Use caution when navigating roundabouts
Published on March 12, 2024 at 2:31pm GMT+0000 | Author: Tucker Henderson
0Ask A Trooper
Sgt. Jesse Grabow
Question: Sgt. Grabow, I have noticed that there are more aggressive actions being taken at roundabouts. Drivers are entering the roundabout ahead of others that are already in the circle. Please remind drivers of the appropriate entering law concerning them. Thank you.
Answer: Thank you for the suggested topic and I can talk about this. Roundabouts handle high levels of traffic with less delay than most stop signs or signals. The entry curves slow traffic so entering and exiting are easier and more efficient. Roundabout features include one way traffic flow, yield at entry and the curvature of the roundabout.
One Way Traffic Flow
Pavement markings, curves at entry points, and raised islands direct traffic into a one-way counter-clockwise flow around the central island.
Yield At Entry
Traffic entering the circle yields to traffic already in the circle. This prevents the intersection from “locking up” which could happen if the traffic in the roundabout would have to stop for entering traffic. The radius of the roundabout and the angles of entry, created by the design of the medians and the center island, slow the speed of all vehicles to around 15-25 mph.
For more information please visit: https://www.dot.state.mn.us/roundabouts/
Question: I have a question in regards to exploring a business idea that has to do with mobile advertising, such as an illuminated board advertising business. I am concerned about the visual distraction for drivers and was wondering if this was allowed.
Answer: Moving or parked mobile advertising signs that display lights on the highway are not allowed. That would also include within the right of way. Lighted advertising outside the right of way but near a highway may have some limitations so you may want to contact the highway department that oversees that type of roadway, which will be either the state, county or city
A portion of state statutes were used with permission from the Office of the Revisor of Statutes. If you have any questions concerning traffic related laws or issues in Minnesota, send your questions to Trp. Jesse Grabow – Minnesota State Patrol at 1000 Highway 10 West, Detroit Lakes, MN 56501-2205. (You can follow him on Twitter @MSPPIO_NW or reach him at, jesse.grabow@state.mn.us).