Do you have to use your blinker at roundabouts in SC? Here’s what the law says
With the flow of traffic always changing and new road construction on the way to Beaufort County, it’s never a bad idea to brush up on the traffic laws, especially the use of turn signals while in the roundabout loop.
If you’re a roundabout newbie, and feel unsure about the appropriate road etiquette and hesitate to use or bypass your blinker use altogether, you’re not alone.
Here is what South Carolina driving law says about the use of turn signals in roundabouts.
What does the law say?
South Carolina law does not explicitly require the use of turn signals when entering a roundabout, but does offer some guidelines:
Use your turn signals when exiting the roundabout.
For multi-lane roundabouts, use your blinker if you are changing lanes.
Beaufort County, however, offers some additional rules for blinker use and driver safety:
Put your vehicle’s turn signal on when approaching the roundabout, when approaching your exit and while exiting.
Other rules and guidelines from Beaufort County include:
When approaching a roundabout, reduce your speed and yield to all traffic in the roundabout.
If you are approaching a multi-lane roundabout, maneuver into the correct lane before entering the roundabout.
If you want to turn left or make a U-turn, use the left-hand lane.
If you want to turn right, use the right-hand lane.
If you want to continue straight, you may use either lane unless signing or pavement markings say otherwise.
Move up to the entrance of the roundabout and wait for a gap in all lanes of traffic.
When inside the roundabout, do not stop for entering vehicles, except to avoid a collision.
You have the right of way over vehicles trying to enter the roundabout.
Do not change lanes in the roundabout.
Yield to pedestrians or bicyclists in the crosswalks.
Beaufort County traffic guidelines align with the Federal Highway Administration Manual on Uniform Traffic.
Safety tips for roundabout drivers
The South Carolina Department of Transportation also offers advice while driving in roundabouts.
Use your turn signal before exiting the roundabout.
Yield to other drivers within the roundabout.
For multi-lane roundabouts, you must yield to both lanes of circulating traffic.
Do not change lanes or pass others.
Do not stop within the roundabout.
Avoid driving next to large trucks.
Slow down when approaching a roundabout.
For multi-lane roundabouts, make sure you select the right line for your travel.
Watch for pedestrians and bicyclists.
Merge into the traffic flow when it is clear and safe.
Do not stop within the roundabout. Continue through until you reach your exit.
Do not pass other vehicles.
Maintain a slow speed through the roundabout.
Exit the roundabout if an emergency vehicle approaches and then pull over.
When exiting, yield to pedestrians and bicyclists.
Safety tips for roundabout pedestrians
If you are a pedestrian and need to cross at a roundabout, here are some tips and guidelines from the SCDOT to stay safe:
Always use the crosswalks and only cross the street from designated walkways.
Never cross to the central island of a roundabout.
Be safe. Only cross when drivers see you and stop for you, or wait until there is an adequate gap.
Safety tips for roundabout bicyclists
If you are a bicyclist and need to cross at a roundabout, here are some tips and guidelines from the SCDOT:
If you are comfortable, bicyclists can ride like a car in traffic: follow the same rules as vehicles and yield when entering the roundabout.
If you are uncomfortable riding in traffic, you can walk like a pedestrian and walk your bicycle on the sidewalk and crosswalks.
Why are roundabouts useful?
Roundabouts provide a safer flow of traffic for busy intersections, as they force drivers to go at slower speeds and are limited to counterclockwise-only vehicle movement.
The roundabout design reduces the total number and overall severity of vehicle-to-vehicle conflict points, which is any point where the paths of two vehicles diverge, merge or cross paths.
Roundabouts result in a 75% reduction in accidents, according to the SCDOT.
The SCDOT states in South Carolina, total crashes are reduced by 66% and injury and fatal crashes are reduced by 79% with the installation of roundabouts at high-crash intersections.
Roundabouts also help lower vehicular emissions and fuel consumption through reduced stops, starts, shorter queues and delays.
For more information and tips about roundabouts, visit the SCDOT roundabout information page. You can also look at all of the roundabouts that SCDOT oversees through this map.
This story was originally published February 15, 2025 at 6:00 AM.
