How to Navigate Modern Roundabouts

When approaching a roundabout, slow down. For multi-lane roundabouts, look for roadside signs and pavement markings to guide you into the appropriate lane. It is important that you be in the correct lane prior to entering the roundabout.

Always stay to the right of the splitter island (either painted or raised). Splitter islands are used to divide directional traffic on the approach to the roundabout.

Be cautious of pedestrians as you approach the crosswalk.

As you approach the yield line, look to your left before entering the roundabout. Vehicles within the roundabout have the right-of-way. Enter the roundabout and merge into the traffic flow once an adequate gap is available.

All movement within the roundabout circulates counterclockwise. Never turn left into the roundabout from the yield line.

When traveling within the roundabout, only stop to avoid a collision. You have the right-of-way over entering traffic.

When approaching the roundabout, avoid traveling at a speed greater than the posted advisory speed.

When circulating within a multilane roundabout, avoid changing lanes.

Give special consideration to trucks, trailers and other large vehicles within a roundabout. Avoid passing or driving adjacent to larger vehicles within a roundabout. Large vehicles need more than one lane to circulate the roundabout.

Sometimes you will encounter a cyclist traveling within the roundabout. Use caution, be courteous, and share the road.

Continue through the roundabout until you reach your exit. Use your turn signal when exiting.

As you exit the roundabout, be aware of pedestrians crossing the roadway.

If an emergency vehicle approaches the roundabout...

Directly behind you just prior to you entering the roundabout (single lane approach); Enter the roundabout and travel to your exit. After exiting the roundabout, immediately maneuver your vehicle to the right side of the road to allow the emergency vehicle to pass you. Do not stop in the roundabout.

On another approach prior to you entering the roundabout; Wait for the emergency vehicle to enter and exit the roundabout before proceeding with your maneuver.

While you are circulating within the roundabout; Exit the roundabout and immediately maneuver your vehicle to the right side of the road to allow the emergency vehicle to pass you. Do not stop in the roundabout.

• Approach the roundabout in the bicycle lane if one is provided.
• Cyclists can either enter the roundabout as a vehicle or exit the roadway prior to the intersection to use the non-motorized pathway if one is provided around the perimeter of the roundabout.
• Experienced riders who enter the roundabout must follow the same rules as vehicles. Follow all signs and pavement markings. Cyclists must yield to both pedestrians and vehicles already circulating within the roundabout.
• If you decide to enter the roundabout, be assertive when merging with traffic.
• Prior to entering a multi-lane roundabout, make sure you are in the correct lane.
• Try to travel at or near the same speed as motorists within the roundabout. Ride in the center of your lane, not along the right curb line.
• Use proper hand signals prior to exiting the roundabout.

• Cross only at marked crosswalks, always stay on the designated walkway, and never cross to the central island.
• Always use caution prior to crossing the roadway. Wait for an appropriate gap in traffic. Remember, your best protection is your own awareness.
• When a safe gap is available, cross the roundabout one approach at a time. Use the splitter island as a refuge area before crossing the remaining lanes.

Guide signs provide drivers with navigational information. There are two types of guide signs you may encounter when approaching a modern roundabout:

Advanced Destination Guide Signs

These signs are typically placed in advance of the intersection to orient drivers with the layout of the roundabout. Road names, cardinal directions (north, south, east, west), route markers, points of destination, and general service symbols may be found on these signs.