Rules and good practices for driving inside a traffic circle or roundabout
Traffic circles and roundabouts are circular intersections where one, two or three traffic lanes surround a central island. They allow you to cross an intersection by yielding to users already inside the circle.
Rules and good practices for all road users
Whether you are in a vehicle or on a bike, you must drive or cycle counterclockwise, i.e., from the right to the left.
When you are approaching a traffic circle or roundabout:
- Slow down.
- If the traffic circle or roundabout has more than one lane, choose the one that will lead to your destination before you enter the circle and stay there until you exit.
- Yield to the users already inside the circle.
- If there is a lot of traffic, come to a complete stop before entering the circle.
Once you are inside the traffic circle or roundabout:
- Drive counterclockwise.
- Activate your right turn signal to indicate your intention to exit.
- Take your desired exit.
The image below illustrates how you enter a single-lane traffic circle or roundabout.
To learn more about how to drive in a single-lane traffic circle or roundabout, watch this video clip [in French]:
Watch the video
Disclaimer: the video player is YouTube’s and may have some accessibility barriers. You can skip to the content after the video
Disclaimer: the video player is YouTube’s and may have some accessibility barriers. You can skip to the content before the video.
This image shows a two-lane traffic circle or roundabout. In this example, three scenarios are presented.
Watch the video
Disclaimer: the video player is YouTube’s and may have some accessibility barriers. You can skip to the content after the video
Disclaimer: the video player is YouTube’s and may have some accessibility barriers. You can skip to the content before the video.
Never stop your vehicle while driving inside the traffic circle or roundabout. If you miss your exit and the intersection’s design allows it, make a second turn around the circle.
There are sometimes pedestrian crossings in the branches of traffic circles or roundabouts. In this case, both drivers of road vehicles and cyclists should yield to pedestrians who have already started crossing or who clearly indicate their intention to do so.
Rules for cyclists
Bicycles should be ridden in a single file and as close to the curb or right side of the road as possible. Drivers must yield to users already inside the circle, including pedestrians.
Rules for pedestrians
Pedestrians cannot cross the roadway or walk in the centre island of a traffic circle or roundabout. Instead, you should walk around the intersection using crosswalks and sidewalks where appropriate.
Traffic signs
The following signs provide information on what to do when approaching a traffic circle or roundabout.
Recommended speed
When the speed limit at the approach of a traffic circle or roundabout is greater than 50 km/h, road signs will indicate the upcoming intersection and the recommended speed.
Traffic lanes
The signs below are placed before entering a multi-lane intersection to help you choose the lane leading to your destination.
A sign, such as the one below, can also be placed outside a traffic circle or roundabout to help you choose the lane to take, if applicable, and the correct exit once you are inside the traffic circle or roundabout. It shows the location of each branch of the intersection and the destinations that can be reached by each branch.
Yielding the right of way
This sign reminds you to yield before entering a traffic circle or roundabout.
Advantages of traffic circles and roundabouts
Traffic circles and roundabouts offer several advantages in terms of road safety, traffic flow and the environment.
Road safety
Since traffic circles and roundabouts reduce speed and conflict points compared to intersections with traffic lights, they help:
reduce the number of accidents with injuries
eliminate high-speed right-angle collisions
reduce the severity of accidents
Traffic
Traffic flow is improved because vehicles rarely have to come to a complete stop before entering a traffic circle or roundabout.
Environment
Traffic circles and roundabouts help protect the environment by reducing noise because heavy vehicles do not have to come to a complete stop or use their engine brakes as often. They also reduce gasoline consumption and, as a result, air pollution. Appearance is also improved by planting vegetation in the central island.
Last update: January 26, 2026