Roundabouts and school buses

Key points

1. Choose your lane before entering a roundabout by watching the signs and pavement markings.

   Source: Handbook p. 27

   “Prior to entering the roundabout, pay close attention to the signs indicating exits and lane uses, along with pavement markings.”
   New Hampshire Driver's Manual, Handbook p. 27

2. Yield to traffic in both lanes of the roundabout and enter when there is a gap.

   Source: Handbook p. 27

   “Yield to the traffic in both lanes in the roundabout. When there is an appropriate gap in traffic, enter the roundabout.”
   New Hampshire Driver's Manual, Handbook p. 27

3. Do not drive beside or pass other vehicles in a roundabout; large trucks may need to straddle both lanes.

   Source: Handbook p. 27

   “Do not drive beside or attempt to overtake or pass any vehicles. Large trucks and trailers within the roundabout may need to straddle both lanes.”
   New Hampshire Driver's Manual, Handbook p. 27

4. If an emergency vehicle comes, never stop inside the roundabout; exit, pull right and let it pass.

   Source: Handbook p. 27

   “Never stop while inside the roundabout. Instead, move through and exit the roundabout, pull over to the right and allow emergency vehicles to pass.”
   New Hampshire Driver's Manual, Handbook p. 27

5. Stop at least 25 feet in any direction from a school bus with red lights flashing or stop arm out, unless a physical barrier divides the road.

   Source: Handbook p. 27

   “Drivers must stop at least 25-feet in any direction for a school bus that is stopped with its red lights flashing and/or the stop arm extended at all times unless the roadway is separated by a physical barrier.”
   New Hampshire Driver's Manual, Handbook p. 27

6. Stay stopped until the bus moves or its red lights stop flashing, then proceed slowly.

   Source: Handbook p. 27

   “Drivers shall remain stopped until the school bus resumes motion or until the flashing red lights cease to operate. Proceed slowly while always watching for children.”
   New Hampshire Driver's Manual, Handbook p. 27

Numbers to know

Recognize these signs

3 questions from the New Hampshire practice test

1. 1. When entering a multi-lane roundabout in New Hampshire, to which traffic must you yield?

   1. Traffic in both lanes of the roundabout
   2. Only traffic in the outside lane
   3. No one, entering traffic has priority
   4. Only traffic in the inside lane
   Show answer

   Traffic in both lanes of the roundabout. Multi-lane roundabout tips start with lane choice, using the signs and pavement markings to pick the lane for your exit before entering. Then yield to the traffic in both lanes in the roundabout and enter when there is an appropriate gap. Once inside, maintain lane position and avoid lane changes, and do not drive beside or try to pass any vehicle, since large trucks and trailers may need to straddle both lanes. Entering traffic never has priority.

2. 2. How far from a stopped New Hampshire school bus with flashing red lights must drivers stop?

   1. At least 100 feet
   2. At least 10 feet
   3. At least 50 feet
   4. At least 25 feet in any direction
   Show answer

   At least 25 feet in any direction. Drivers must stop at least 25 feet in any direction for a school bus that is stopped with its red lights flashing or its stop arm extended, at all times, unless the roadway is separated by a physical barrier. Ten feet is too close, and 50 and 100 feet are larger than the law requires. Remain stopped until the bus resumes motion or the flashing red lights cease to operate, then proceed slowly while always watching for children.

3. 3. When may a New Hampshire driver proceed after stopping for a school bus with its red lights flashing?

   1. As soon as no children are visible
   2. After counting five seconds
   3. When the bus resumes motion or the flashing red lights cease to operate
   4. When the driver behind honks
   Show answer

   When the bus resumes motion or the flashing red lights cease to operate. Drivers shall remain stopped until the school bus resumes motion or until the flashing red lights cease to operate, and then proceed slowly while always watching for children. Not seeing a child is no proof that one is not about to step out from in front of the bus, and no count or honk changes the rule. The stop must be at least 25 feet from the bus in any direction, unless a physical barrier separates the roadway.

Source: the New Hampshire Driver's Manual, Section 7: General Driving and Parking. 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.