Roundabouts

Driving a Roundabout

Roundabouts are easy to drive. Just yield, look left, and turn right. Once you are in a roundabout, you have the right-of-way.

Key Points

  • SLOW DOWN and yield to any pedestrians.
  • Yield to the traffic in the roundabout; they have the right-of-way.
  • Enter when traffic allows, then keep moving; you have the right-of-way.
  • Drive counterclockwise to your exit point.
  • Use your right turn blinker to indicate when you are exiting.

Approaching and Entering

  • Slow down and yield to pedestrians when approaching a roundabout.
  • Be prepared to stop.
  • All traffic circulates counterclockwise, and circulating traffic has the right-of-way.
  • Look to the left for traffic in the roundabout.
  • Wait for a gap in the traffic, and enter when traffic permits.
  • Once in the roundabout, you have the right-of-way, so keep moving.

Exiting the Roundabout

  • Once you have entered the roundabout, drive counterclockwise to your exit point.
  • Again, you have the right-of-way, so keep moving.
  • As you approach your exit, use your right turn signal.
  • Keep an eye out for pedestrians in the crosswalks, and be prepared to stop.

Emergency Vehicles

Do not enter the roundabout when emergency vehicles are approaching – pull to the right side. If you are in the roundabout, exit immediately, and pull to the right side. Do not stop in the roundabout.

Bicyclists

Bicyclists have a choice when they are approaching a roundabout. They can use the ramps provided at each approach to the roundabout; then they can go through the roundabout using the sidewalks and crosswalks as a pedestrian. Only confident riders should "claim a lane" and travel through the roundabout as a vehicle.

Pedestrians

Vehicles must yield to pedestrians. Pedestrians should use crosswalks and splitter islands to cross each lane of traffic. The pedestrian crossings are on the streets feeding into the roundabout; pedestrians do not cross to the center island.

Large Trucks

Large trucks and buses may drive on the raised center apron while going through a roundabout. The truck apron is raised about 3 inches to discourage cars from using it. Trucks must follow the same rules as other motorists for entering, driving, and exiting a roundabout.

Roundabout Graphic FHWA

Videos and Links to Additional Information