Roundabouts

What Is a Roundabout?

Roundabouts, rotaries, and traffic circles are all terms for circular intersections with a center island. Traffic moves in one direction, counterclockwise, around the center island. A warning sign with arrows in a circle pattern indicates a roundabout is ahead.

Approach, Enter, Proceed, Exit

Approach: Slow down as you approach. Look for signs to determine where your exit is located. Watch for people riding bicycles; they will either merge into traffic or use the sidewalk. When approaching the crosswalk, stop for pedestrians using the crosswalk in your lane.

Enter: Before entering, you must yield to traffic already inside as well as traffic exiting. Wait for a gap and merge, and be prepared to stop if necessary.

Proceed: Once inside, move around the circle until you reach your exit. Allow people riding bicycles who have merged into traffic the full travel lane. Do not pass a person riding a bicycle within the roundabout.

Exit: Indicate your plan to exit using your right turn signal. Watch for pedestrians in the crosswalk and be prepared to stop.

Multi-Lane Roundabouts

Roundabouts may have one or more lanes. A few tips for navigating a multi-lane roundabout safely:

Lane Choice: Before entering, pay close attention to exit and lane use signs and pavement markings. Enter using the appropriate lane for your exit, and maintain your lane position until you exit. Avoid lane changes while inside the roundabout if possible.

Emergency Vehicles in Roundabouts

Do not enter a roundabout when emergency vehicles are approaching. Pull over to the right and allow other vehicles to clear the intersection so the emergency vehicle can move through. Never stop while inside the roundabout. Instead, move through and exit, then pull over to the right shoulder to allow emergency vehicles to pass.