Roundabouts

A roundabout is an intersection with an island at its centre that is without stop signs or electronic signals. Entrance into a roundabout is controlled by a simple rule: yield to traffic in the roundabout before continuing counter-clockwise around the central island. 

Intersections controlled by roundabouts are increasingly becoming a go-to design for improved safety and traffic flow.

Safety and Traffic Flow

Roundabouts keep people moving and can reduce backups during heavy traffic volumes. Roundabouts reduce the number and type of conflict points compared to signalized intersections, thereby decreasing the number and severity of collisions.

Roundabouts Rules

1. Approach
   • Reduce your speed and watch for road signs.
   • If a multilane roundabout, choose your lane based on your intended exit.
   • Watch for pedestrians and cyclists and be ready to stop at the crosswalk.
   • Signal left or right to warn other drivers if you intend on turning at the roundabout (no signal if you plan to proceed straight through the roundabout).
2. Yield
   • Always yield to traffic in the roundabout.
   • Wait for a safe gap in traffic, remembering those in the roundabout have the right of way.
3. Enter
   • Enter the roundabout by turning right in order to keep right of the island.
   • Continue counter-clockwise until you reach your exit.
4. Exit
   • Use your right turn signal before exiting.
   • Again, watch for pedestrians and cyclists and be ready to stop at the crosswalk.

Roundabout Don’ts

• Never stop in a roundabout unless traffic conditions require it.
• Never pull over inside a roundabout; pull over for emergency vehicles before entering or after exiting a roundabout.
• Never change lanes inside a roundabout.

Watch for These Signs