Roundabouts are popping up more and more these days. Look no further than Green Bay!
Roundabouts help keep traffic moving and reduce severe crashes, but they can feel new if you don’t use them every day. If you know how to drive in a roundabout—slow down, choose the correct lane, yield to circulating traffic, and signal as you exit—you will move through with confidence on Wisconsin roads.
Understanding roundabouts
A roundabout is a circular intersection where traffic flows counterclockwise around a center island. Drivers entering must yield to vehicles already in the circle. This design promotes steady speeds and fewer conflict points, which lowers the risk of right-angle and head-on collisions.
Modern roundabouts are not the same as old traffic circles. They are smaller, slower, and use yield-on-entry. Typical speeds range from 15 to 25 mph, which improves safety and keeps delays short—even during busy commutes or winter weather.
Approaching a roundabout
- Watch for advance signs, lane-use arrows, and pedestrian crossings before the entry.
- Reduce speed early and prepare to yield to traffic approaching from your left that is already circulating.
- Scan for pedestrians in crosswalks and cyclists in the road or nearby bike lanes. Stop before the crosswalk when people are waiting and proceed when clear.
If you miss your exit, keep circulating and take another loop rather than stopping or changing lanes suddenly. On snowy or icy days, make gentle speed and steering adjustments.
Navigating through a roundabout
Select your lane before you enter based on where you intend to exit. In single-lane designs, everyone shares the same lane. In multi-lane roundabouts, signs and pavement markings show which lane serves right turns, through movements, left turns, and U-turns. Following these two-lane roundabout rules help prevent last-second moves.
- Maintain a steady, slow speed—generally 15 to 25 mph—and do not pass inside the circle.
- Stay in your lane and avoid stopping unless needed to prevent a collision.
- Signal right as you approach your exit, continue signaling through the exit, then cancel once you leave.
Handling special situations
Emergency vehicles: If lights and sirens approach before you enter, pull to the right and stop. If you are already inside, continue to your exit, then pull to the right and stop. Don’t stop in the circle.
Large vehicles: Trucks and buses may straddle lanes. Give them space and never drive beside them in the roundabout. The truck apron near the center is designed for large vehicles, not passenger cars.
Two-lane tips: Choose the correct lane before entering and remain there while circulating. Yield to all circulating lanes and check blind spots. When exiting from the left lane, ensure the right lane is clear. These two-lane roundabout rules reflect the two-lane roundabout right of way, where drivers entering must yield to vehicles already in the circle and to pedestrians in crosswalks.
Quick reference: Do’s and don’ts
Do: Slow down, yield to circulating traffic on your left, and enter when there is a safe gap.
Don’t: Force your way in or stop inside the roundabout.
Do: Pick the correct lane before entering and follow signs and arrows.
Don’t: Change lanes while circulating.
Do: Signal right as you exit and watch for pedestrians and cyclists.
Don’t: Skip signaling or make sudden last-second exits.
Do: Respect the two-lane roundabout right of way and give trucks extra space.
Don’t: Drive beside large vehicles or block crosswalks.
Knowing how to drive in a roundabout comes down to patience and communication. Follow posted guidance, rely on the core roundabout rules, and remember that clear signals and steady speeds help everyone get where they are going safely.
This will all come in handy for your next trip to Lambeau Field!
Roundabout or not, accidents can happen anytime and anywhere. Connect with a local Rural Mutual agent to make sure you’re protected should the unexpected happen.
