Family in vehicle

How do you use a roundabout?

How to drive in a roundabout 

Traffic takes forever to get through. Regular intersections may seem simple, but there are always issues and a lot of confusion. Roundabouts are a way of making the mess of traffic more maneuverable and less static. Some people feel confused about roundabouts since they are a newer type of intersection. That is why we have come up with ways on how to drive in a roundabout.


READ MORE: Basic Maintenance Tips


Design and Purpose 

The purpose of a roundabout is to make traffic more fluid and less staggered. This allows traffic to not stand still for very long because the cars are only waiting for a gap between cars instead of a stoplight. Roundabouts generally have two lanes so drivers can enter and exit easily while allowing traffic to move faster. Now that you know a little more about the roundabout itself, let’s talk about what to do when you’re at one. 

2017 BMW X5 exterior view of front in black
2017 BMW B3 exterior view of front and left side in blue

Rules and Tips 

When you approach a roundabout, there are some things you should keep in mind. Decide which lane you need to get into. The left lane is for going forward or exiting through the left side or if you need to take a U-turn, you should stay in the left lane until your exit. The right lane is for exiting on the right side or going forward. You do not need to stop at a roundabout, but if a car is approaching the lane you are about to enter, you’ll need to stop. If there is no car, you just have to slow down. You also don’t have to go all the way around to exit the roundabout, just take the most expedient route possible.


READ MORE: Where can I get Coffee near Astoria?


After reading this, you can better understand how to drive in a roundabout. If you are looking for a vehicle, check out our online inventory and schedule a test drive with Hillside Auto Mall.