Navigating the Circle: Rules for Roundabouts
Posted: December 23, 2025 | Author: Southern Utah University | Read Time: 2 minutes
Roundabouts are becoming increasingly common, including the new one at University Blvd & 1150 West. While they can seem confusing at first, understanding a few simple rules is all it takes to navigate them like a pro.
Yielding and Entering
- Slow Down: Reduce your speed significantly as you approach the roundabout, typically aiming for the advisory speed limit (often 15–25 mph).
- Yield on Entry: You MUST yield to all traffic already circulating inside the roundabout coming from your left. The traffic in the circle has the right-of-way.
- Enter When Clear: Only enter when there is a safe gap in the circulating traffic. Once you have entered, do not stop inside the roundabout unnecessarily.
- Counter-Clockwise Flow: Always travel to the right of the central island (in a counter-clockwise direction).
Lane Usage
Roundabouts are designed for continuous, flowing movement. Once you are inside the roundabout, do not change lanes or attempt to pass other vehicles. Also, stopping, standing, or parking within the boundaries of any intersection - including the roundabout itself - is illegal (Utah Code 41-6a-1401).
Signaling Your Exit
Signaling is essential not just for your own safety, but for maintaining the efficiency of the roundabout for others. Use your right turn signal as you approach and pass the last exit before your intended exit. This is a legal requirement and immediately informs waiting traffic that you are leaving the circle.
Emergency and Safety Rules
If an emergency vehicle (siren on) approaches and you have not already entered, pull over immediately to the right of the roadway and wait. If you are already inside the roundabout, continue to your exit immediately, then pull over to the right side of the road and stop. Do not stop inside the roundabout.
Pedestrians and Bicyclists
Yield to pedestrians and bicyclists in the crosswalks, both when entering and when exiting the roundabout. Bicyclists have the option to use the pedestrian paths/crosswalks or ride in the circulating lanes as a vehicle. If they ride in the lane, drivers must treat them as any other vehicle.
More Information
Learn more about navigating roundabouts with this video from the Utah Department of Transportation.