Rules for Single Lane Roundabouts

In multi-lane roundabouts, large vehicles can cross both lanes to turn. Since the rear of the vehicle or trailer is likely to veer from one lane to the other lane when turning, other drivers should never drive alongside large vehicles in a roundabout. As soon as you see a space in traffic, enter the circle and head towards your exit. Make sure you stay in your lane when crossing the roundabout, look for pedestrians and turn your turn signal before exiting. Controlled roundabouts are equipped with signage at all entrances to the intersection, reminding drivers to yield to traffic already in the roundabout. Yield signs can be supplemented with compliance markings. Note: Even if you don`t see a YIELD sign, you will still have to yield to pedestrians and roundabout traffic. Depending on the size and type of road, the vehicle and/or its trailer may use specially designed truck aprons – elevated sections of road around the centre island that serve as a temporary lane for large vehicles. The rear wheels of the large vehicle can roll on the tarmac due to the curb, so the rear of the vehicle or trailer deviates from the track and successfully completes the curve. The truck deck is raised and often has a different colour or material than the pavement to avoid use by smaller vehicles and to emphasize that it is not a normal lane.

Give in to traffic already at the roundabout, wait for a gap and enter by car. We have to get on the right track. Learn about roundabouts, including driving as a pedestrian, cyclist or driver. After driving roundabouts, the number of people who prefer them doubles. An Insurance Institute for Highway Safety (IIHS) survey of drivers` opinions on roundabouts before and after construction illustrates public opinion. Before construction, the number of supporters of roundabouts was only 31 percent, and those who strongly opposed them were 41 percent. After driving, this percentage rose to 63% for and only 15% strongly against. In a multi-lane roundabout, you will see two signs approaching the intersection: the same yellow «front roundabout» warning sign and the same speed signs used for single-lane roundabouts, as well as a black and white «lane selection» sign. This second sign is designed to help you choose the appropriate lane for the direction in which you want to leave the roundabout. Modern roundabouts (right) are designed for vehicles of all sizes, including emergency vehicles, buses and truck-trailer combinations.

In a modern roundabout, drivers enter the intersection in a gentle curve. When entering traffic, motorists yield at the roundabout, then enter the intersection and exit by the road of their choice. Unlike single-lane roundabouts, motorists must do without two lanes in a multi-lane roundabout. If you want to turn right, stay in the far right lane and wait for approaching cars to pass before entering the roundabout. Modern roundabouts are designed to be safer for pedestrians or mobility aids than conventional intersections. Vehicles move slower at roundabouts — typically 15 to 20 miles per hour (MPH). The graphs below show which curves can be made from each lane in a typical multi-lane roundabout. The yellow arrows indicate the movements that can be made from the right lane, and the green arrows indicate the movements that can be made from the left lane. The central island of many roundabouts includes a truck deck (top), a raised piece of concrete that serves as an additional lane for large vehicles. The rear wheels of the oversized vehicle can mount on the truck tarmac, allowing the truck to easily complete the curve, while the increased concrete content discourages small vehicles from using it.

Signage at an upcoming multi-lane roundabout resembles a yellow «Roundabout forward» sign and a black and white lane selection sign. Drivers must decide which lane they want to use before approaching a roundabout. In addition to the central island, roundabouts also have triangular islands designed to slow down and direct traffic. The islands also offer a refuge for pedestrians. This means that pedestrians can cross one direction of traffic at a time and have a safe place to wait before crossing another direction of traffic. You choose your lane in a multi-lane roundabout in the same way as in a conventional multi-lane intersection. To go straight or turn right, you will usually use the right lane. To go straight or turn left, you must use the left lane.

Usually, you can also turn around from the left lane. While these types of roundabouts have multiple lanes, you`re still not allowed to pass other drivers who are moving slower or aren`t familiar with roundabout rules. Also be extremely careful when driving alongside semi-trailers and other oversized vehicles, as they have a large turning radius. Stay a little behind large vehicles in the lane next to you to avoid being wiped sideways. Multi-lane roundabouts often have at least three possible exits. If you want to turn left or turn around, stay in the left lane. If you want to turn right, stay in the right lane. You can continue straight from both lanes. The rules that determine the right-of-way at a roundabout are very simple: you know a single-lane roundabout is coming when you see a yellow sign with circular arrows and a speed limit. Most roundabouts have a speed limit of 15 to 20 miles per hour. Roundabouts have reduced injury accidents by 75 percent at intersections where stop signs or traffic lights were previously used for traffic control, according to a study by the Insurance Institute for Highway Safety (IIHS).

Studies conducted by the IIHS and the Federal Highway Administration (FHWA) have shown that roundabouts generally achieve the following objectives: Roundabouts are designed to make intersections safer and more efficient for motorists, pedestrians and cyclists. There are two basic types of roundabouts: single lane and multi-lane. Cyclists can choose to cross the roundabout with traffic or walk through pedestrian crossings, as in a traditional intersection. Like motorists, cyclists must follow the rules of the roundabout when crossing the intersection. Cyclists who choose to walk by bike may find that some roundabouts have a sidewalk ramp that makes it easier for bikes to move from the roadway to the sidewalk. There are a few important points to remember when driving through roundabouts: The most frequently cited reasons for this concern were fear of the unknown. People initially prefer traffic lights and stop signs, until they find that roundabouts allow them to cross the intersection safely without having to stop. Other security issues and possibly confusion about where to go also dissipate with use. Most roundabouts are preceded by a ROUNDABOUT AHEAD warning sign (also known as a CIRCULAR INTERSECTION sign).

The sign may be accompanied by an additional ADVICE SPEED sign informing you of the recommended speed at this intersection. Most roundabouts are designed for speeds that do not exceed 15-20 miles per hour. Zebra crosswalks (in brown and white above) are further away from vehicular traffic, giving drivers more time to respond to people on the road before entering or exiting the roundabout.