Author: Kim

City of Anywhere WV ● 123 Grand Street ● PO Box 16 ● Any City, WV 12345
Phone: 304-111-2222 ● Fax: 304-111-3333 ● Website: www.

Road Facts

Road Rules for Roundabouts

Information adapted from Wisconsin’s driver handbook and the WVDOH website.

What are the basic steps for navigating a roundabout?
As you approach the roundabout, look for signs and pavement markings showing which lane to be in.
Slow down and obey all traffic signs.
Yield to pedestrians and bicyclists in the crosswalk.
Yield to traffic on your left already in the roundabout.
Enter the roundabout when there is a safe gap in traffic, making a right turn. (In the U.S., you should never make a left-hand turn into the roundabout!)
As you approach your exit, turn on your right turn signal.
Yield to pedestrians and bicyclists as you exit.
Who must yield when driving a roundabout?
Vehicles already in the roundabout have the right-of-way and motorists entering the roundabout must yield to them. Yield means that the approaching motorists must stop if there is traffic in the roundabout and wait for a gap or break to appear in the traffic flow before entering the roundabout.
Can semis, trucks with trailers, and other large trucks use a roundabout?
Yes, they are all able to use a roundabout. Because large vehicles need extra space when driving through a roundabout, a truck apron is built into the design. A truck apron is a paved area on the inside of the roundabout for the rear wheels of large trucks to use when turning.
What are motorists supposed to do when an emergency vehicle is approaching a roundabout?
Motorists who have not yet entered the roundabout should pull over and let the emergency vehicle pass. Motorists who have entered the roundabout should continue to their exit, then pull over and let the emergency vehicle pass after they have exited the roundabout. Motorists should always avoid stopping in the roundabout.
Should drivers change lanes in a roundabout?
Drivers should never change lanes in a roundabout. Before entering the roundabout, motorists should pay close attention to signs and pavement markings to ensure that they get into the correct lane upon entering the roundabout.
What should a motorist do if he/she has an accident in a roundabout?
If a motorist has an accident in a roundabout and the vehicle remains drivable, he/she should move the car out of the roundabout and as far off the road to the right as safely possible.
Who enters first if drivers arrive at the roundabout at the same time from all approaches?
If drivers arrive at a roundabout at the same time from all approaches, they should all be able to enter at the same time because of the staggering of the entrances. However, they all must yield to vehicles already traveling in the roundabout.
How do pedestrians and bicyclists use a roundabout?
Pedestrians cross roundabouts at designated crosswalks. Even though pedestrians have the right-of-way, they must always use caution and make sure that vehicles are stopping before entering the crosswalk. Bicyclists can either ride through the roundabout following the rules of the road like other vehicles or they can walk their bikes across using designated crosswalks.

This photo of the roundabout in Morgantown, WV was taken by a member of the WV LTAP staff.

Created July 29, 2013 by the WV Local Technical Assistance Program · http://wvltap.wvu.edu