Maine driving lesson · Turns, Lane Changes, Passing and Parking
Roundabouts and changing lanes
A 3-minute lesson from the Maine course. Read the rules and examples, follow the handbook page references, and check your understanding before you move on.
In a roundabout, everyone travels the same way and the traffic already circling has priority. For any lane change, mirrors alone aren't enough: turn your head to check the blind spot.
Traffic circle / roundabout
A circular intersection, often built where heavily traveled roads meet. Large traffic circles are called rotaries.
Vehicles approaching a traffic circle or roundabout must yield to vehicles already in it, unless a police officer or traffic control device directs otherwise.
Go to the right around the raised center island (counterclockwise). Raised pavement inside the circle lets trucks get around the small island while cars stay in the outer lane.
Check behind quickly and check all lanes: someone in another lane may be heading for the same spot. Watch for motorcycles and bicycles; the car you don't see is the most dangerous.
You're in a two-lane rotary and plan to leave at the second exit. Stay in the right lane, yield to cars coming from your left as you enter, and signal before you turn right to 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.
Who has the right-of-way when entering a roundabout?
Whoever signals first
Vehicles already in the circle
The vehicle entering the circle
The vehicle on the right
Answer: Vehicles already in the circle
All vehicles approaching a roundabout must yield to vehicles already in the circle.
