Driving Tests

Louisiana Roundabout Rules: Yield, Lanes and Large Trucks

informational·how to guide·Published April 8, 2026

Who yields in a Louisiana roundabout?

In a Louisiana roundabout, traffic already in the circle has the right of way, so you yield to the left before you enter. Also yield to pedestrians and bicyclists. The Driver's Guide says to slow to about 15 to 20 mph. Drive counterclockwise and never stop inside. In a multi-lane circle, choose your lane before entry and do not change lanes or pass. Signal right to exit.

Where these roundabout rules come from

The roundabout rules in this post come from the Louisiana Office of Motor Vehicles Class D & E Driver's Guide (DPSMV2052, edition R08/25), chapters 3, 5 and 6. The rule for a rotary traffic island comes from R.S. 32:78. This post is current as of 2026. Confirm the rules with the Louisiana Office of Motor Vehicles (expresslane.org) before you drive.

Who has the right of way in a Louisiana roundabout?

The vehicle already in the roundabout has the right of way. Traffic goes counterclockwise around a raised center island, so the cars that you must yield to come from your left. Before you enter, yield to the left and to any traffic in the circle. Also yield to pedestrians and bicyclists in the circle. Then enter to the right and steer to the left. Once you are inside, never stop: the drivers at the entry must yield to you.

How to drive through a Louisiana roundabout

1
Slow down on the approach
Watch for the Roundabout Ahead warning sign. Slow to about 15 to 20 mph before the sharp curve at the entry.
2
Pick your lane
If more than one lane goes in your direction, know your exit and get into the proper lane before you enter.
3
Yield, then enter
Look to the left. Yield to traffic in the circle and to pedestrians and bicyclists. Enter to the right and steer to the left.
4
Keep moving in your lane
Do not stop. In a circle with more than one lane, do not change lanes or pass any vehicle. Follow the traffic signs and pavement markings to your exit.
5
Signal and exit
Find the destination sign for your direction. Then look to your right, check your mirror and use your turn signal to exit.

Which lane to use in a multi-lane roundabout

Choose the lane before you enter. If more than one lane goes in your direction, know where you want to go and be in the proper lane at the entry. Destination signs, traffic signs and pavement markings guide you to the exit. Inside the circle, do not change lanes and do not pass any vehicle. The practice question on what to do before entering a roundabout has the same three steps: slow down, choose your lane and yield.

How fast to drive in a roundabout

The Louisiana Driver's Guide gives two speed figures. In chapter 3, speeds of 15 mph or less are adequate in the roundabout. In chapter 6, slow to about 15 to 20 mph, because you must take a sharp curve when you enter. Start to slow down as you approach the circle. A Roundabout Ahead warning sign can tell you that one is near.

How to signal in a roundabout

How to signal in a roundabout
Where you are going	Signal on the approach	Signal in the circle
Right turn	Signal right on the approach	Keep the right signal on until you exit
Straight through	No signal needed on the approach	Look to your right, check your mirror and use your turn signal to exit
Left turn	Signal left on the approach	After three quarters of the way around, signal right to take the exit

Large trucks and buses in a roundabout

Do not drive alongside large vehicles, such as trucks and buses, in a roundabout or traffic circle. A warning sign tells drivers to keep away from large vehicles in a circle. Next to a truck, you may be in the driver's blind spot: if you cannot see the driver's face in one of the truck's mirrors, the driver cannot see you. Trucks also need extra space to turn because of their size. The practice question on where not to stay near a truck covers these blind spots.

What Louisiana law says about the center island

Louisiana law has a rule for a circle in R.S. 32:78(C): a vehicle that passes around a rotary traffic island must be driven only to the right of the island. This matches the counterclockwise flow in the guide: as you go around, the island stays on your left. The rule for intersections with a stop sign on every corner is in our guide to four-way stops in Louisiana.

Key takeaways

Traffic already in the circle has the right of way. Yield to the left, and to pedestrians and bicyclists, before you enter.
Drive counterclockwise at about 15 to 20 mph, and never stop inside.
Choose your lane before you enter. In a multi-lane circle, do not change lanes or pass.
Signal right to exit, and do not drive alongside a truck or a bus.
Next step: practice on the free Louisiana Class E practice test. It is in English only.

Louisiana roundabout rules: common questions

Which way do you go around a roundabout?

Counterclockwise, around a raised center island. You enter to the right and then steer to the left. Louisiana law, R.S. 32:78(C), also says that a vehicle passing around a rotary traffic island must be driven only to the right of it. So the island is on your left the whole way around.

Can I stop inside a roundabout to let a car in?

No. Never stop once you are inside the roundabout. The vehicle in the circle has the right of way, and drivers at the entry must yield to it. Keep moving at a slow speed, follow the signs and pavement markings, and leave at your exit.

What if two cars reach a traffic circle at the same time?

Chapter 6 of the Driver's Guide says that if another vehicle arrives at the traffic circle at the same time as you, you yield to that vehicle if it is on your right. This is for two vehicles at the entry. Traffic that is already in the circle, which comes from your left, still goes first.

Can I pass a slow car or a truck in a roundabout?

No. In a roundabout with more than one lane in your direction, do not change lanes or pass any vehicle. Also do not drive alongside large vehicles such as trucks and buses. As a general rule, keep as much space as possible between your vehicle and a big truck.

Is a traffic circle the same as a roundabout?

For Louisiana drivers, yes. A roundabout or traffic circle is a circular intersection with design features for safe and efficient traffic flow. The same rules apply to both: yield to traffic in the circle, drive counterclockwise, signal your intentions and do not drive alongside large vehicles.

Are roundabouts safer than regular intersections?

Roundabouts reduce traffic congestion and the conflicts that often cause crashes at traditional intersections. Louisiana lists roundabouts, with exclusive turn lanes and synchronized traffic signals, as intersection improvements that reduce the risk of crashes. A roundabout also lets traffic go through an intersection without necessarily stopping the flow.