Michigan Roundabout Resource Center

Valuable tips, advice and maps to help drivers navigate roundabouts throughout Michigan

Roundabouts are popping up all over Michigan. And whether you like them or not, this new intersection format is definitely an adjustment for drivers. There are currently more than 100 roundabouts in the state with more planned each year.

Below are several resources to help drivers understand these intersections better and navigate through them safely. Watch for updates to the proposed list of new roundabouts as well as additional resources as they become available.

A roundabout is a circular intersection where the traffic lanes travel counterclockwise around a central island. It does not have traffic lights or stop signs. A roundabout keeps traffic moving by allowing the right-of-way to vehicles inside roundabout while requiring entering vehicles to yield. 

The appeal of the roundabout design is that they are intended to allow a high volume of traffic to continue to flow without interruption while simultaneously safely reducing the severity of car crash injuries, traffic delays and backups.

Comprehensive list of all roundabouts on public Michigan roads. This map allows you to zoom into local areas and click on specific intersections for more details.

These construction projects have been approved and are slated to be completed over the next several years. Check back often as new roundabouts are added once announced by MDOT or local road commissions.

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A driver will be determined to be at fault in causing a roundabout accident in Michigan if he or she: (1) fails to exercise the ordinary care that a reasonable careful driver would; (2) violates state and/or local traffic laws; (3) rear-ends the victim’s vehicle; (4) fails to yield the right of way to the circulating roundabout traffic; (5) unsafely changes lanes; (6) stops his or her vehicle in the roundabout; (7) speeding; and/or (8) tailgating. (Sources: M Civ JI 10.02; M Civ JI 12.01, 12.03 and 12.05; MCL 257.402(a); 257.649(6); 257.642(1); 257.648(1); 257.627(1); 257.643(1))

To learn more, check out our blog post, “Who Is At Fault In A Roundabout Accident In Michigan?”

This information is important for drivers who have been injured and/or experienced vehicle damage in a roundabout accident. Determining fault on the part of the driver who caused the crash is essential to recovering pain and suffering compensation from the at-fault driver. It will also affect whether you have to pay your collision deductible and/or whether you can pursue a mini tort claim against the at-fault driver.

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While roundabouts promote better safety with less injury and fatality accidents, the majority of car crashes at these intersections result in vehicle damage. With that in mind, Michigan drivers who do not carry broad collision coverage on their insurance can get reimbursed for a portion of their deductible if they were 50% or less at fault.

This vehicle damage reimbursement is called a mini tort claim and can be submitted to the at-fault driver’s insurance company. To learn more about this process, and how to submit a claim, please visit our mini tort page.

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When you drive and/or navigate through a roudabout in Michigan it is important to keep in mind that traffic moves in a counterclockwise direction.

1. Slow down as you approach the roundabout
2. Look to see if there are other vehicles present
3. Vehicles already in the roundabout have the right of way
4. Vehicles entering roundabout must yield to oncoming traffic
5. Always yield to vehicles already in the roundabout
6. Check signs and pavement markings to determine proper lane
7. When safe to do so, enter roundabout
8. Enter the appropriate lane
9. Travel to destination street, activate your turn signal, then exit
10. Never drive next to or try to pass a large truck
11. Give large vehicles extra room in the roundabout
12. Never stop in the middle of a roundabout
13. Yield to pedestrians using a crosswalk in a roundabout

How to Use a Roundabout (Michigan Department of Transportation)

Animated Video — How to Use a Roundabout (Michigan Department of Transportation)

Actual accident at Maple and Drake roundabout — Why It’s so Important to Stay in Your Lane

Roundabout Myths — Large Trucks

In the meantime, we encourage all drivers to slow down when approaching a roundabout and yield to oncoming traffic. If you’re involved in an accident, always make sure to contact the police, document the damage, get the other driver’s information and ask witnesses to provide a statement.

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