Roundabout Right-of-Way Rules: Who Yields in a Roundabout

Roundabouts improve traffic flow and safety when drivers follow one critical rule: yield to circulating traffic. Understanding who has right-of-way, how to choose your lane before entering, and how to exit safely from multi-lane roundabouts prevents collisions and citations. This guide explains roundabout yield rules, lane selection strategies, common violations, and state-specific enforcement practices.

Who must yield when entering a roundabout

The fundamental rule at every roundabout in the United States: entering traffic must yield to circulating traffic. If a vehicle is already traveling inside the roundabout—regardless of which lane they occupy—you must wait until they pass before entering. This yield requirement applies at the yield line or yield sign positioned at each entry point.

Roundabout yield rules differ from traditional intersection stop signs or traffic signals. There is no "first come, first served" principle. Even if you arrive at the entry first, drivers already in the circle have absolute priority. This design keeps traffic moving continuously, reducing delays and eliminating the high-speed, right-angle collisions common at signalized intersections.

Key yield requirements:

• Slow down as you approach: Reduce speed to 15–20 mph well before the yield line to assess circulating traffic.
• Check left for oncoming vehicles: In the U.S., traffic circulates counterclockwise, so vehicles approach from your left.
• Wait for a safe gap: Enter only when no vehicles are approaching in either lane of a multi-lane roundabout.
• Do not stop unnecessarily: If the roundabout is clear, proceed without stopping. Unnecessary stops disrupt flow and can cause rear-end collisions.

Choosing the correct lane for your intended exit

Multi-lane roundabouts require advance planning. Choose your entry lane based on your intended exit:

• Right lane: Use for the first exit (turning right) or continuing straight (second exit).
• Left lane: Use for going straight (second exit), turning left (third exit), or making a U-turn (fourth exit/full circle).
• Follow pavement markings: Arrows painted on the approach lanes indicate which exits each lane serves. Obey these markings—they override general guidelines.
• Consult overhead signs: Directional signs before the roundabout show destinations reachable from each lane.

Choosing the wrong lane forces you to exit prematurely or attempt an illegal lane change inside the circle. Both scenarios increase crash risk and may result in citations for improper lane use or failure to obey traffic control devices.

Exiting from the inner lane without cutting across traffic

If you entered the left (inner) lane to reach a later exit, you must exit without crossing the path of vehicles in the right (outer) lane. This maneuver requires careful timing and awareness:

1. Signal your exit: Activate your right turn signal as you pass the exit before your intended exit (typically one exit ahead).
2. Check your blind spot: Glance right to ensure no vehicle in the outer lane is alongside or approaching.
3. Yield to outer-lane traffic if necessary: If a vehicle in the right lane is positioned to exit at the same point, they have priority. Wait until they exit, then follow.
4. Merge smoothly toward the exit: Drift right gradually, maintaining your arc, and exit cleanly without abrupt steering.

Cutting across the outer lane to exit abruptly is a leading cause of roundabout sideswipe collisions. In many states, this behavior constitutes unsafe lane change and can result in fines of $150–$300 plus points on your license.

Signal and position timing at multi-lane circles

Effective signaling and positioning are essential for safe multi-lane roundabout navigation:

• Entry signal: Do not signal when entering. Signaling right at entry confuses circulating drivers, who may think you are exiting immediately.
• Exit signal: Signal right as you pass the exit before yours. This gives other drivers time to recognize your intention and adjust.
• Lane discipline: Maintain your lane position throughout the circle. Do not drift between lanes or "spiral" outward unless traffic conditions and markings allow.
• Speed consistency: Travel at a steady 15–20 mph inside the roundabout. Sudden braking or acceleration disrupts flow and increases rear-end collision risk.

Common citations for failure to yield at roundabouts

Law enforcement officers issue citations for these frequent roundabout violations:

• Failure to yield to circulating traffic: Entering when a vehicle is approaching in the circle. Fine: $100–$250, 2–3 points.
• Improper lane use: Turning left from the right lane or exiting from the wrong lane. Fine: $75–$200, 1–2 points.
• Failure to obey yield sign: Blowing through the yield line without slowing. Fine: $150–$300, 2–3 points, potential reckless driving charge if excessive speed involved.
• Stopping in the circulating lane: Halting inside the roundabout to let someone enter (the opposite of correct procedure). Fine: $100–$200, 1–2 points for obstructing traffic.

Roundabout violations often lead to pedestrian conflicts at crosswalks on the exit lanes. Drivers exiting too fast fail to yield to pedestrians on the splitter islands, compounding violations and liability.

Pedestrian crossings and splitter islands: yield requirements

Roundabouts feature splitter islands—raised or painted medians separating entering and exiting lanes. Pedestrian crosswalks are typically placed on the exit lanes just beyond the yield line, and sometimes on approach lanes. Drivers must yield to pedestrians in crosswalks at all times, both when entering and exiting the roundabout.

Pedestrian yield rules:

• Exiting the roundabout: As you leave the circle, watch for pedestrians crossing the exit lane. Slow down and stop if necessary. Pedestrians have right-of-way in marked and unmarked crosswalks.
• Entering the roundabout: Before entering, check for pedestrians on the approach crosswalk (if present). Yield before proceeding to the yield line.
• Splitter island refuge: Pedestrians often wait on the splitter island between entering and exiting lanes. Do not assume they will remain stationary—be prepared for them to step into the exit lane crosswalk.

Failure to yield to pedestrians at roundabout crosswalks is a serious violation. Fines range from $200–$500, with potential points and liability for any collision. In many states, pedestrian right-of-way violations carry higher penalties than standard yield violations. For more on pedestrian rules, see our guide on crosswalk pedestrian right-of-way.

State and local roundabout yield rules and enforcement

While the fundamental "yield to circulating traffic" rule is consistent nationwide, enforcement intensity and specific regulations vary by state and municipality:

California: yield and lane discipline enforcement

California Vehicle Code § 21800(c) requires drivers to yield right-of-way to traffic already in an intersection—this applies to roundabouts as well. CHP officers and local police actively enforce roundabout violations, especially in suburban areas where new roundabouts replace signalized intersections. Drivers unfamiliar with roundabout rules often fail to yield or attempt to stop inside the circle.

California's painted lane arrows and overhead signage are legally binding. Ignoring lane markings to exit from the wrong lane is citable under VC § 21658 (failure to drive in designated lane). See California traffic rules for more details.

Washington and Oregon: extensive roundabout networks

Washington and Oregon lead the nation in roundabout adoption. Cities like Seattle, Olympia, and Portland feature dozens of multi-lane roundabouts. State law explicitly defines roundabout right-of-way:

• Washington RCW 46.61.185: Drivers entering a roundabout must yield to vehicles already in the circular roadway.
• Oregon ORS 811.285: Entering drivers must yield to circulating traffic; failure to do so is a Class B traffic violation (fine up to $260).

Both states use extensive public education campaigns, but enforcement remains strict. Officers frequently cite drivers who enter without yielding or who change lanes illegally inside the circle. Washington traffic laws | Oregon traffic laws.

East Coast states: growing roundabout adoption and learning curves

States like Maryland, Virginia, and Massachusetts are rapidly installing roundabouts to replace aging traffic signals. Driver confusion is common, leading to higher violation rates during the transition period:

• Massachusetts: Rotaries (older, larger traffic circles) vs. modern roundabouts. Rotaries often have ambiguous right-of-way; modern roundabouts always give priority to circulating traffic. MassDOT has published specific guidelines to clarify the difference.
• Maryland: Aggressive enforcement in Montgomery and Howard counties, where new roundabouts handle high traffic volumes. Fines for failure to yield average $110–$150.
• Virginia: Growing network in Northern Virginia (Fairfax, Loudoun counties). Police focus on educating drivers through warnings before issuing citations.

Best practices for safe roundabout navigation

Following these defensive driving tips reduces collision risk and citation likelihood:

Approach and entry strategy

• Reduce speed early: Begin slowing 200–300 feet before the roundabout. This gives you time to read signs, assess traffic, and choose the correct lane.
• Scan left continuously: Keep your eyes on the circulating lane to your left. Watch for vehicles, motorcycles, and bicycles that may be difficult to see.
• Commit to your lane choice: Once you select an entry lane, do not change lanes inside the roundabout unless pavement markings explicitly permit it.
• Enter at a consistent speed: Accelerate smoothly to match the flow of circulating traffic (typically 15–25 mph).

Circulating and exiting safely

• Maintain lane position: Stay centered in your lane. Do not drift or "spiral" outward, which cuts off vehicles in the outer lane.
• Signal your exit: Turn on your right signal as you pass the exit before yours.
• Shoulder-check before exiting: Glance right to ensure no vehicle is alongside in the outer lane.
• Watch for pedestrians: Slow down and prepare to yield as you exit across the crosswalk.
• Do not stop inside the circle: If you miss your exit, continue around and take it on the next pass. Stopping inside the roundabout is illegal and extremely dangerous.

Special situations: trucks, cyclists, and emergency vehicles

Large trucks and trailers: Big rigs often need both lanes to navigate small roundabouts. The inner lane may feature a truck apron—a raised or painted area where truck tires can track. If you see a truck entering or circulating, give extra space and do not pull alongside.

Bicycles: Cyclists have the same right-of-way as cars. They may "take the lane" (ride in the center) to avoid being squeezed by merging vehicles. Yield to cyclists already in the roundabout, and do not attempt to pass them inside the circle.

Emergency vehicles: If an emergency vehicle approaches with lights and siren, do not stop inside the roundabout. Continue to your exit, then pull over safely. If you have not yet entered, stop before the yield line and allow the emergency vehicle to pass.

Common roundabout mistakes and how to avoid them

Even experienced drivers make these errors at roundabouts:

Mistake 1: Stopping when the roundabout is clear

Many drivers treat the yield sign as a stop sign, halting completely even when no circulating traffic is present. This unnecessary stop disrupts flow and can cause rear-end collisions. Solution: Approach slowly, scan left, and proceed smoothly if the roundabout is clear.

Mistake 2: Signaling right when entering

Turning on your right signal as you enter confuses other drivers, who may think you are exiting immediately. Solution: Do not signal on entry. Signal only when exiting, as you pass the prior exit.

Mistake 3: Changing lanes inside the circle

Drifting from the inner to outer lane (or vice versa) mid-circle causes sideswipes. Solution: Choose the correct lane before entering and maintain it until you exit. If you miss your exit, go around again.

Mistake 4: Yielding to entering traffic while already in the circle

Some drivers mistakenly stop inside the roundabout to let entering vehicles in. This reverses the correct right-of-way and creates confusion. Solution: If you are already circulating, you have priority. Maintain speed and proceed to your exit. Entering drivers must yield to you.

Mistake 5: Speeding through the roundabout

Roundabouts are designed for low-speed, continuous flow. Excessive speed (above 25 mph) reduces reaction time and increases rollover risk. Solution: Obey posted speed limits (typically 15–25 mph) and adjust for weather, visibility, and traffic density.