Although every reasonable effort has been made to ensure the accuracy of the information contained on this site, absolute accuracy cannot be guaranteed. This site, and all information and materials appearing on it, are presented to the user "as is" without warranty of any kind, either express or implied. All vehicles are subject to prior sale. Price does not include applicable tax, title, and license charges. *Vehicles shown at different locations are not currently in our inventory (Not in Stock) but can be made available to you at our location within a reasonable date from the time of your request, not to exceed one week.
How-to guide · Michigan City Ford · Michigan City, IN
How to Drive a Roundabout: Indiana Rules
Roundabouts work best when every driver follows the same rules. Here is what the Indiana BMV Driver's Manual says about entering, choosing a lane, sharing the roundabout with trucks and pedestrians, and how a roundabout differs from a traffic circle.
Yieldincoming traffic always yields to circulating traffic (BMV)
Counterclockwisethe direction traffic moves in a roundabout (BMV)
Right turns onlyto enter or exit (BMV)
No lane changesinside a multi-lane roundabout (BMV)
The short answer
Pick your lane before you enter, yield to pedestrians in the crosswalk and to traffic already in the roundabout, then enter with a right turn and travel counterclockwise. Do not change lanes inside a multi-lane roundabout, and in a multi-lane roundabout give large vehicles room to pass through.
What a roundabout is
The Indiana BMV Driver's Manual defines a roundabout as a circular intersection in which traffic enters or exits only through right turns and proceeds in a counterclockwise direction. When approaching a roundabout, incoming traffic always yields to the circulating traffic.
From the Indiana Driver's Manual, Chapter 7: Safe Vehicle Operation (Indiana Bureau of Motor Vehicles), read November 3, 2026.
How to drive through a roundabout, step by step
Put together from the BMV manual's roundabout rules:
1. Choose your lane early
At a multi-lane roundabout, know which lane you need before you enter. Signs, pavement markings, or both guide you to the proper lane in advance.
2. Yield at the entry
Yield to pedestrians in the crosswalk and to traffic already in the roundabout.
3. Enter to the right
Enter with a right turn and travel counterclockwise.
4. Stay in your lane
Do not change lanes in the circulatory roadway.
5. Exit to the right
Traffic exits a roundabout only through right turns.
From the Indiana Driver's Manual, Chapter 7: Safe Vehicle Operation, read November 3, 2026. The step order is this page's; the rules are the BMV's.
Multi-lane roundabouts
Some roundabouts have more than one lane in the circular roadway. The BMV manual says drivers should know which lane they need to be in before entering, should not change lanes in the circulatory roadway, and will find signs, pavement markings, or both to guide them to the proper lane in advance. It also warns pedestrians never to walk across the circulating lanes to the center island.
From the Indiana Driver's Manual, Chapter 7: Safe Vehicle Operation, read November 3, 2026.
Sharing a roundabout with trucks and buses
Multi-lane roundabouts can present a traffic hazard when smaller vehicles drive through alongside larger ones such as tractor-trailers and buses, the BMV manual says. When approaching or driving through a multi-lane roundabout, drivers must yield the right of way to large vehicles driving through at the same time, including slowing down or stopping to allow their safe passage.
If two large trucks are approaching or driving through a roundabout at the same time, the driver in the right lane must yield to the driver in the left lane.
From the Indiana Driver's Manual, Chapter 7: Safe Vehicle Operation, read November 3, 2026.
Roundabout vs. traffic circle
The BMV manual notes that a traffic circle is not the same as a roundabout:
| Roundabout | Traffic circle | |
|---|---|---|
| Direction of travel | Counterclockwise | May have clockwise and counterclockwise traffic |
| Entry control | Incoming traffic yields to circulating traffic | Approaches may be controlled by stop signs instead of yield signs |
From the Indiana Driver's Manual, Chapter 7: Safe Vehicle Operation, read November 3, 2026.
Keep your vehicle ready for the road
The Works® at Michigan City Ford includes a synthetic blend oil change, tire rotation and pressure check, brake inspection, Multi-Point Inspection, fluid top-off, battery test, and a filter, belts and hoses check.
Schedule service online and see our service specials first. Michigan City Ford is at 3930 Franklin St. in Michigan City. Get directions.
Michigan City Ford service hours
| Days | Hours |
|---|---|
| Mon-Fri | 7:30 a.m.-5:30 p.m. |
| Sat | 8 a.m.-3 p.m. |
| Sun | closed |
From Michigan City Ford's website, November 3, 2026. Holiday hours can differ.
Roundabout FAQ
Who has the right of way in a roundabout?
Traffic already in the roundabout. The Indiana BMV Driver's Manual says that when approaching a roundabout, incoming traffic always yields to the circulating traffic.
Which way do you go around a roundabout?
Counterclockwise. The BMV manual says traffic enters or exits a roundabout only through right turns and proceeds in a counterclockwise direction.
Can you change lanes in a roundabout?
You should not. For multi-lane roundabouts, the BMV manual says drivers should know which lane they need before entering and should not change lanes in the circulatory roadway. Signs, pavement markings, or both guide drivers to the proper lane in advance.
Do you have to yield to trucks in a roundabout?
Yes, in a multi-lane roundabout. When approaching or driving through one, the BMV manual says drivers must yield the right of way to large vehicles driving through at the same time, including slowing down or stopping to allow their safe passage.
Do you yield to pedestrians at a roundabout?
Yes. Approaching vehicles must yield to pedestrians in the crosswalk and to traffic in the roundabout, according to the BMV manual.
What is the difference between a roundabout and a traffic circle?
The BMV manual says a traffic circle may have clockwise and counterclockwise traffic, and its approaches may be controlled by stop signs instead of yield signs.
What does The Works at Michigan City Ford include?
The Works® at Michigan City Ford includes a synthetic blend oil change, tire rotation and pressure check, brake inspection, Multi-Point Inspection, fluid top-off, battery test, and a filter, belts and hoses check.
Book a routine checkup
Book The Works, which includes a brake inspection, tire rotation and pressure check, and battery test, at Michigan City Ford.
Sources
Roundabout rules are from the Indiana Bureau of Motor Vehicles Driver's Manual, read November 3, 2026. Laws change; this page is a plain-language summary, not legal advice. Service details, address and hours are from Michigan City Ford's own website, checked the same day. Photo is illustrative.
- Indiana Driver's Manual, Chapter 7: Safe Vehicle Operation (roundabouts), Indiana Bureau of Motor Vehicles, PDF modified July 7, 2026, read November 3, 2026
- General service: The Works, Michigan City Ford, November 3, 2026
- Address and service hours (structured data), Michigan City Ford, November 3, 2026