Right-of-way and intersections
You are approaching a roundabout that has two entry lanes. When and how should you choose your lane?
- Before you enter, following the lane designation signs on the approach. Correct answer
- After you enter, once you can see which exit you need.
- Always take the left lane, since traffic in the circle moves counterclockwise.
Why
On a multi-lane approach, the lane decision belongs on the approach road, not inside the circle. The manual tells you to follow the lane designation signs and pick the proper lane as you come toward the roundabout, while you slow down and yield to pedestrians in the crosswalk. There is no rule that sends everyone to the left lane: the signs, not the direction of travel, decide the lane. Once you have entered, you continue counterclockwise to your exit and switch on your right turn signal as you approach it. By the time you reach the yield line, the lane question should already be answered by the signs you passed on the way in.
Where this comes from
New York State Driver's Manual (MV-21), April 2026 version. The correct answer is Before you enter, following the lane designation signs on the approach.
More on right-of-way and intersections
- You have a green light and plan to go straight across. A car that entered the intersection before you is still completing its left turn across your path. What must you do?
- You want to turn left into a parking lot. There are no signs or signals controlling the turn, and an oncoming car is close. What must you do?
- You and another driver stop at STOP signs on crossing roads at the same moment. The other driver is on your left, and you both want to go straight. Who goes first?
- You are leaving a parking lot and want to turn left onto the street. To whom must you yield?