How often can you circle a roundabout in IL before ‘carelessly driving?’ Here’s the rule
Many metro-east drivers encounter roundabouts on a regular basis, but you may still come across those who don’t follow the rules and make it a more stressful experience.
Residents of Belleville, East St. Louis, Maryville, Highland, Waterloo and anyone who often passes through the towns might see roundabouts on their daily commute.
A map from the Illinois Department of Transportation shows more than 10 roundabouts across the metro-east and southern Illinois. Here’s where they’re located:
The roundabout has evolved since its 1905 debut. Originally, vehicles entering the roundabout had the right-of-way, and cars already in the circle were required to yield, according to a 2017 News-Democrat Answer Man article.
The traffic flow for roundabouts has since changed, however. Here’s what to know about safely traversing roundabouts in southwestern Illinois and the St. Louis region.
How should you navigate roundabouts in Illinois and Missouri?
Since an English reform in 1966 “launched the modern roundabout revolution,” roundabouts have given the right-of-way to those already within the circle, requiring entering vehicles to yield before proceeding.
The Illinois Department of Transportation offers a guide on driving through roundabouts:
“Yield when you approach a roundabout and watch for pedestrians in the crosswalk.
Look to the left as you near the dashed yield line and yield to traffic already in the circle.
Once you see a gap in traffic, enter the circle and proceed to your exit. Look for pedestrians as you exit and make sure you stay in your lane as you navigate the roundabout.
In a multi-lane roundabout, choose a lane before entering the roundabout. Signs posted near the roundabout will direct you to the appropriate lane based on whether you want to [exit the roundabout at a destination on your left], go straight or make a U-turn.
- Choose either the left lane as you enter the roundabout or choose the right lane if you want to make a right turn.”
Pedestrians and bicyclists always have the right-of-way when crossing the street, the state transportation department continues, and drivers must yield to them before entering intersections.
If you approach the roundabout at the same time another vehicle is entering, the car that arrives first should go first, the state agency says. But drivers should always yield to traffic coming from the left.
Circling a roundabout more than twice is considered “careless driving” by Illinois transportation officials, who recommend planning ahead and exiting carefully.
In a roundabout with multiple lanes, you may cautiously change lanes if the white line is dashed. Illinois law prohibits changing lanes over solid white lines. When changing lanes, officials say you should first check your mirrors and potential blind spots and use your turn signal.
The Illinois Rules of the Road 2023 document says drivers should also use their turn signal when exiting roundabouts or rotaries.
Roundabouts offer convenience, as well as enhanced safety, acccording to Missouri officials. Traditional intersections with stop lights have between 20 to 30 potential spots where crashes could occur, the Missouri Department of Transportation reports, and roundabouts have eight.
“Roundabouts are a great alternative to a signalized intersection when a high volume of traffic needs to get through with the least amount of inconvenience,” the state’s tranportation website reads.
The minimized number of conflict points coupled with slower speeds can result in a 76% reduction in crashes, along with fewer crash-related injuries, the Missouri Department of Transportation website continues.
This article was inspired by a reader’s suggestion. Please contact mhoward@bnd.com with ideas for future stories.
