Driving guide

How to Navigate a Roundabout

Roundabouts replace four-way intersections in many U.S. cities because they cut serious crash rates by roughly 80 percent. They feel intimidating to new drivers because they are unfamiliar, but the rules are simple.

Yield on entry

Vehicles already in the roundabout have the right of way. Slow down on approach, look left for traffic in the circle, and enter when there is a safe gap. Never stop in the circle once you are in it; pause only at the entrance.

Stay in your lane

Multi-lane roundabouts have lane markings at the entry that tell you which lane to use for which exit. The right lane is usually for the first exit and right turns; the left lane is usually for the later exits and U-turns. Pick the correct lane before entering.

Signal at exit

Signal your right turn as you pass the exit before yours. This tells drivers waiting to enter that you are leaving and the gap is clear for them. Failure to signal at exit is one of the most cited issues on road tests in roundabout-heavy areas.

Emergency vehicles

If an emergency vehicle approaches while you are in a roundabout, exit at the next exit and pull over once clear of the circle. Do not stop inside the roundabout.