New York DMV Permit Written TestRules of the Road and Traffic LawsMedium
You are driving through a roundabout with multiple lanes. You intend to take the third exit (around three-quarters of the way around). Which lane should you generally use when entering the roundabout?
- AThe rightmost lane.
- BThe center lane, regardless of the exit.
- CThe leftmost lane.
- DAny lane, as long as you signal your intentions clearly.
Show answer & explanationAnswer & explanation
Correct answer: C. The leftmost lane.
For exits past the halfway point (like the third exit), you should generally choose the leftmost lane when entering a multi-lane roundabout. This allows you to safely navigate to the inner circle and then merge out for your exit.
Why the other options are wrong
- A. The rightmost lane is typically for immediate right turns or the first exit.
- B. The center lane is usually for through traffic or middle exits, not necessarily for a later exit.
- D. While signaling is crucial, choosing the correct entry lane is also vital for safe and efficient roundabout navigation.
Roundabout Lane Choice
In multi-lane roundabouts, your entry lane choice depends on your intended exit: right lane for early exits, left lane for later exits or U-turns, and center for through traffic.
- Early exits (1st/2nd): Use right lane.
- Later exits (3rd/U-turn): Use left lane.
- Through exits (middle): Use center lane (if applicable).
- Always yield to traffic already in the roundabout.
Memory trick: Further you go, further left you start; closer you go, closer right, play your part.