Who has the right of way when approaching a roundabout?

Traffic already in the roundabout has the right of way when approaching a roundabout. This means that vehicles circulating within the roundabout should not be disrupted by those attempting to enter. The design of roundabouts facilitates a smooth flow of traffic and minimizes potential conflicts by clearly establishing the priority of vehicles already in the circle.

This priority helps maintain safety and efficiency by reducing stops and the risk of collisions. Drivers entering the roundabout must yield to the vehicles that are already in it, which ensures a continuous flow of traffic around the roundabout. This principle is a key aspect of roundabout operation, distinguishing them from traditional intersections where the rules might differ regarding who yields the right of way.

Other options do not represent the correct traffic behavior at roundabouts. For instance, vehicles entering the roundabout must first yield to those inside. While pedestrians crossing the road have their own rights and safety considerations, their right of way applies to different road situations rather than specifically within the roundabout dynamics. Finally, the idea that the first vehicle to arrive at the roundabout has priority does not hold, as the fundamental rule requires yielding to existing traffic rather than the order of arrival.