This question is often asked when it is pointed out that those motorists already in the roundabout have the right of way. Motorists waiting to get in the modern roundabout need to YIELD rather than trying to merge. That means wait for a gap in the traffic, then take your turn and proceed.
(Of course all motorists must always be mindful of pedestrians and bicyclists.)

	The right of way is observed at the yield sign. You need to slow down or stop to yield to any traffic approaching from the left. Remember the golden rule: You never merge. All motorists approaching a roundabout must yield. The lane you choose will take where you want to go.
	The right of way involves emergency vehicles. For instance, if a fire truck and/or ambulance enters the roundabout, exit if possible. If not, pull over immediately.
	Pedestrians have the right of way when entering the crosswalk.
	When encountering large trucks, give them plenty of space.

A modern roundabout is a type of circular intersection without traffic lights Modern roundabouts require all motorists to yield at the entry way.

Before entering, they must reduce speeds to approximately 15-25 mph. In addition to avoiding accidents, these slow speeds help vehicles maintain smooth movement entering, circulating, and exiting.

Safe and efficient traffic flow is also enhanced by entering traffic yielding the right of way to circulating traffic. (As a matter of fact, studies have shown significant improvements in traffic flow following conversion of traditional intersections to modern roundabouts.)

The Alaska Roundabout Web site has excellent information on Myths & Facts about Roundabouts.

To drive a modern roundabout, you need to remember the following guidelines:

	Slow down - when entering a roundabout, speeds must drop to 15-25mph.
	Let vehicles already circulating go ahead (yield). You never merge. All motorists approaching a roundabout must yield.
	Obey all the signs.
	Watch for pedestrians, bicyclists, large trucks and emergency vehicles.

This visual guide enables a vehicle that enters the roundabout prior to the entry with the dual lefts to be "spiraled" from the inside lane to the outside lane without having to cross over lane lines.

Spiral striping prevents a vehicle in the interior lane from being trapped by the dual left turning vehicle in the outside lane. Spiral striping also prevents vehicles from making unsafe exits from the wrong lane.