Warning Road Sign (W2-6)
Roundabout Ahead Sign Meaning & Driving Rules
Warns of an upcoming modern roundabout or circular intersection where entering traffic must yield to circulating vehicles.
Required Driver Action & Right-of-Way Protocol
Slow down to 15–20 mph. Yield to pedestrians in the crosswalk and circulating traffic on your left. Enter only when a safe gap exists.
Detailed Overview & Purpose
The Roundabout Ahead sign (W2-6) prepares drivers for entry into a modern circular intersection. In the United States, traffic in a roundabout always moves in a counter-clockwise direction around a central island.
Entering drivers MUST yield the right-of-way to vehicles already circulating within the roundabout. Never change lanes inside a multi-lane roundabout.
Key Standard & Origin: Modern roundabouts reduce fatal and injury collisions by up to 78% compared to traditional signalized or four-way stop intersections.
Where You'll Find This Sign
Installed in advance of all modern single-lane and multi-lane roundabouts.
Common Driver Mistakes to Avoid
Stopping inside the roundabout to let someone in, or failing to yield to circulating vehicles when entering.
How This Sign Appears on the DMV Knowledge & Road Test
Essential permit test topic: circulating traffic has right-of-way, counter-clockwise flow only.
Legal Penalties and Moving Violations
Failure to yield upon entry carries right-of-way violation citations and points.
When you encounter the official Roundabout Ahead (W2-6) on a roadway, what is your legal duty?
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