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Ask a Trooper by Troy Christianson

Question: I have noticed that there are more aggressive actions being taken at roundabouts. Drivers are entering the roundabout ahead of others that are already in the circle. Please remind drivers of the appropriate entering law concerning them. Thank you.

Answer: Thank you for the suggested topic and I can talk about this. Roundabouts handle high levels of traffic with less delay than most stop signs or signals. The entry curves slow traffic so entering and exiting are easier and more efficient. Roundabout features include one way traffic flow, yield at entry and the curvature of the roundabout.

One-way traffic flow

Pavement markings, curves at entry points, and raised islands direct traffic into a one-way counter-clockwise flow around the central island.

Yield at entry

Traffic entering the circle yields to traffic already in the circle. This prevents the intersection from “locking up” which could happen if the traffic in the roundabout would have to stop for entering traffic. The radius of the roundabout and the angles of entry, created by the design of the medians and the center island, slow the speed of all vehicles to around 15-25 mph.

For more information please visit: https://www.dot.state.mn.us/roundabouts/

You can avoid a ticket — and a crash — if you simply buckle up, drive at safe speeds, pay attention and of course, drive sober. Help us drive Minnesota toward zero deaths.

If you have any questions concerning traffic-related laws or issues in Minnesota, send your questions to Sgt. Troy Christianson, Minnesota State Patrol, at 2900 48th St. NW, Rochester MN 55901-5848; or reach him at Troy.Christianson@state.mn.us.

Troy Christianson is a sergeant with the Minnesota State Patrol.