what's the difference between a traffic circle and a roundabout
Rotaries, still in use in some parts of the country, are typically larger circles through which vehicles move at higher speeds, while neighborhood traffic circles are typically smaller than roundabouts, and used primarily to calm traffic. In a roundabout, there is no need to change lanes to exit, and traffic moves in a counterclockwise direction. A roundabout also has geometry that forces slower speeds and features islands at the approaches and yield signs. Here are instructions from the Federal Highway Administration on how to use a roundabout: