Roundabouts and traffic circles

Key points

1. In a roundabout, traffic yields to the circulating traffic.

   Source: Handbook p. 37

   “In a roundabout, traffic yields to the circulation traffic.”
   Louisiana Class D and E Driver's Guide, Handbook p. 37

2. Speeds of 15 mph or less are adequate inside a roundabout.

   Source: Handbook p. 37

   “Slow down: Speeds of 15 mph or less are adequate in the roundabout.”
   Louisiana Class D and E Driver's Guide, Handbook p. 37

3. Vehicles must yield to the left before entering a roundabout.

   Source: Handbook p. 37

   “Yield: Vehicles must yield to the left before entering a roundabout.”
   Louisiana Class D and E Driver's Guide, Handbook p. 37

4. Never stop once inside. The vehicle in the roundabout has the right of way.

   Source: Handbook p. 37

   “Don't Stop: Never stop once inside the roundabout. The vehicle in the roundabout has the right of way.”
   Louisiana Class D and E Driver's Guide, Handbook p. 37

5. To enter the sharp curve of a roundabout, slow to about 15 to 20 mph.

   Source: Handbook p. 91

   “When entering the roundabout or traffic circle you must negotiate a sharp curve. Slow your speed to about 15 to 20 mph.”
   Louisiana Class D and E Driver's Guide, Handbook p. 91

6. In a multi lane roundabout, do not change lanes or pass.

   Source: Handbook p. 91

   “make sure you know where you want to go and are in the proper lane before entering and do not change lanes or pass any vehicles.”
   Louisiana Class D and E Driver's Guide, Handbook p. 91

7. To turn right, signal right while approaching and until you exit.

   Source: Handbook p. 92

   “If you intend to turn right, signal "right" while approaching and until you have exited the traffic circle or roundabout.”
   Louisiana Class D and E Driver's Guide, Handbook p. 92

8. Do not drive alongside large trucks and buses in a roundabout.

   Source: Handbook p. 92

   “Do not drive alongside large vehicles, such as trucks and buses in a traffic circle or roundabout.”
   Louisiana Class D and E Driver's Guide, Handbook p. 92

Numbers to know

Recognize these signs

3 questions from the Louisiana practice test

1. 1. Before entering a Louisiana roundabout, to which direction must a vehicle yield?

   1. To no direction if signaling
   2. To the right
   3. Only to vehicles behind it
   4. To the left
   Show answer

   To the left. Vehicles entering a roundabout must yield to the left, where circulating traffic approaches. A driver does not gain priority by signaling, and traffic behind the entering vehicle is not the conflict described by this rule. Yielding to the right reverses the guide's instruction and can put the entering vehicle across the path of circulating traffic. Remember the sequence: slow down, look left, yield, and enter only when the circulation lane is clear.

2. 2. How fast should a driver generally travel inside a Louisiana roundabout?

   1. The posted highway speed
   2. 35 mph or less
   3. 15 mph or less
   4. At least 25 mph
   Show answer

   15 mph or less. The guide says speeds of 15 mph or less are adequate inside a roundabout. The 35 mph option is associated with a different speed rule in the manual, not the circular intersection. Using the ordinary highway limit would ignore the tight geometry and conflict points of the roundabout, while a minimum speed is not required. The cue is the word inside: reduce speed before entering and maintain a slow pace through the circle.

3. 3. What action is prohibited once a driver is inside a roundabout?

   1. Stop in the circle to choose an exit
   2. Continue without stopping until taking the exit
   3. Reverse if the desired exit is missed
   4. Change lanes repeatedly inside the circle
   Show answer

   Stop in the circle to choose an exit. A driver must never stop after entering a roundabout. Keep moving with circulating traffic, follow the signs, and take the appropriate exit when it is safe. Stopping in the circle can block vehicles that have the right of way and create a conflict behind you. Missing an exit is not a reason to reverse or stop; continue around and use another route. The practical cue is to choose the lane and destination before entering, then maintain a controlled speed until the exit is available.

Source: the Louisiana Class D and E Driver's Guide, Chapters 3 and 6: Roundabouts and Traffic Circles. 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.