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Connecticut driving lesson · Right-of-Way, Speed & Parking

Roundabouts and U-turns

A 3-minute lesson from the Connecticut 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
3 minutes
Course unit
Right-of-Way, Speed & Parking
Checkpoint questions
6
Source pages
39

A roundabout keeps traffic flowing around a central island: slow down, yield to whoever is already circulating, and signal your exit. U-turns are only legal where no sign prohibits them — and never on an expressway.

Roundabout

An intersection controlled by a circular island in the center. It may have one lane or two lanes.

Handbook p. 39 ↗
Roundabout ahead
Circular intersection warning sign

Know the rule

Entering traffic must yield to circulating traffic. Each approach is marked with a yield sign and may have yield line markings on the pavement.

Handbook p. 39 ↗

Using a roundabout:

  • Slow down as you approach
  • Yield to traffic already in the roundabout and to pedestrians in the crosswalk
  • With more than one lane, follow posted signs and lane-use controls to choose your lane
  • Enter when there is a sufficient gap in traffic
  • Use your right turn signal when you are about to reach your exit
  • Yield to pedestrians in the crosswalk on the exiting leg
Handbook p. 39 ↗

Know the rule

Do not stop within the roundabout to let traffic enter from another leg.

Handbook p. 39 ↗

Know the rule

U-turns are not legal everywhere — check for signs prohibiting them. Never make a U-turn on an expressway.

Handbook p. 39 ↗
No U-turn
No U-turn sign

Making a U-turn:

  • Give a left turn signal
  • Stop and check for approaching traffic
  • Proceed into the outside (right-hand) lane going the opposite direction
Handbook p. 39 ↗

Put it into practice

You're in a roundabout and a car is waiting to enter from a side road. Don't stop to wave it in — keep circulating, signal right as you near your exit, and yield to anyone in the exit crosswalk.

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.

What must you do when entering a roundabout in Connecticut?
  1. Only yield if there is more than one lane
  2. Signal left before entering
  3. Always come to a complete stop before entering
  4. Yield to circulating traffic and pedestrians

Answer: Yield to circulating traffic and pedestrians

You must yield to traffic already in the roundabout and to any pedestrians in the crosswalk.

Handbook p. 39 ↗
Where is a U-turn never legal in Connecticut?
  1. On an expressway
  2. At a red light with a green arrow
  3. In a large parking lot
  4. On a residential street

Answer: On an expressway

Never make a U-turn on an expressway.

Handbook p. 39 ↗
When approaching a roundabout with your intended exit ahead, what should you do?
  1. Stop within the roundabout to let others enter
  2. Signal right at your exit; yield to pedestrians
  3. Use your left turn signal the entire time in the roundabout
  4. Speed up to avoid slower circulating traffic

Answer: Signal right at your exit; yield to pedestrians

Use your right turn signal when about to reach your intended exit, and yield to any pedestrians in the crosswalk on the exiting leg.

Handbook p. 39 ↗
On a multi-lane roundabout, how do you know which lane to use for your intended movement?
  1. Pick any lane and change at the last moment
  2. Follow the posted signs and lane-use controls
  3. Use the right lane for every exit
  4. Always use the innermost lane regardless of exit

Answer: Follow the posted signs and lane-use controls

If there is more than one lane approaching a roundabout, follow the posted signs and lane-use controls for your movement.

Handbook p. 39 ↗
What sign is posted on each road approaching a Connecticut roundabout?
  1. A yield sign
  2. A do not enter sign
  3. A one-way sign
  4. A stop sign

Answer: A yield sign

Each road approaching a roundabout is marked with a yield sign and may have yield line markings on the pavement.

Handbook p. 39 ↗
It is legal to stop within a roundabout to let traffic enter from another leg.
  1. True
  2. False

Answer: False

Do not stop within the roundabout to allow traffic to enter from another leg.

Handbook p. 39 ↗
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