At a multi-lane roundabout with the typical posted lane assignments, you plan to make a left turn or U-turn. Reading the signs and pavement markings before you enter, which lane should you choose?
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A.
Either lane, since a roundabout has no lane rules.
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B.
The left lane, matching the posted signs and markings. Correct
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C.
The center lane, using the three-lane highway rule.
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D.
The right lane, so you can exit at your street.
The answer is "The left lane, matching the posted signs and markings."
At a multi-lane roundabout you observe the signs and pavement markings before entering, and under the typical arrangement you stay in the left lane to go straight, turn left, or make a U-turn, circling three-quarters or a full way around before exiting right. The entry lane is set by the route through the circle, not by the fact that every exit itself leaves to the right. Choice D tempts drivers who carry the surface-street habit that any exit lives in the right lane, treating the final right-side exit as the cue for the entry lane instead of reading the posted markings.
The traps in the wrong answers
A. Either lane, since a roundabout has no lane rules.
Multi-lane roundabouts post signs and pavement markings that assign specific lanes, and you must pick the right one before entering. Assumes the absence of stop lines and painted arrows inside the circle means no lane rules apply, missing the signs and markings posted at the approach.
C. The center lane, using the three-lane highway rule.
A multi-lane roundabout is organized around left and right lane assignments posted at the approach, not a center turn lane. Imports the center-lane turn rule from undivided three-lane highways into a roundabout that has no center lane.
D. The right lane, so you can exit at your street.
The right lane is for drivers whose route exits right out of the roundabout at the next street. A left turn or U-turn starts from the left lane and travels three-quarters or a full circle before leaving. Treats the right-side final exit as the cue for the entry lane, ignoring that a left turn circles three-quarters around before exiting right.
This question tests your knowledge of Turning in North Carolina. Source: North Carolina Driver Handbook, "Chapter 4, Multi-Lane Roundabout," p.59..
Related North Carolina questions
- You approach an intersection and realize you are not in the correct lane for the turn you planned. What does the manual tell you to do? →
- You have a green arrow to make a U-turn. A driver coming from the opposite direction has a green arrow to turn right into the same lane you are heading for. Who yields? →
- Which hand signal shows you plan to make a left turn? →
- Which hand signal shows you plan to make a right turn? →
- You are approaching a turn on a street with a posted 35 mph limit. How far ahead of the turn must your signal be on? →
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