Practice question

When entering or exiting a roundabout, what is the rule you must always follow?

  1. Yield to pedestrians
  2. Keep left
  3. Keep right
  4. Signal left before entering

Answer: C — Keep right

When entering or exiting a roundabout, the rule to keep right is essential for ensuring the smooth flow of traffic and enhancing safety. Roundabouts are designed to allow vehicles to navigate in a counterclockwise direction, so keeping on the right side helps maintain order and prevents collisions with vehicles circulating within the roundabout. This rule supports the merging of incoming traffic in a way that minimizes conflicts. Vehicles already in the roundabout have the right of way, and those entering it must yield to them while also staying to the right. By doing so, you help maintain clarity for all drivers on how to proceed, facilitating a more efficient traffic flow. While yielding to pedestrians is important, especially at roundabout crosswalks, it does not directly address the specific traffic rule that governs vehicle positioning as they enter and exit. Keeping left would contradict the flow of vehicles in the roundabout. Finally, although signaling your intentions is important for communication with other drivers, indicating a left signal when entering is generally unnecessary because the primary focus should be on yielding and positioning within the roundabout.

Practice more: Massachusetts Registry of Motor Vehicles (RMV) Practice Test →