If you live in the Sarasota/Bradenton/Lakewood Ranch area you may have noticed more and more roundabouts popping up. I used to live in the roundabout capital of the United States.

Once I moved to Manatee County, it didn’t take long to realize how many people didn’t know the rules of the roundabout.

Since safe driving is such an integral part of Florida auto insurance, I wanted to do my part in assisting my fellow Florida drivers to safely navigate Florida’s roundabouts.

That’s the inspiration behind the post, but this applies to anyone around the country who is curious about roundabout rules.

6 Rules for Roundabouts

The diagram above uses the roundabout at White Eagle Blvd. and State Road 64 as an example.

1. Slow Down on Approach

As you approach a roundabout, slow down! Many states suggest slowing down to 15-20 mph before entering the roundabout. However, the Florida Department of Transportation recommends slowing down to 10-15 mph as you approach the roundabout.

Carter Family Insurance supports the slower approach, as well.

Be aware of the flow of traffic and watch for pedestrians in the crosswalk. Don’t be like the car in the GIF below who didn’t slow down on approach.

2. Yield to Pedestrians and Bicyclists

Most roundabouts have crosswalks around the outside. You must yield to pedestrians and bicyclists in the crosswalks. Be patient and make sure they get all the way through the crosswalks.

Bicycles can be tricky!

Benefit of the Roundabout: Crosswalks around the outside of the action is much safer than crosswalks on the frontlines of busy intersections. When you are trying to turn right on a multi-lane highway, you have to watch for cars around you, oncoming traffic from multiple directions, potential U-Turns, etc… Good luck seeing the bicyclist speeding across the crosswalk. Sometimes they go unseen until it is too late.

3. Yield to Traffic Already in Roundabout

You must yield to traffic already in the roundabout. This is a common mistake made amongst new roundabout drivers. Drivers already in the roundabout have the right of way.

Warning: Drivers already in the roundabout should NOT stop and let someone in ahead of them. This will disrupt the flow of traffic, violates the rules, and could cause an unnecessary accident because you broke the rules… even though you were trying to be nice.

4. Use Turn Signals to Exit Roundabout

Did you know you are supposed to use a turn signal when exiting a roundabout? Use the turn signal to communicate to your fellow drivers what your next move is.

5. Driving in a Two-Lane or Multi-Lane Roundabout: Pick the Right Lane

Read the signs and road markings prior to entering the roundabout. Know where you want to go and which lane you need in order to get there.

It’s much like sitting in a left-hand turn lane at a stop light. You don’t just cut across lanes and go straight. Pay attention and pick the right lane!

6. Don’t Stop in the Roundabout

Once you get in, it’s like a waterslide. Go until you exit the roundabout. Stopping breaks the rules of the roundabout and could cause an accident.

More Resources on Roundabouts

Roundabouts improve the flow of traffic and have been proven to decrease accidents with injuries by up to 80% in Carmel, Indiana (U.S. Roundabout Capital).

Know the rules and drive safely!

Whether you have a pristine driving record or a few accidents, we can find you the best rate based on your history.