How to Safely Navigate Roundabouts and Traffic Circles

To be honest, roundabouts might feel weird at first. You’re wondering who goes when, which exit to take, and why the car on your left isn’t stopping. An inexperienced driver may find it simple to feel overwhelmed.

The good news is, once you understand roundabouts, they are really safer and quicker than conventional intersections. You only have to understand the fundamentals and remain cool behind the wheel.

Here’s how to safely handle roundabouts and traffic circles like a pro:

1. Slow Down as You Approach

As you get close to a roundabout, slow down and be ready to yield. Look for signs telling you it’s coming up—some are single-lane, others have two lanes. Either way, there’s no need to rush. Taking it slow gives you more time to figure out what’s going on.

Pro tip: Approach the roundabout slowly, if no one’s coming, there’s no need to stop —but always be ready to.

2. Yield to Traffic Already in the Roundabout

This is the rule that throws people off: cars inside the roundabout have the right of way. You have to wait for a gap before entering—even if someone behind you is getting impatient. Don’t let them rush you. Wait until it’s safe, then go.

Important: Yield to the left, not the right. Traffic moves counterclockwise in the U.S., so that’s where cars will be coming from.

3. Pick the Right Lane (If There’s More Than One)

Some roundabouts have two lanes. Here’s a simple way to choose:

Right lane: If you’re taking the first exit (turning right) or going straight.

Left lane: If you’re going straight or taking the third exit (basically turning left or doing a U-turn).

There are usually lane signs before the roundabout—pay attention to them.

4. Don’t Stop in the Roundabout

Once you’re in, keep moving. Don’t stop or slow down suddenly unless it’s an emergency. Stopping in a roundabout confuses other drivers and can lead to collisions.

Stay steady, stay aware, and look for your exit.

5. Use Your Turn Signal When Exiting

This one gets skipped a lot, but it’s important: signal right when you’re about to exit the roundabout. It lets other drivers know you’re leaving and helps traffic flow better.

You don’t need to signal when entering—just when you’re leaving.

6. Watch for Pedestrians and Bikes

Many roundabouts have crosswalks just before the entrance and after the exit. Always yield to pedestrians and watch out for cyclists who might be riding through or around the circle.

Tip: Take a quick look at the crosswalk before you exit. Someone might be stepping out.

7. If You Miss Your Exit—No Big Deal

Here’s the best part about roundabouts: you can go around again. If you’re unsure or miss your exit, don’t slam on the brakes or cut across lanes. Just stay in your lane and make another loop. It’s better to circle again than to make a risky move.

Roundabouts don’t have to be scary. They’re designed to make traffic smoother and safer—but like anything else, it takes a little practice. Stay calm, follow the flow, and remember: the car already in the circle gets the right of way.

You’ve got this. One circle at a time.