A 3-minute lesson from the Arizona course. Read the rules and examples, follow the handbook page references, and check your understanding before you move on.
A roundabout is a circular intersection where traffic flows almost continuously in one direction around a central island. The key rule: traffic already circling has the right-of-way, so you slow down and yield on the way in.
Roundabout paths for a right turn, left turn and U-turn — always entering to the right of the island
How to drive a roundabout:
Know where you're headed; follow signs and get in the proper lane
Slow down as you approach — roundabouts are designed for 15-20 mph
Always enter to the right of the central island
Yield to pedestrians and bicyclists crossing the road
Enter when there's a gap; once inside, do not stop
Exit at any street, or keep circling if you miss your exit
In a DDI, the crossover points (right side to left side and back) occur at the signals. Left turns onto on-ramps use free-flowing lanes after the crossover.
You approach a single-lane roundabout just as a semi-truck arrives at the next entry. Yield to the truck — large vehicles entering at the same time get the right-of-way — then enter when there's a gap.
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.
When entering a roundabout, which side of the central island should you pass?
The right
The left
Either side is fine
The side nearer your exit
Answer: The right
Always enter a roundabout to the right of the central island.
