How to Drive in a Traffic Circle

Traffic circles, or roundabouts, were invented in the early 20th century and built in cities throughout Europe and the United States. Traffic signals started taking their place in the 1950s, and today's drivers are easily intimidated and confused when they encounter one. Learn to use them; they're making a comeback as traffic calming devices.

Difficulty: Moderately Easy

Instructions

Things You'll Need:

• Basic Traffic-safety Rule Books
• Traffic Rule Books

1. Slow down as you approach the intersection. You're typically not required to stop.

2. Wait for a gap and merge with the moving traffic into the outside lane.

3. Yield to vehicles already in the circle.

4. Turn left or right from the circle by following the inside lane around and then moving to the outside lane, following it to your exit.

5. Continue driving straight ahead by approaching the circle on the outside lane and staying out of the circling lane.

6. Watch for pedestrians and bicycles.

7. Keep in mind that buses or large trucks need extra room to make turns and might take up more than one lane in a traffic circle.

8. Obey all traffic signs and road markings.

9. Signal your intent to other drivers when entering, going around and exiting the circle.

Tips & Warnings

• These directions assume the circle is going counterclockwise with an inside lane circling the center and at least one outside lane continuing past.
• If you miss your turn, just go around again. Avoid swerving at the last minute.

[klandreth]

on 12/9/2006 What if you are entering the circle, and the next exit is the one you want? Should you move to the inside lane, then back again. These circles are fairly small, and there is not much distance between one exit and the next.

on 11/22/2005 Be aware that drivers in the inside lane may move into the outside lane (as you merge in) without signaling. I don't know the legal status of failure to signal the lane change verses the right of way in the circle, but it created a conflict for me!

on 11/22/2005 If you drive in a traffic circle, just make sure to follow the traffic signs.

on 11/22/2005 Pay attention to your state laws and the roadsigns leading to a traffic circle. Some circles, such as in Connecticut and Vermont, require those ON the circle to yield.