What Are the Rules for Traffic Circles?

[BryceFitz]

Vehicles preparing to enter the circular intersection must yield to vehicles already within the intersection. Below are the relevant details: 1. Roundabout: Also known as a rotary or traffic circle, it is a special form of traffic node, belonging to a type of at-grade road intersection, commonly referred to as a roundabout or traffic circle. A roundabout consists of a circular roadway and a central island. This setup requires all incoming traffic from any direction to enter the circle and proceed in a single direction around the central island until they exit in their desired direction. 2. Article 51 stipulates: When motor vehicles pass through signal-controlled intersections, those preparing to enter the roundabout must yield to vehicles already within the intersection. In the event of an accident, the driver of the vehicle entering the roundabout bears full responsibility for the accident.

[NicoleLynn]

The rules for roundabouts are quite simple, and I often chat about them with friends while driving. Before entering a roundabout, you must slow down and check if any vehicles inside are approaching. If there’s already a car inside, just stop and wait for it to pass—don’t rush in. Once inside, use your turn signals according to your direction—signal left if you’re turning left or going straight, and signal right when preparing to exit to alert the cars behind you. Avoid stopping or changing lanes inside the roundabout unless it’s an emergency. Following these basic principles helps prevent collisions and improves intersection efficiency. I’ve seen many experienced drivers do this, and in cities with lots of roundabouts, like during rush hours, traffic flows more smoothly. A common mistake among beginners is rushing in without yielding, which leads to gridlock or rear-end collisions—just practice a few times to get used to it. Safety comes first; following the rules not only saves time but also reduces the risk of fines. The steadier you drive, the more at ease you’ll feel.

[Ribeiro]

I pass through several traffic circles every day on my way to work and have gained some experience. The basic rules are: slow down and observe left and right before entering the circle to see if vehicles inside are moving. If there are cars in the circle, you must stop and wait for them to pass before entering; if it's empty, proceed directly. Once inside, use the left turn signal if going straight or turning, and use the right turn signal when exiting to let other drivers know. Avoid sudden braking or lane changes inside the circle—maintaining a steady speed is safest. Traffic circles are designed to keep traffic flowing smoothly, and during peak hours, I save a lot of time by avoiding traffic lights. Common issues include drivers going too slowly and blocking exits, or beginners forgetting to signal and getting honked at. These simple practices are easy to pick up, and sticking to them reduces accidents. I’ve also reminded my family to practice speed control in the neighborhood circle to get a feel for it.

[Roxanne]

When I first started learning to drive, I encountered a traffic roundabout and was a bit confused but eventually understood the rules. Slow down and look around before entering the roundabout—if there's a car inside, don't rush in; wait until it passes before moving. Once inside, use your turn signals—left signal for turning left or going straight, and right signal when exiting. Don't stop during the process unless safety requires it. The advantage of roundabouts is that they reduce stopping time and have a high safety pass rate. I once made the mistake of waiting too long at the entrance and got honked at from behind, but after a few more tries, I handled it with ease. Now, I drive more relaxed.

[LeCalvin]

Living in the city center, I observe traffic roundabouts every day. The core rules are two: yield to vehicles inside before entering, wait for a gap to merge in; use turn signals to exit in the corresponding direction once inside. Avoid sudden braking to disrupt traffic flow, maintain speed to coordinate with other vehicles. These rules are not only crucial for drivers but also help pedestrians cross safely. I've observed nearby intersections—accidents decreased by half after following these rules, making the community more harmonious. I recommend beginners to study online images and videos before driving.