Roundabouts

Key points

1. Entering traffic must yield to traffic circulating in the roundabout.

   Source: Handbook p. 44

   “Entering traffic must yield the right-of-way to the traffic circulating within the roundabout.”
   Nevada Driver's Handbook, Handbook p. 44

2. All traffic moves one direction, counterclockwise.

   Source: Handbook p. 44

   “All traffic moves in ONE DIRECTION around the roundabout COUNTERCLOCKWISE.”
   Nevada Driver's Handbook, Handbook p. 44

3. Use the left lane to turn left, U-turn or go straight; the right lane to turn right or go straight.

   Source: Handbook p. 44

   “Use the left lane to turn left, complete a U-turn, or to go straight. Use the right lane to turn right or to go straight.”
   Nevada Driver's Handbook, Handbook p. 44

4. Those in the roundabout have the right of way; yield and wait for a gap.

   Source: Handbook p. 44

   “Yield. Those in the roundabout have the right-of-way. Wait for a gap in the traffic.”
   Nevada Driver's Handbook, Handbook p. 44

5. Use your right turn signal when exiting.

   Source: Handbook p. 44

   “Use your right turn signal when exiting.”
   Nevada Driver's Handbook, Handbook p. 44

6. Only large trucks and trailers may use the truck apron; cars should not.

   Source: Handbook p. 44

   “Cars should not use the truck apron.”
   Nevada Driver's Handbook, Handbook p. 44

7. Pedestrians must stay in crosswalks and never cross to the center island.

   Source: Handbook p. 44

   “Always stay in the designated crosswalks. 2. Never cross to the central island.”
   Nevada Driver's Handbook, Handbook p. 44

Recognize these signs

3 questions from the Nevada practice test

1. 1. What is the purpose of a Nevada roundabout?

   1. To control vehicle right-of-way through an intersection
   2. To replace every roadway speed limit
   3. To create a place for vehicles to park
   4. To allow traffic to travel in opposing directions through one circle
   Show answer

   To control vehicle right-of-way through an intersection. A roundabout is a circular intersection area designed to control vehicle right-of-way without traffic signals. Traffic entering must yield to vehicles already circulating, then join the circle only after finding a safe gap. The parking choice mistakes the central area for a stopping place, while opposing-direction travel would conflict with the circle's established counterclockwise flow. Slow on approach, identify the lane for the intended exit, and use the right turn signal when leaving. The central island and continuous circulation are the cues that distinguish this intersection design from a conventional signalized junction.

2. 2. You are entering a Nevada roundabout. Which traffic has priority?

   1. Vehicles entering from the right
   2. Vehicles already circulating in the roundabout
   3. The vehicle that reaches the entry first
   4. The largest vehicle in the circle
   Show answer

   Vehicles already circulating in the roundabout. Entering drivers must yield to traffic already circulating inside the roundabout. That means waiting for a usable gap before entering, even when the approach lane is clear. Choosing the vehicle that arrives first applies to some other intersection situations, but it is not the roundabout rule. Once inside, travel with the established flow and use the right turn signal when leaving. The practical cue is the yield decision at the entry line: circulating traffic keeps moving, while the entering driver adjusts speed or waits until the circle can be joined safely.

3. 3. Who may use the raised truck apron around the center island of a roundabout?

   1. Bicyclists whenever the roundabout has two entry lanes
   2. Any passenger car that wants to shorten the circulating path
   3. Large commercial trucks and trailers negotiating a tight turning radius
   4. Pedestrians crossing between the entry and exit points
   Show answer

   Large commercial trucks and trailers negotiating a tight turning radius. The truck apron exists for large commercial trucks and trailers whose rear wheels need additional room to negotiate a tight turn around the center island. Passenger cars should remain on the circulatory roadway, so using the apron to shorten a route is improper. It is not a general bicycle or pedestrian path. Drivers in a car should choose the marked entry lane, yield to circulating traffic, and continue counterclockwise without climbing the raised pavement. The visual cue is simple: the apron is truck turning space, not an extra passenger-car lane.

Source: the Nevada Driver's Handbook, Chapter 3: Roundabouts. 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.