Turns, U turns and roundabouts

Key points

1. Roundabouts keep traffic moving one way in a counterclockwise direction.

   Source: Handbook p. 39

   “By keeping traffic moving one-way in a counterclockwise direction, there are fewer conflict points and traffic flows more smoothly.”
   South Dakota Driver License Manual, Handbook p. 39

2. Roundabouts reduce fatal crashes about 90%, injury crashes about 75% and all crashes about 35%.

   Source: Handbook p. 39

   “Crash statistics show that roundabouts reduce fatal crashes about 90%, reduce injury crashes about 75%, and reduce overall crashes about 35%”
   South Dakota Driver License Manual, Handbook p. 39

3. In a roundabout, yield to traffic on your left already in the circle.

   Source: Handbook p. 40

   “Yield to traffic on your left already in the roundabout”
   South Dakota Driver License Manual, Handbook p. 40

4. Enter only when there is a safe gap, keep speed low, and signal right as you approach your exit.

   Source: Handbook p. 40

   “Enter the roundabout when there is a safe gap in traffic 5. Keep your speed low within the roundabout 6. As you approach the exit, turn on your right turn signal”
   South Dakota Driver License Manual, Handbook p. 40

5. In a multi lane roundabout, check the signs and arrows to pick your lane before entering.

   Source: Handbook p. 40

   “As you get closer to the roundabout entrance, it is very important to observe the signs and arrows to determine which lane to use before entering a roundabout.”
   South Dakota Driver License Manual, Handbook p. 40

6. Truck aprons are for the rear wheels of large trucks, not cars, SUVs or pickups.

   Source: Handbook p. 39

   “for the rear wheels of large trucks to use when turning, sometimes referred to as off-tracking. Truck aprons are not to be used by cars, SUVs, or pickup trucks.”
   South Dakota Driver License Manual, Handbook p. 39

7. Do not make a U turn on a curve or hill where other drivers cannot see you within 500 feet.

   Source: Handbook p. 39

   “Upon a curve or upon the approach to or near the crest of a grade on any undivided highway where the vehicle cannot be seen by the driver of any other vehicle with 500 feet approaching from any direction.”
   South Dakota Driver License Manual, Handbook p. 39

8. Turn right from the right most part of the lane. When turning left, yield to oncoming traffic and turn from the left most part.

   Source: Handbook p. 38

   “Always turn right from the right-most portion of the lane. Left turns When making a left turn, yield to oncoming traffic. Always turn left from the left-most portion of the lane.”
   South Dakota Driver License Manual, Handbook p. 38

Numbers to know

3 questions from the South Dakota practice test

1. 1. In which direction does traffic move through a South Dakota roundabout?

   1. One-way clockwise
   2. One-way counterclockwise
   3. Two-way around the center island
   4. Any direction marked by the nearest driver
   Show answer

   One-way counterclockwise. South Dakota describes roundabout traffic as moving one way in a counterclockwise direction. Calling it two-way misunderstands the design and would place vehicles into conflict points. The cue is the central island and yield-at-entry pattern; enter to the right, circulate counterclockwise, then signal right as you approach your exit. Lane arrows before the circle help you choose the proper lane for your exit before you enter.

2. 2. When approaching a South Dakota roundabout with two or more lanes, what does the manual say is very important to do before entering?

   1. Stop completely at the entrance
   2. Move to the inside lane in every case
   3. Observe the signs and arrows to determine which lane to use
   4. Turn on the hazard lights
   Show answer

   Observe the signs and arrows to determine which lane to use. As you get closer to a multi-lane roundabout entrance, the manual says it is very important to observe the signs and arrows to determine which lane to use before entering. Lane choice depends on your exit, so the inside lane is not always right. Entry is a yield, not a mandatory stop, and hazard lights have no role. Once inside, keep your lane, and if an emergency vehicle approaches, continue to your exit and then pull over.

3. 3. South Dakota says a driver making a left turn must yield to which traffic?

   1. Oncoming traffic
   2. Only parked vehicles on the right
   3. Traffic behind you in your lane
   4. Only vehicles with hazard flashers
   Show answer

   Oncoming traffic. South Dakota gives a simple left-turn rule: yield to oncoming traffic before turning across its path. Traffic behind you is important for signaling and braking, but it is not the traffic you cross during the turn. The cue is any approaching vehicle in the opposite lane that could reach the intersection while you turn. A safe left turn depends on the gap, not just on arriving first or having your signal activated.

Source: the South Dakota Driver License Manual, General Driving. 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.