Roundabouts, metered ramps and funeral processions

Key points

1. Roundabout traffic moves counterclockwise.

   Source: Handbook p. 39

   “Roundabouts are a safer and more efficient traffic flow option. Traffic moves counterclockwise.”
   Wisconsin Motorists' Handbook, Handbook p. 39

2. Slow down, yield to pedestrians and bicycles, then yield to traffic on your left already in the roundabout.

   Source: Handbook p. 39

   “Slow down Yield to pedestrians and bicycles Yield to traffic on your left that is already in the roundabout Yield to semitrucks”
   Wisconsin Motorists' Handbook, Handbook p. 39

3. If there is no traffic in the roundabout, you do not need to wait. Do not switch lanes inside.

   Source: Handbook p. 39

   “If there is no traffic in the roundabout, you do not need to wait to enter. Do not switch lanes while you are in the roundabout.”
   Wisconsin Motorists' Handbook, Handbook p. 39

4. If an emergency vehicle enters while you are in the roundabout, exit at the next right, then pull over. Avoid stopping inside.

   Source: Handbook p. 39

   “If you are already in the roundabout, safely exit at the next right, then pull over. Avoid stopping in the roundabout.”
   Wisconsin Motorists' Handbook, Handbook p. 39

5. At a metered ramp, pull completely up to the white stop line so your tires trigger the sensors.

   Source: Handbook p. 41

   “You should pull completely up to the white stop line so your tires will trigger the sensors in the pavement.”
   Wisconsin Motorists' Handbook, Handbook p. 41

6. Disobeying a ramp signal can get you a ticket.

   Source: Handbook p. 41

   “When your signal turns green you may go and merge with traffic. If you disobey a ramp signal, you can be ticketed.”
   Wisconsin Motorists' Handbook, Handbook p. 41

7. Funeral procession vehicles have headlights on. Do not cut into or interfere with the line.

   Source: Handbook p. 43

   “Vehicles in the line must have their headlights on. Do not cut into the line or interfere with the funeral line.”
   Wisconsin Motorists' Handbook, Handbook p. 43

Recognize these signs

3 questions from the Wisconsin practice test

1. 1. You are about to enter a roundabout and traffic is already circulating. What should you do first?

   1. Yield only to vehicles approaching from the right
   2. Stop in the circle and wait for a signal
   3. Enter before the circulating vehicles
   4. Yield to traffic already in the roundabout
   Show answer

   Yield to traffic already in the roundabout. Traffic already moving through the roundabout has priority over a driver who has not entered. The handbook specifically directs an approaching driver to yield to traffic on the left that is already in the roundabout, then enter when a safe gap appears. Stopping inside the circle is not the intended procedure, and entering first or watching only the right side reverses the priority. Slow down at the approach, look left, and wait for space. That sequence helps preserve the counterclockwise flow and avoids forcing circulating traffic to brake.

2. 2. When must you yield to an emergency vehicle entering a roundabout?

   1. When it enters with its siren on
   2. Only when it has no warning lights
   3. Only after it stops in the roundabout
   4. Never, because circulating traffic has priority
   Show answer

   When it enters with its siren on. A driver must yield when an emergency vehicle enters a roundabout with its siren on. This emergency response rule overrides the ordinary priority given to traffic already circulating. If you have not entered, pull over and let the vehicle pass; if you are already inside, exit safely at the next right and then pull over. Do not stop in the roundabout, because blocking the circle can delay the emergency vehicle and create another hazard.

3. 3. What is the proper way to approach a funeral procession traveling in a line?

   1. Do not cut into the line or interfere with it
   2. Enter the line whenever a gap appears
   3. Pass through the procession to save time
   4. Honk until the procession leaves the road
   Show answer

   Do not cut into the line or interfere with it. A funeral procession travels together from a funeral home or place of worship to a cemetery or crematorium. Drivers should not cut into the line or interfere with it. Entering a gap can divide vehicles that are meant to remain together, and passing through creates a serious conflict with the procession. Honking does not give a driver priority. Slow down, wait patiently, and let the group continue. Remember that the first vehicle follows traffic signals, while vehicles in the line use their headlights.

Source: the Wisconsin Motorists' Handbook, Section 6: Driving Situations. 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.