What You Must Know about Turning Left in a Roundabout
How Do You Make a Left Turn in a Roundabout?
New drivers often need experience before they feel comfortable driving in a roundabout or traffic circle. Most prefer traffic signals and stop signs where crossing traffic stops and yields. They only favor roundabouts once they realize that roundabouts allow them through the intersection without unnecessary stops.
But even with experience, novice drivers sometimes need clarifications on how to drive in multilane roundabouts, especially on making proper left turns.
Here is what you should know about turning left in a roundabout or traffic circle.
Be Aware of Signs and Pavement Markings
As you approach a multilane roundabout, look for signs to guide you.
There is usually a yellow warning sign ahead of the roundabout. Sometimes, it has an advisory speed plaque to remind you to slow down.
Typically, there is also a warning sign to alert you to a pedestrian crossing.
Pavement markings and regulatory lane signs help you to choose the correct lane before entering the roundabout.
Enter in the Correct Lane
You choose your lane in a multilane roundabout like in a traditional multilane intersection. Use the left lane for a left turn, the right lane for a right turn, and either lane when you go straight unless signs and markings tell you otherwise.
Signal and move to the left lane well ahead of the intersection for a left turn. Slow down to a proper speed.
Close to the roundabout, you must look for pedestrians in the crosswalk and traffic already in the roundabout.
Be prepared to stop and yield.
If the way is clear, you may enter the roundabout without stopping.
Stay in the Left Lane
Stay in the left lane when you enter. Follow the center of the circle three-quarters of the way or until you reach your exit.
Turn on your right turn signal when your exit is the next one.
You must continue in the same lane as you entered. Look to your right to make sure no vehicles from the outside lane will cross your path. Many accidents happen because the exiting vehicle changes lanes or fails to signal.
Exit from the Inner Lane
Experts recommend that you exit from the same lane you entered and wait to change lanes until you have left the roundabout.
Be aware of pedestrians that may cross the street you enter.
More Information
Washington State Department of Transportation (WSDOT) has excellent information on How to drive in a roundabout
State Practice Tests
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Any driver waiting to enter or following behind you inside the roundabout will assume that you intend to remain in the roundabout until you use your turn signal! They don’t know that you are “just continuing through”.
In other words, your turn signal tells everyone that you are about to exit the roundabout. Your exit from the roundabout is a right-hand maneuver.
Left lane is “the inside lane”, right lane is “the outside lane”. You enter and exit in the same lane. You should avoid changing lanes inside a roundabout.
When you exit from the inside (left) lane you should watch for vehicles that could cross your path.
I’m kind of confused with the right turn signal and the exit, which are the exits and why do we use the right signal when we aren’t turning right, were just continuing through? why and when do we signal and which lane is considered the left and right lane when exiting the round about?