Right-of-way and intersections
You are entering a roundabout with two lanes and plan to go straight through. Which lane should you choose?
- Either lane, then exit in the same lane you entered. Correct answer
- The right lane only, then exit in the right lane.
- The left lane only, because the right lane is for right turns.
Why
In a roundabout with more than one lane you pick your lane by where you are headed, and going straight is the flexible case: either lane works, as long as you leave in the same lane you came in on. Right lane in, right lane out is the pattern for turning right, and nothing limits straight-through traffic to it. That also disposes of the claim that the right lane belongs to right turns alone, since straight-through traffic may use it. To turn left, you enter and keep circling until you reach the exit in the direction you want. Whatever lane you are in, signal when you change lanes or leave the roundabout.
Where this comes from
California Driver's Handbook, June 2025 edition. The correct answer is Either lane, then exit in the same lane you entered.
The rule behind this one
Right of way in California: who goes first goes through the whole topic, with the page of the California Driver's Handbook behind every rule.
More on right-of-way and intersections
- You are already driving inside a roundabout. Which of these does the handbook require?
- A pedestrian waiting at the corner looks right at you and makes eye contact as you approach. What does the handbook say this means?
- You approach a crosswalk that has built-in flashing lights, but right now the lights are not flashing. What should you do?
- You drive an electric car and are backing out of a driveway while a pedestrian with a guide dog walks nearby. Why does the handbook ask for extra care with hybrid and electric vehicles here?