Roundabouts — Alabama Permit Test

Traffic in a roundabout flows one way, counterclockwise, around a central island, which means fewer conflict points than a standard intersection.

With everyone going the same way, cars never cross head on or turn across each other.

By keeping traffic moving one-way in a counterclockwise direction, there are fewer conflict points and traffic flows smoothly.

Before entering a roundabout, slow down, yield to pedestrians and bicyclists, and yield to traffic on your left already in the roundabout; enter when there is a safe gap.

Traffic already circling has the right of way, so you join it rather than cut in.

Yield to traffic on your left already in the roundabout.

Never make a left turn to enter a roundabout; when there is a safe gap, turn right to enter.

Turning left into it would send you the wrong way around the circle.

Never make a left turn to enter a roundabout; when there’s a safe gap in the traffic, turn to the right to enter the roundabout.

Once in a roundabout, do not stop unless it is the only way to avoid a crash or other danger.

Stopping in the circle surprises the cars behind you, which expect traffic to keep moving.

Once in a roundabout, do not stop unless it is the only way to avoid a crash or other danger.

If you miss your exit in a roundabout, drive around again to your exit; never back up in a roundabout.

Going around again costs a few seconds, while backing up puts you against moving traffic.

If you miss your exit, drive around the roundabout again to your exit.

If an emergency vehicle comes and you have not entered the roundabout, pull over and let it pass; if you are in the roundabout, continue to your exit, then pull over.

Stopping inside the circle would block the emergency vehicle's way through.

If you have entered the roundabout, continue to your exit, then pull over and allow emergency vehicles to pass.

A truck apron is a paved area on the inside of a roundabout for the rear wheels of large trucks to use when turning; it is not intended for cars, pickup trucks or SUVs.

Long trucks need the extra room to turn, and a car on the apron would be in their way.

A truck apron is a paved area on the inside of the roundabout for the rear wheels of large trucks to use when turning.

In a two-lane roundabout, the left lane is for left turns, U-turns or through traffic and the right lane for right turns or through traffic; choose your lane before entering and yield to all traffic in both lanes.

Picking the right lane before you enter means you never have to cross another car to reach your exit.

Choose your lane and yield to all traffic in both lanes before entering roundabout!

Which way does traffic move in a roundabout?

Counterclockwise. With everyone going the same way, cars never cross head on or turn across each other. Alabama Driver Manual, p.57: “By keeping traffic moving one-way in a counterclockwise direction, there are fewer conflict points and traffic flows smoothly.”