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Alaska driving lesson · Turns & Intersections

Roundabouts

A 2-minute lesson from the Alaska course. Read the rules and examples, follow the handbook page references, and check your understanding before you move on.

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Read time
2 minutes
Course unit
Turns & Intersections
Checkpoint questions
6
Source pages
39

A roundabout, sometimes called a traffic circle, keeps traffic moving through a circular intersection without necessarily stopping it. Traffic travels counterclockwise around a center island, and cars entering yield to cars already in the circle.

Roundabout
Traffic flows counterclockwise around the center island

Roundabout

A circular intersection where vehicles travel counterclockwise around a center island and approaching traffic must yield to traffic in the circle.

Handbook p. 39 ↗
About 15-20 mph

Speed most roundabouts are designed for

Handbook p. 39 ↗

Entering a roundabout:

  • Slow down as you approach the circle
  • Always enter to the right of the center island, when there's a gap in traffic
  • Yield to any traffic already in the circle
  • If another vehicle arrives at the same time, yield to it if it's on your right
  • Yield to pedestrians and bicyclists in the roundabout and in the marked crosswalks
  • With more than one lane in your direction, pick the proper lane before entering
Handbook p. 39 ↗

Know the rule

Once inside, do not stop. Follow signs or pavement markings about which lane to use.

Handbook p. 39 ↗

Exiting a roundabout:

  • Yield to all pedestrians and bicyclists in the roundabout and in the crosswalk at your exit
  • You may exit at any street, or keep going around if you miss your exit
Handbook p. 39 ↗

Put it into practice

You're in a roundabout and realize you've passed your street. Don't stop or back up. Keep circling counterclockwise and take the exit when it comes around again.

Check your understanding

Read the question, decide on an answer, then open it to check the explanation. These are Roadwise study questions based on the source handbook.

Which direction do vehicles travel around a roundabout in Alaska?
  1. Clockwise
  2. Either direction depending on the lane
  3. It varies by roundabout size
  4. Counterclockwise

Answer: Counterclockwise

Vehicles travel counterclockwise around a roundabout's center island.

Handbook p. 39 ↗
On which side of the center island should you enter a roundabout?
  1. Right of the center island
  2. Left of the center island
  3. Either side if the circle is empty
  4. Whichever side is closer to your exit

Answer: Right of the center island

Always enter a roundabout to the right of the center island.

Handbook p. 39 ↗
About what speed are most roundabouts designed for?
  1. 5 to 10 mph
  2. 15 to 20 mph
  3. 30 to 35 mph
  4. 40 to 45 mph

Answer: 15 to 20 mph

Most roundabouts are designed for speeds of about 15 to 20 mph.

Handbook p. 39 ↗
Who must yield when entering a roundabout?
  1. Traffic already in the circle must yield to entering traffic
  2. Whoever arrives first has the right-of-way
  3. Entering drivers yield to circulating traffic
  4. Only large vehicles must yield

Answer: Entering drivers yield to circulating traffic

Approaching traffic must yield to traffic already circulating in the roundabout.

Handbook p. 39 ↗
If you miss your exit in a roundabout, what should you do?
  1. Stop immediately and reverse
  2. Cut across the center island
  3. Signal other drivers to let you back up
  4. Continue around and exit at the next opportunity

Answer: Continue around and exit at the next opportunity

You may continue around the roundabout if you miss your intended exit.

Handbook p. 39 ↗
If two vehicles arrive at a roundabout entrance at the same time, who yields?
  1. The vehicle yields to traffic on its left
  2. Whichever vehicle is going the farthest
  3. Yield to traffic on the right
  4. The vehicle already signaling

Answer: Yield to traffic on the right

If vehicles arrive at the same time, yield to the vehicle on your right.

Handbook p. 39 ↗
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