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ROUNDABOUT INTERSECTIONS
General Information
Roundabouts are a traffic control device
that may be used as an alternative to
signalized and all-way stop intersections.
Statistically roundabouts are safer than
traditional intersections because they
reduce fatal and injury crashes by reduction
of speeds and removing left-turns in
front of opposing traffic. A roundabout
uses a circular island in the center to
control the flow of traffic through the
intersection. Roundabouts feature yield
traffic signs at all entering roadway legs.
Yield control creates efficient traffic flow
and often less delay at the intersection.
They reduce pollution and fuel use due
to fewer stops and hard accelerations. At
a roundabout, drivers who approach the
intersection make a slight right turn to go
counterclockwise around a circular center
island. The driver may then either exit the
roundabout onto a different roadway, or
continue on the same roadway. When approaching a roundabout, always
yield to traffic in the circle, bicyclists, and pedestrians in the crosswalks.
Approaching the roundabout:
• Slow down before entering the roundabout.
• For multi-lane roundabouts, observe roadside signs and pavement
markings to direct you into the correct lane.
• Look to your left as you drive towards the entrance, yield to traffic
already in the roundabout, bicyclists, and pedestrians in the crosswalk.
• Enter when there is a gap in traffic and merge with the other flow of
vehicles.
• NEVER make a left turn to enter a roundabout.
Traveling through a roundabout:
• Always stay to the right of the center island.
• Vehicles within the roundabout have the right of way.
• DO NOT stop within a roundabout unless it is the only way to avoid a
crash.
• DO NOT change lanes within a roundabout.
• Give special consideration to trucks, trailers and other large vehicles.
They may need to utilize more than one lane within a roundabout.
• DO NOT attempt to pass any vehicles especially large trucks.
• If you miss your exit, continue through the roundabout until you reach
your appropriate exit.
• When exiting, watch for pedestrians and bicyclists crossing the street.
Exiting the roundabout:
• Maintain a slow speed to avoid losing control or striking traffic islands.
• Use your right turn signal to let others know you are exiting.
• Do not accelerate until you are beyond the pedestrian crossing at the
exit.
Emergency Vehicles
Always yield to emergency vehicles. DO NOT enter a roundabout if an
emergency vehicle is approaching. NEVER stop while inside a roundabout.
If an emergency vehicle approaches while you are in the roundabout, exit
immediately and pull to the right.
Truck Apron
Large trucks need more space when driving in a roundabout. A truck apron,
also known as off-tracking, is the paved area on the inside of the roundabout
for the rear wheels of large trucks to use when turning. Truck aprons
are not to be used by cars, SUVs or pickup trucks.
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