Who has the right of way at a roundabout?

In a roundabout, vehicles that are already in the roundabout have the right of way. This design helps maintain a smooth flow of traffic and minimizes potential collisions. When approaching a roundabout, drivers must yield to any vehicles that are already circulating within it. This rule ensures that vehicles moving through the roundabout can do so without interruption, thereby enhancing safety and efficiency in traffic management.

While pedestrians and bicycles also have their own safety considerations in relation to roundabouts, the key principle regarding the right of way specifically prioritizes those vehicles already in the circle. Vehicles entering the roundabout must be prepared to stop to allow merging traffic to pass. This structure significantly reduces the likelihood of accidents that could occur if incoming traffic was given priority over circulating vehicles.