Date: May 4, 2007
Community and Government Affairs
City of Lake Forest Park
206-368-5440
News Release
How to drive in a traffic circle
The City of Seattle has about 800 small circles in city roads, and Shoreline has added several new traffic circles. How do drivers legally dirve in these small circles?
A traffic circle is a circular intersection where traffic flows around a center island. As you approach a traffic circle, you should slow down, watch for pedestrians and bicyclists and be prepared to stop if necessary.
These small traffic circles are often used to slow traffic speeds in residential neighborhoods and reduce accidents. In addition, the raised center islands are not designed to accommodate large vehicles and left-turning traffic, which often take the turn in front of the circles. Shoreline police department will ticket drivers turning left in front of circles, Seattle police allow it. Use extra caution in traffic circles.
