Roundabout Sign: How to Enter, Yield and Exit
The roundabout sign is a yellow diamond with three arrows forming a circle counterclockwise. It warns that a roundabout (circular intersection) is ahead. Slow down, choose your lane early, yield to pedestrians and to traffic already in the circle coming from your left, enter when there is a gap, and signal right before you exit.
Updated on · Ver en español
DMVPermitUSA is an independent study tool. It is not affiliated with, endorsed by or operated by any state DMV, BMV, MVD, DPS or other government agency. Always check your state's official driver handbook and DMV website for current requirements.
Practice road sign questions · Take a full mock exam
Roundabout quiz: 3 test-style questions
- When entering a roundabout, you must yield to: Traffic waiting to enter behind you / Pedestrians in the crosswalk and traffic already in the roundabout / Only vehicles on your right / No one; vehicles entering have the right-of-way. Answer: Pedestrians in the crosswalk and traffic already in the roundabout. Vehicles already circulating have the right-of-way. Yield to them (they come from your left) and to pedestrians before you enter.
- In which direction does traffic travel in a U.S. roundabout? Clockwise / Counterclockwise / Either direction / It depends on the time of day. Answer: Counterclockwise. In the U.S., traffic always circulates counterclockwise, keeping the central island on your left.
- An ambulance with its siren on approaches while you are inside a roundabout. You should: Stop immediately inside the roundabout / Continue to your exit, leave the roundabout, then pull over / Drive onto the central island / Speed up and circle until it passes. Answer: Continue to your exit, leave the roundabout, then pull over. Do not stop in the circle. Exit first, then pull to the right and stop to let the emergency vehicle pass.
What the roundabout sign means
The Circular Intersection sign (MUTCD W2-6) is a yellow diamond with three curved arrows chasing each other counterclockwise around a circle. It warns that a roundabout or other circular intersection is ahead. It is often posted with a ROUNDABOUT plaque and an advisory speed plaque, commonly 15 to 25 mph.
At the roundabout itself you will find a yield sign at each entry, black-and-white chevron or arrow signs on the central island showing the direction of travel, and, for multi-lane roundabouts, lane-use signs and pavement arrows. Modern roundabouts are designed for low speeds, which is why research by IIHS has found they reduce serious crashes compared with traditional signal or stop-controlled intersections.
How to drive a roundabout, step by step
- Slow down as you approach and watch for the lane-use signs.
- Choose your lane before you enter. In general, use the right lane to turn right or go straight and the left lane to turn left, go straight or make a U-turn — but always follow the posted arrows.
- Yield to pedestrians in the crosswalk before the entry line.
- Yield to traffic already in the roundabout, which comes from your left. Enter when there is a safe gap; you do not have to stop if the way is clear.
- Drive counterclockwise, keep the central island on your left, and do not change lanes, pass or stop inside.
- Signal right before your exit and watch for pedestrians and cyclists as you leave.
Common mistakes and test traps
The classic test question asks who has the right-of-way: it is the traffic already in the circle, not the driver entering. Other traps: driving clockwise (always counterclockwise in the U.S.), stopping inside the circle for an emergency vehicle (exit first, then pull over), and passing a large truck inside a roundabout. Trucks may need both lanes or the raised truck apron around the central island; stay behind or beside them, never next to them in a curve.
Where you see it
Roundabouts are increasingly common across the U.S., in suburbs, at freeway interchanges and on rural highways. Older, larger traffic circles in some Eastern cities may follow different rules; obey the signs at each entry.
Related signs
Study it with the yield sign, the advisory speed plaque and the pedestrian crossing sign. Our right-of-way guide covers roundabouts and other intersections in detail.
Roundabout sign FAQ
What does the roundabout sign mean?
It warns that a roundabout or circular intersection is ahead. Slow down, pick your lane and get ready to yield.
Who has the right of way in a roundabout?
Traffic already circulating in the roundabout. Drivers entering yield to it and to pedestrians in the crosswalks.
Which lane should I use in a two-lane roundabout?
Follow the signs and pavement arrows. Typically the right lane is for right turns and going straight, and the left lane for left turns, going straight and U-turns.
Do I have to signal in a roundabout?
Signal right before you exit so drivers waiting to enter know your intentions. Some states also expect a left signal on entry when turning left.
What should I do if an emergency vehicle comes while I am in a roundabout?
Continue to your exit, leave the roundabout and then pull over to the right. Do not stop inside the circle.
Official sources
Keep studying
- Yield sign
- Advisory speed plaque
- Pedestrian crossing sign
- Right-of-way rules
- Right-of-way practice questions
- All U.S. road signs
- Practice tests by topic