Roundabouts, Traffic Circles and U-Turns

Key points

1. Entering traffic must yield to circulating traffic; each approach has a yield sign.

   Source: Handbook p. 37

   “Entering traffic must yield the right-of-way to circulating traffic. Each road approaching them is marked with a yield sign”
   Connecticut Driver's Manual, Handbook p. 37

2. Drivers entering a traffic circle or rotary must yield to drivers already in it.

   Source: Handbook p. 36

   “Drivers entering a traffic circle or rotary must yield to drivers already in the circle.”
   Connecticut Driver's Manual, Handbook p. 36

3. Slow down on approach and yield to traffic in the roundabout and pedestrians in the crosswalk.

   Source: Handbook p. 37

   “When approaching a roundabout, slow down. You must yield to traffic already in the roundabout and to any pedestrians in the crosswalk.”
   Connecticut Driver's Manual, Handbook p. 37

4. In a multi lane roundabout, follow signs and lane controls to choose your lane.

   Source: Handbook p. 37

   “follow the posted signs and lane-use controls to choose the proper lane for your intended movement.”
   Connecticut Driver's Manual, Handbook p. 37

5. Enter at a sufficient gap and signal right just before your exit.

   Source: Handbook p. 37

   “Enter the roundabout when there is a sufficient gap in traffic, use your right turn signal when you are about to reach your intended exit point”
   Connecticut Driver's Manual, Handbook p. 37

6. Do not stop inside the roundabout to let other traffic in.

   Source: Handbook p. 37

   “Do not stop within the roundabout to allow traffic to enter the roundabout from another leg.”
   Connecticut Driver's Manual, Handbook p. 37

7. U turns are not legal everywhere, and never on an expressway.

   Source: Handbook p. 37

   “U-turns are not legal everywhere. So before you make a U-turn, check for signs prohibiting them. Never make a U-turn on an expressway.”
   Connecticut Driver's Manual, Handbook p. 37

Recognize these signs

3 questions from the Connecticut practice test

1. 1. Before entering a roundabout, to whom must an entering driver yield?

   1. No one when entering from the right
   2. Only traffic approaching from the left
   3. Vehicles waiting behind the entrance
   4. Traffic already circulating in the roundabout
   Show answer

   Traffic already circulating in the roundabout. Entering traffic yields to vehicles already circulating in the roundabout. The entering driver should slow, assess the circulating lane, and wait for a sufficient gap. The direction of approach does not cancel the yield, and vehicles behind the entrance do not control the conflict. Once inside, do not stop simply to let another vehicle enter. Think of the circle as already occupied space that must be joined without interrupting its flow.

2. 2. Which signal should you use as you approach your intended roundabout exit?

   1. Your right turn signal
   2. Your left turn signal
   3. Both emergency flashers
   4. No signal until after leaving the circle
   Show answer

   Your right turn signal. Indicate a roundabout departure with the right turn signal as the intended exit approaches. This lets nearby drivers understand which exit you will take. A left signal suggests a different movement, while emergency flashers do not identify a planned turn. After selecting the exit, continue checking for pedestrians on the exiting leg and yield to them. The signal communicates your plan; it does not remove the need to check the crossing before leaving the circle.

3. 3. While circulating in a roundabout, should you stop to invite waiting traffic to enter?

   1. No, continue around rather than stopping to admit entering traffic
   2. Yes, alternate one circulating car with one entering car
   3. Yes, whenever the waiting vehicle signals
   4. Yes, at every entrance even if no vehicle is waiting
   Show answer

   No, continue around rather than stopping to admit entering traffic. Traffic already in the circular roadway should keep moving instead of stopping to invite a vehicle in from another leg. An unnecessary stop interrupts the flow and can surprise a following driver. Alternating with entering cars may seem polite, but the manual says not to stop for that purpose. Continue toward your exit while staying alert to the roadway ahead. This instruction concerns stopping merely to admit entering vehicles; it does not mean ignoring a person or hazard in your path.

Source: the Connecticut Driver's Manual, Road Safety: Roundabouts and U-Turns. This lesson is a plain English summary, not the law itself; where it differs, the manual and the statute govern. Last checked 2026-09-27.