Driving Tests

How to Drive a Rotary in Massachusetts: Rotary and Roundabout Rules

informational·how to guide·Published June 27, 2026

Who has the right of way in a Massachusetts rotary?

In a Massachusetts rotary, vehicles already in the rotary have the right of way, unless signs or police officers say otherwise. Yield to them and to pedestrians, then travel counter-clockwise. With no lane signs, enter from the right lane to go straight or make a quarter-turn. In a multiple-lane rotary, use the left lane for a three-quarter-turn or U-turn. Never stop inside the rotary.

Where the Massachusetts rotary rules come from

The rules in this guide come from chapter 4 of the Massachusetts Driver's Manual of the Registry of Motor Vehicles (RMV), revised April 2026: the sections on rotaries, roundabouts, turns, yield lines and right-of-way. This guide is current as of 2026. Confirm the rules with the Massachusetts RMV (mass.gov/rmv) before you drive.

What is a rotary in Massachusetts?

A rotary is an intersection where roads from several directions meet around a physical barrier in the center, called the Central Island. The island forces all traffic to drive around it. Rotaries are much more common in Massachusetts than in other parts of the country.
Yield signs stand at the entrance to a rotary. Traffic keeps moving through it without a STOP sign or a traffic signal, unlike at a four-way stop.

Which lane do I use in a Massachusetts rotary?

In a single-lane rotary, enter from the right lane of the road you are on, and exit onto the right lane of the road you want to take.
In a rotary with two or more lanes, look for signs first: they show the proper lane. When there are no signs, use the table below. One exception: if the road you come from has only one lane, stay in the right lane for the entire turn, even for a three-quarter-turn or U-turn.

Multiple-lane rotary with no signs: which lane to use

Multiple-lane rotary with no signs: which lane to use
Your move	Enter from	Travel in	Exit onto
Quarter-turn, or straight ahead	The right lane	The same (right) lane	The right lane
Three-quarter-turn, or U-turn	The left lane	The middle or inner lane	The right lane

How to drive through a Massachusetts rotary, step by step

1
Slow down at the yield sign
Slow down and be ready to stop. Look for signs that show your lane.
2
Pick your lane
Use the right lane in a single-lane rotary. In a multiple-lane rotary, follow the lane signs, or the table above when there are none.
3
Yield, then enter
Let vehicles already in the rotary, bicyclists and pedestrians go first. Then enter and travel counter-clockwise.
4
Signal and exit
When you are ready to exit, switch on your right turn signal. Exit onto the right lane of the road you want to take.

What if I miss my exit in a rotary?

You miss your exit

Stay calm and keep moving: do not stop in the rotary. Check the traffic around you.

Traffic is on both sides of your vehicle

In a multiple-lane rotary, stay in your lane until it is safe to move out of it.

It is safe to go on

Go around the rotary again, and get your vehicle into position to exit properly and safely.

How is a roundabout different from a rotary?

A roundabout works like a rotary, but it is generally much smaller and has a smaller central barrier. Roundabouts are used on busy streets, and their small size makes vehicles slow to 25 mph or less. They also reduce the need to change lanes.
As you get near a roundabout, look for signs that show your lane. Once you enter and pick a lane, the rotary rules above apply. Most roundabouts have crosswalks for pedestrians and yield lines on the pavement: a row of triangles painted side by side. The slow speeds make roundabouts safe for bicyclists.

Free Massachusetts rotary practice questions

Two free practice questions cover this topic: what to do before you enter a rotary and what to do when you miss your exit. Our practice tests are free and in English only.

Key takeaways

In a Massachusetts rotary, traffic travels counter-clockwise. Yield to vehicles already in the rotary and to pedestrians, unless signs or police officers say otherwise.
Single-lane rotary: enter from the right lane and exit onto the right lane. Multiple-lane rotary: follow the lane signs first.
With no signs, use the right lane for a quarter-turn or straight ahead, and the left lane for a three-quarter-turn or U-turn.
Never stop in a rotary. If you miss your exit, go around again when it is safe.
Next step: practice on the free Massachusetts Class D learner's permit practice test.

Massachusetts rotary questions

Do I have to use a turn signal in a rotary?

Yes. Signal in a rotary the same way as at any other intersection, and use your right turn signal when you are ready to exit. For a regular turn in Massachusetts, signal at least 100 feet before the turn, or at least 500 feet before a turn on a highway. Signal before you brake, so other drivers know your plan.

Do I have to stop before I enter a rotary?

Not always. A rotary has yield signs at its entrance, not STOP signs or traffic signals. Slow down and be ready to stop, and let vehicles already in the rotary, bicyclists and pedestrians go first. When the way is clear, enter. Once you are inside the rotary, do not stop.

How fast can I drive in a Massachusetts rotary?

Never drive faster than the posted speed limit. Big rotaries are designed to handle traffic at up to 40 mph. Roundabouts are much smaller, and their size makes vehicles slow to 25 mph or less.

Do pedestrians have the right of way in a rotary?

Yes. In a Massachusetts rotary, yield to pedestrians as you yield to vehicles already in the rotary. You must always yield to pedestrians who are in a roadway. When a pedestrian is in a crosswalk, stop behind the yield line or the crosswalk line. Most roundabouts have both of these markings.