A 3-minute lesson from the Iowa course. Read the rules and examples, follow the handbook page references, and check your understanding before you move on.
Roundabouts direct traffic counterclockwise around a center island. There are no stop signs or traffic signals—yield signs, directional signs, and pavement markings guide you. Traffic keeps moving at a slower speed, which reduces the backups of traditional intersections.
Single-lane roundabout — drivers:
Approach: slow to the posted advisory speed and yield to anyone in the crosswalk
Enter: at the yield line, yield to vehicles in the roundabout; merge into a gap counterclockwise
Proceed: continue until you reach your street; avoid stopping in the roundabout
Exit: signal, exit to the right, and yield to anyone in the crosswalk
Cyclists generally walk bikes across the crosswalk like pedestrians. Experienced cyclists may ride like motorists: don't hug the curb, ride in the middle of the lane to prevent passing, and yield to anyone in crosswalks.
You're taking the third exit of a two-lane roundabout. Pick your lane from the lane-control signs before the yield line, yield to circulating traffic, stay in your lane, and signal right after passing the street before your exit.
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.
As you approach a single-lane roundabout, what should you do at the yield line?
Stop completely regardless of gaps
Proceed; entering traffic has priority
Yield to circulating traffic, then merge in
Signal left before entering
Answer: Yield to circulating traffic, then merge in
At the yield line, yield to traffic already in the roundabout, then merge when there's a safe gap.