In a roundabout, traffic already in the circle has the right-of-way. Slow down as you approach, yield to cars coming from your left, enter when there is a gap, drive counterclockwise, don't stop inside, and signal right as you leave.
Roundabouts replace many traffic lights and four-way stops because they cut the most dangerous crashes: nobody drives straight across anyone else's path at speed.
Circular IntersectionMUTCD W2-6
YieldMUTCD R1-2Step by step
- Slow down as you see the Circular Intersection warning sign. Most roundabouts are built for 15–25 mph.
- Pick your lane early on multi-lane roundabouts (see below).
- Yield at the dashed line to vehicles already circulating, which come from your left, and to people in the crosswalk.
- Enter when there is a big enough gap. You don't need to stop if the way is clear.
- Drive counterclockwise and keep moving. Never stop inside the circle except to avoid a crash.
- Signal right as you pass the exit before yours, then exit.
Which lane?
| Where you're going | Use this lane on a two-lane roundabout |
|---|---|
| First exit (right turn) | Right lane |
| Straight across | Either lane, unless signs or arrows say otherwise |
| Left or U-turn | Left lane |
Lane-use arrows painted on the road and signs before the entry override the general pattern. Follow them. Don't change lanes inside the circle.
Why roundabouts are safer
At a traffic light, the worst crashes happen when one car drives straight into the side of another at full speed, or when a left-turning car is hit by oncoming traffic. A roundabout removes both: everyone travels the same direction at low speed, and nobody turns left across traffic. Crashes still happen, but they are mostly slow sideswipes instead of T-bone collisions.
If an ambulance or fire truck with its siren on approaches, don't stop inside the roundabout. Exit at your next exit, then pull over. Large trucks often use the whole width of the circle and the raised apron in the middle; stay out of the space beside them.
Common mistakes
- Stopping inside the circle to let someone in. It confuses everyone behind you.
- Yielding to the wrong side. Circulating traffic comes from the left.
- Forgetting people on foot. Crosswalks sit a car length before the yield line; stop for them there.
- Not signaling the exit. Drivers waiting to enter use your signal to know they can go.
Practice it
The Roundabout level of Right of Way shows cars in and around the circle and asks you who goes first.
Play the Roundabout level in Right of WayStart ›The rule and its source are on rules of the road. For a plain four-way stop, see who goes first at a 4-way stop.
