather than cut across.
Lorries, buses and bicycles
Heavy vehicles, bicycles and animal-drawn vehicles may stay in the right-hand lane whatever their exit, but they must let drivers who are leaving by the rules get out. Expect a lorry or a bicycle on the outside, and give it room.
What it costs
Using the wrong lane breaks Article 14.º-A of the Código da Estrada and is fined €60 to €300. Indicate before every lane change and before you leave: it is how the others know where you are going.
Source: Código da Estrada, Article 14.º-A (roundabouts), as amended by Law 72/2013. A summary for visitors, not legal advice.