Are you using roundabouts correctly in Washington state? See tips from WSDOT

Some of the most-used intersections in Tri-Cities and Washington state are controlled by roundabouts — and more are on the way.

In Richland, a roundabout will connect Reata Road and the extended Gage Boulevard. A new roundabout was recently added to Dallas Road.

Construction projects building new roundabouts in popular intersections are a growing trend across the Evergreen State.

While the circular intersections aren’t uncommon, many drivers still approach them with uncertainty — or even drive through them completely wrong.

Here are the key things to know about how the traffic control system works, including recommended practices:

Are roundabouts safer than regular intersections?

One reason for the growing usage of roundabouts in Washington state is increased safety for drivers.

Studies show that roundabouts encourage safe, simple traffic flows, while allowing more vehicles to get through at a time.

Compared to traditional intersections, roundabouts can increase traffic capacity by 30% to 50%, according to studies by the Federal Highway Administration.

Roundabouts’ reduced speed limits and control over traffic direction also make them safer than conventional crossroads. These factors significantly decrease the chance of a T-bone or head-on collision.

Without a traffic light to try and “beat,” there’s no incentive for drivers to speed up ahead of an intersection, the Washington State Department of Transportation said. Roundabouts create a continuous flow of traffic, so drivers only have to stop if there is already traffic in the roundabout.

WSDOT also cites studies showing roundabouts reduce injury crashes by 75% at intersections previously controlled by stop signs or traffic signals, and a 90% reduction in deadly collisions.

What are the rules for driving through a roundabout?

The Washington State Department of Transportation offers guidelines for driving in roundabouts.

When approaching any roundabout, yield to all traffic already in the circle. This includes bicyclists and pedestrians at the crossing points.

If there is no traffic inside the circle, you do not have to stop before proceeding. Just enter the roundabout at the posted speed in order to keep the flow of traffic moving.

Never stop while inside the circle, unless yielding to pedestrians or bicyclists.

Always drive around the circle to the right. In general, you’ll take the first exit if you’re headed right and the third exit if you’re headed left. If you miss your exit, just continue around the circle again.

If an emergency vehicle approaches while you’re in the circle, continue through the roundabout, then pull over as you normally would.

How do I drive through multi-lane roundabouts in WA?

WSDOT provides additional instructions for driving in roundabouts with multiple lanes.

Do not change lanes while inside the circle. Road markings and signs leading up to the roundabout will indicate which lane leads where. If you need to change lanes, do so before entering the circle.

In general, if you’re headed right, you’ll use the right lane, use either lane to go straight, and the left lane if you are headed left or need to make a U-turn.

Avoid driving next to oversized vehicles such as buses and semi trucks. Drive slowly to fall behind larger vehicles and allow them to drive through first.

This article contains information from a previous story, originally published in 2023.

This story was originally published April 28, 2026 at 5:00 AM with the headline "Are you using roundabouts correctly in Washington state? See tips from WSDOT."