You can proceed through a roundabout once you have yielded where required, checked carefully for other road users, and there is a clear, safe gap in the traffic that will allow you to enter, circulate and exit without forcing others to brake or swerve.

Basic rule: who has priority

At almost all modern roundabouts, traffic already on the roundabout has priority.

You must slow down on approach and be prepared to stop if necessary, but you do not enter until you are sure you will not cause those on the roundabout to change speed or direction.

When exactly you may enter

You can proceed (enter) through the roundabout when:

  • You have reduced speed appropriately and are in the correct lane for your intended exit.
  • You have reached the give‑way / yield line, looked to your right (in UK and many countries) or to the left where local rules say so, and there is a safe gap in circulating traffic.
  • Any required stop or yield to pedestrians or cyclists at the crosswalk has been completed and the crossing is clear.

If there is no traffic on the roundabout at all, you may proceed through without waiting, but you must still slow, look, and be ready to yield.

While circulating and exiting

Once you have entered safely, you should:

  • Maintain a low, steady speed and stay in your chosen lane; do not change lanes inside the roundabout.
  • Use your indicator before your exit and continue to watch for pedestrians or cyclists at the exit crosswalk; only proceed through the exit if they are clear.

You should not stop in the roundabout unless forced to by conditions such as stopped traffic ahead or an emergency; stopping unnecessarily can cause confusion and collisions.

Special situations

There are a few times you must delay proceeding even if there is a gap in traffic:

  • If pedestrians are on or stepping into the crosswalk at the entry or exit, they have priority and you must wait.
  • If emergency vehicles are approaching or using the roundabout, you should clear the roundabout at the next safe exit and then pull over; do not stop within the roundabout itself.

Local rules (for example, traffic lights at metered roundabouts or markings that allow “priority” lanes) can modify when you may proceed, so always obey signs, markings and signals.

Quick Scoop:
You can proceed through the roundabout when you have slowed down, chosen the correct lane, given priority to anyone already circulating and to pedestrians or cyclists, and a clear gap appears that lets you enter, continue and exit smoothly without making others brake or swerve.

Information gathered from public forums or data available on the internet and portrayed here.