A 3-minute lesson from the Montana course. Read the rules and examples, follow the handbook page references, and check your understanding before you move on.
Roundabouts are circular intersections designed to reduce crashes, delays and speeds. Traffic flows counterclockwise, and vehicles already in the circle have the right-of-way.
Driving through a roundabout
Four steps through a Montana roundabout
Slow down: driving speeds in roundabouts are 15 mph or less
Look to the left: yield to vehicles already in the roundabout; traffic flows counterclockwise
Stay right of the center island; don't stop if the way is clear
Never pass or overtake another vehicle after entering a single-lane roundabout
Go around until you reach your street, then signal right and exit
When entering and exiting, watch for and yield to pedestrians in or waiting at the crosswalk. Pedestrians must use the crosswalks and never cross to the central island.
Bicyclists are encouraged to walk their bikes on sidewalks and use crosswalks; confident riders may ride in the circle like a car, obeying the same rules and signaling turns.
If an emergency vehicle comes while you're in the roundabout, don't pull over or stop — exit normally, then pull right. If you're approaching, pull over if there's room; if not, go through and pull over after exiting.
You're halfway around a roundabout when you hear a siren behind you. Don't stop in the circle. Continue to your exit, leave the roundabout, then pull to the right so the emergency vehicle can pass.
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.
How fast should you generally drive within a Montana roundabout?
15 mph or less
25 mph or less
35 mph or less
10 mph or less
Answer: 15 mph or less
Driving speeds within roundabouts should be 15 mph or less.
You are approaching a roundabout when an emergency vehicle comes up behind you with its lights on, but there's no room to pull over. What should you do?
Continue through, then pull over after exiting
Stop at the entry line and wait
Pull over inside the roundabout
Drive faster to exit before it catches up
Answer: Continue through, then pull over after exiting
If there isn't room to pull over before entering, continue through and exit the roundabout, then pull over.
