Turn Signals in Roundabouts: When You Should Leave Them Off in Mallorca

Turn Signals in Roundabouts: When You Should Leave Them Off in Mallorca

Guiding question: When may you use the turn signal in a roundabout — and when does it create more danger?

On Mallorca you see them at almost every junction: cars, mopeds and more or less practiced tourists manoeuvring into roundabouts. In Spain there are an estimated 80,000 roundabouts; that makes our island a small, rolling traffic laboratory. The confusion about the indicator is widespread. My question is simple: does the turn signal really help — or does its incorrect use cause more chaos?

The legal situation is relatively clear: the turn signal may be used when there is an intention to change direction or lane. Sounds simple, but in practice it leads to misunderstandings. Many switch on the left indicator when entering, as if to demonstrate to others: I'm staying in. That is exactly the problem. The indicator is a communication signal, not a permanent state.

There is an important but little-noticed exception: those who take the first exit directly should set the indicator when entering. That makes sense because it immediately tells those entering where the vehicle ahead intends to go. But those who stay in the roundabout should leave the left indicator off — unless they deliberately change to the inner lane. Constant left signaling as an "announcement" of continuing deceives other road users and provokes risky maneuvers.

Especially in smaller towns — think of the roundabout at the MA-13 exit towards Consell, where in the mornings the bakery mixes customers and delivery vans — incorrect signaling creates a dangerous soundscape: horns, screeching brakes, a bicycle bell. A pensioner at the roadside, a delivery van looking for a gap, and suddenly a collision because another driver misjudged the signaling car. That's everyday life here.

What is missing from the public discourse? First: practical guidance, not just paragraphs. Many people do not know the rule or interpret it to their advantage. Second: visible signage at complex roundabouts. Third: more practical training in driving lessons — instead of only exam knowledge, routine training is needed for behaviour in multi-lane roundabouts.

Concrete proposals that could be implemented locally: clear pictograms and arrows on the road before larger roundabouts; information signs at the approaches that briefly explain the signaling rule; targeted awareness campaigns in car rental offices and through rental companies, since many summer drivers do not know our rules, and remind customers about equipment such as the V16 warning light required in the glovebox from 2026. Police and municipal authorities can show presence at key points and publish anonymised accident data and guidance, including practical checks and possible fines for missing V16 devices, as explained in V16 practical check and fines, so that patterns of mistakes become visible.

On the level of driving practice, simple habits help: when merging, stay calm, don't indicate immediately if you are merely getting into the correct lane. Set the right indicator as soon as the exit becomes visible — that is the signal to leave. For lane changes in larger roundabouts perform a quick shoulder check and then indicate. Such mini-rituals save time and nerves.

Conclusion: the turn signal is not a cure-all but an instrument. Misused, it creates more risk than safety. On Mallorca the discussion must shift from "more signaling = more careful" to "correct signaling = understandable". A little more neighbourliness, memorable signs and a few practical driving lessons for everyone would avoid many horn concerts. And bakery customers in Consell could enjoy their coffee again without palpitations.