Who has the right of way when approaching a rotary?

When approaching a rotary, the vehicle already in the rotary has the right of way. This rule is established to maintain a smooth flow of traffic and prevent possible accidents. Vehicles that are already circulating in the rotary are generally considered to be in a safer position, as they have already committed to the roundabout and are moving at a controlled speed.

This regulation works alongside the principle that vehicles entering a rotary must yield to those already in it, allowing them to continue moving without interruption. Such rules of yielding help minimize confusion and ensure that drivers make clear decisions about when to merge. By prioritizing those already inside the rotary, traffic patterns become more efficient and predictable, promoting safety for all road users.

While other factors, such as the sizes of vehicles or signaling intentions, can play a role in traffic situations, they do not override this fundamental rule regarding right of way in a rotary.