In a roundabout, who has the right of way?

In a roundabout, the key principle governing right of way is that vehicles already inside the roundabout have the right of way over those approaching it. This is designed to maintain a steady flow of traffic and minimize potential accidents. When drivers enter a roundabout, they must yield to vehicles that are already circulating within it. This rule helps prevent collisions and ensures that traffic moves smoothly without unnecessary stopping or delays.

Emergency vehicles do have priority in many traffic situations, but this does not alter the general rule of yielding to traffic already in the roundabout. While pedestrians also have rights, their crossings are typically guided by specific crosswalks at the boundaries of the roundabout, making them separate from the flow of traffic in the roundabout itself. Therefore, it is essential for vehicles entering the roundabout to be aware of and yield to those already traveling within it.