Roundabouts and Uncontrolled Intersections

Key points

1. Roundabouts move traffic counterclockwise around a center island with no stop signs or signals.

   Source: Handbook p. 54

   “Roundabouts are intersections that direct traffic in a counterclockwise direction around a center island. They have no stop signs or traffic signals.”
   Iowa Driver's Manual, Handbook p. 54

2. Approaching, slow down and yield to anyone in the crosswalk.

   Source: Handbook p. 54

   “Approach: Slow down to the posted advisory speed and yield to anyone in the crosswalk.”
   Iowa Driver's Manual, Handbook p. 54

3. At the yield line, yield to vehicles in the roundabout, then merge into a gap.

   Source: Handbook p. 54

   “As you approach the yield line markings, yield to vehicles in the roundabout. Wait for a gap in traffic, then merge into traffic in the roundabout in a counterclockwise direction.”
   Iowa Driver's Manual, Handbook p. 54

4. Do not change lanes in a roundabout or drive beside trucks and buses.

   Source: Handbook p. 54

   “Do not change lanes in the roundabout. • Do not pass or drive beside trucks or buses.”
   Iowa Driver's Manual, Handbook p. 54

5. At uncontrolled intersections, every driver must slow down and approach carefully.

   Source: Handbook p. 19

   “At an intersection where there is no stop sign or traffic signal, it’s the responsibility of all drivers to slow down and approach carefully.”
   Iowa Driver's Manual, Handbook p. 19

6. Uncontrolled intersections are more common on gravel roads; slow down and be prepared to stop for oncoming traffic.

   Source: Handbook p. 55

   “Uncontrolled intersections are more common on gravel roads. They are not controlled by yield or stop signs. All drivers should use caution, slow down, and be prepared to stop for oncoming traffic.”
   Iowa Driver's Manual, Handbook p. 55

7. You cannot rely on dust clouds to tell you if crossing vehicles are coming.

   Source: Handbook p. 55

   “you can’t always rely on dust clouds to determine if crossing vehicles are approaching.”
   Iowa Driver's Manual, Handbook p. 55

Recognize these signs

3 questions from the Iowa practice test

1. 1. You are driving through a multi-lane roundabout in Iowa. Which action does the manual tell you not to do?

   1. Change lanes inside the roundabout
   2. Select your lane before reaching the yield line
   3. Signal right after passing the street before your exit
   4. Yield to traffic already in the roundabout when entering
   Show answer

   Change lanes inside the roundabout. In a multi-lane roundabout, Iowa wants lane choices made early. Pick the correct lane from the lane control signs and pavement markings before you reach the yield line, then stay in it; changing lanes inside the circle is on the manual's list of things not to do. Signaling right after passing the street before your exit and yielding to circulating traffic when entering are both required steps, not mistakes. Also avoid passing or driving beside trucks and buses, which may straddle lanes or may not see you.

2. 2. You are stopped at a stop sign and want to cross a rural four-lane road with a median. How does Iowa say to cross?

   1. Cross both directions in one move to avoid stopping in the median
   2. Look right first, then cross both directions together
   3. Look left and enter the median when safe, stop there, then look right and cross when safe
   4. Turn right, then make a U-turn on the shoulder
   Show answer

   Look left and enter the median when safe, stop there, then look right and cross when safe. Iowa treats a divided four-lane road as two separate crossings. After stopping at the stop sign, look left and move into the median when that direction is clear. Then remain stopped in the median, look right, and cross or turn left once the second direction is safe. The handbook says not to try to cross both directions at once just to avoid stopping in the median, because traffic on these roads moves very fast. Longer vehicles such as semis may not be able to stop in a narrow median.

3. 3. At an uncontrolled intersection on a rural gravel road, what should drivers be prepared to do?

   1. Use the shoulder as the normal through lane
   2. Follow a dust cloud without reducing speed
   3. Assume the crossing is clear after one glance
   4. Stop for oncoming traffic
   Show answer

   Stop for oncoming traffic. Rural gravel intersections may have no yield or stop signs, and dust can hide a crossing vehicle. Drivers should slow down and be prepared to stop for oncoming traffic. Following a dust cloud at speed reduces the time available to react, while a single glance cannot prove that the crossing is clear. The shoulder is softer and less stable, not a substitute lane. Approach with reduced speed, look beyond the dust, and keep enough control to stop before entering the other road.

Source: the Iowa Driver's Manual, Chapter 5: Roundabouts and Rural Roads. 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.