How-to guide · Ford of Peoria · Peoria, IL
How to Drive a Roundabout: Illinois Rules
Modern roundabouts are becoming mainstream throughout Illinois, the Illinois Department of Transportation says. They move traffic counterclockwise around a center island, with a yield sign at every entry. Here is how to enter, drive and exit one, who has the right of way and the lane rules, from IDOT.
The short answer
Slow down and yield as you approach, watching for pedestrians in the crosswalk. Look left and yield to traffic already in the circle, then enter when you see a gap and drive counterclockwise to your exit. In a multi-lane roundabout, pick your lane before you enter using the posted signs.
What a roundabout is
A roundabout is a one-way, circular intersection in which traffic flows around a central island, IDOT says. All entering traffic must yield to traffic already in the circle, and there are no traffic signals or stop signs in a modern roundabout.
Don't mistake a roundabout for a traffic circle: IDOT says traffic circles are often larger and include stop signs or traffic signals, while modern roundabouts have yield signs at each entry point and are designed for lower-speed driving with all traffic moving in the same direction.
From IDOT, "Roundabouts," read October 27, 2026.
How to drive a roundabout, step by step
IDOT gives these steps:
1. Slow down and yield
Yield when you approach the roundabout and watch for pedestrians in the crosswalk.
2. Look left
As you near the dashed yield line, look to the left and yield to traffic already in the circle.
3. Enter on a gap
Once you see a gap in traffic, enter the circle and proceed to your exit.
4. Exit with care
Look for pedestrians as you exit, and stay in your lane as you go around.
From IDOT, "How to Drive a Roundabout," read October 27, 2026.
Multi-lane roundabouts
In a multi-lane roundabout, choose a lane before entering, IDOT says. Signs posted near the roundabout direct you to the appropriate lane based on whether you want to make a left turn, go straight or make a U-turn, and IDOT says to choose the right lane if you want to make a right turn.
You may change lanes inside a multi-lane roundabout only if the white line between lanes is dashed, and then with caution; if the line is solid, changing lanes is prohibited. To change lanes, check your mirrors and blind spots before signaling. IDOT adds that circling a roundabout more than twice is careless driving, so plan your exit as you enter.
From IDOT, "Roundabouts" (How to Drive a Roundabout and FAQ), read October 27, 2026.
Who has the right of way in a roundabout
IDOT lists a few simple rules:
| Who | Rule |
|---|---|
| Pedestrians and bicyclists crossing the street | Always have the right of way; all motorists must yield to them before entering |
| Traffic already in the roundabout | Has the right of way; yield to all motorists within the roundabout before entering |
| Two vehicles entering at the same time | The vehicle that arrives first should go first, but always yield to traffic approaching from the left |
| Bicyclists using the roundabout | May ride through with traffic, obeying the same rules as motorists, or walk their bicycles through the crosswalks |
From IDOT, "Roundabouts" FAQ, read October 27, 2026.
Why Illinois builds roundabouts
Roundabouts reduce the 32 conflict points of a traditional intersection with traffic signals or stop signs to only 8, lowering the chances of vehicle-to-vehicle crashes, IDOT says. They require driving 25 mph or slower, which gives drivers more reaction time, and slower speeds reduce severe injury crashes.
IDOT has constructed 29 roundabouts on the state's highway system as of 2025, and the total is much higher when you count those built by municipalities. Large trucks can use them too: a raised concrete truck apron near the center gives larger vehicles extra space to turn.
From IDOT, "Roundabouts," read October 27, 2026.
Routine checks at Ford of Peoria
The Works® at Ford of Peoria 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. It is a general vehicle checkup; book it any time of year.
Schedule service online and see our service specials first. Ford of Peoria is at 2211 W. Pioneer Pkwy. in Peoria. Get directions.
Ford of Peoria service hours
| Days | Hours |
|---|---|
| Mon-Fri | 7 a.m.-5:30 p.m. |
| Sat | 8 a.m.-noon |
| Sun | closed |
From Ford of Peoria's website, October 27, 2026. Holiday hours can differ.
Roundabout driving FAQ
Who has the right of way in a roundabout?
IDOT says pedestrians and bicyclists crossing the street always have the right of way, and traffic already moving inside the roundabout has the right of way. Yield to all motorists in the roundabout before entering.
Who goes first if two cars enter a roundabout at the same time?
IDOT says the vehicle that arrives first should go first, but drivers should always yield to any traffic approaching from the left. Once traffic from the left has cleared, you may enter.
Can you change lanes in a roundabout?
Only in certain instances, IDOT says. In a multi-lane roundabout, if the white line between lanes is dashed, you may change lanes with caution; if it is solid, changing lanes is prohibited. Check your mirrors and blind spots and signal first.
Is it illegal to go around a roundabout more than once?
IDOT says circling a roundabout more than twice is careless driving. Plan ahead as you enter and exit carefully at your street.
How fast should you drive in a roundabout?
IDOT says roundabouts require driving 25 mph or slower, which gives drivers more reaction time for other vehicles and pedestrians in crosswalks.
Is a roundabout the same as a traffic circle?
No. IDOT says traffic circles are often larger and include stop signs or traffic signals, while modern roundabouts have yield signs at each entry point.
Can large trucks use roundabouts?
Yes. IDOT says a truck apron, a raised concrete area near the center, gives larger vehicles extra space to turn.
What does The Works at Ford of Peoria include?
The Works® at Ford of Peoria 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 tire pressure check, brake inspection and battery test, at Ford of Peoria.
Sources
Roundabout rules are from the Illinois Department of Transportation roundabouts page, read October 27, 2026. Service details, address and hours are from Ford of Peoria's own website, checked the same day. Photo is illustrative.
- Roundabouts (what a roundabout is, how to drive one, FAQ), Illinois Department of Transportation, read October 27, 2026
- General service: The Works, Ford of Peoria, October 27, 2026
- Address and service hours (structured data), Ford of Peoria, October 27, 2026