Roundabout Ahead Sign: Meaning and What to Do
The yellow diamond with circling arrows warns that a roundabout is ahead, usually paired with an advisory speed well below the road's limit. It is the cue to begin the roundabout sequence early: slow, choose your lane, and prepare to yield to circulating traffic.
Roundabout Ahead Sign
The circling arrows also state the law of the circle before you reach it: traffic flows counterclockwise, and entering drivers give way to what is already circulating from the left.
What to do when you see the roundabout ahead sign
Slow to the advisory speed, pick your lane from the signs and arrows before entry, and approach the yield line reading circulating traffic from your left. Enter into a real gap without stopping when one is open; inside, keep moving and signal your exit.
The signs it is confused with
Tests separate the yellow warning, roundabout coming, from the yield control at the entry itself. Multi-lane versions add lane-choice diagrams, which several states test directly from the manual's pictures.
Signs are one topic of ten on every test
Every state practice test covers signs, signals, and markings among its ten topics, with every answer explained. Pick your state and see how its exam asks about signs like this one; it is free, with no sign-up.
Choose your stateQuestions about the roundabout ahead sign
What does the roundabout ahead sign mean?
A roundabout is coming: slow to the advisory speed, choose your lane early, and prepare to yield to circulating traffic at the entry.
Which direction does traffic flow in the circle?
Counterclockwise, from your left as you enter. The circling arrows on the sign draw it before you see the island.
Who yields at a roundabout?
Entering traffic yields to circulating traffic. Inside, you do not stop for entering vehicles; the circle has the priority.
How do I pick a lane before a multi-lane roundabout?
From the overhead signs and pavement arrows on approach: generally right lane for right turns and straight, left lane for left turns and U-turns, as the state's manual draws it.
How are roundabouts tested?
Heavily, in newer manuals: the warning sign, yield-on-entry, lane choice, and signaling the exit all appear across state banks.