What Are Traffic Circles Called in the UK?

In the United Kingdom, they’re called roundabouts — full stop.

Key Distinction

• Roundabout (UK standard): Vehicles yield to traffic already in the circle (from the right). Entry is controlled by yield lines/signs. Designed for lower speeds, continuous flow.
• Traffic circle (US/older term): Often larger, may have stop signs, signals, or priority-to-entering-vehicles (rotary). Higher speeds, more conflict points.

UK Roundabout Rules

• Give way to the right (traffic on the roundabout).
• Signal left to exit.
• Lane discipline: Left lane for left/straight; right lane for right/U-turn (unless marked otherwise).
• Mini-roundabouts: Same rules; central island overrunable by large vehicles.

Why "Roundabout" Dominates

The UK pioneered the modern yield-at-entry design in the 1960s (Transport Research Laboratory). It’s now global best practice — safer, more efficient than signalized intersections or old-style circles.

So if you’re driving in Britain: look for the blue "roundabout" sign, yield right, signal left. Never call it a traffic circle — locals will notice.