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RoundaboutCanada

An introduction to the traffic rules and road signs of Canada. Learn about driving, road safety and much more in our illustrated book, with answers to frequently asked questions.

For informational purposes only. Always follow official regulations. Some content and images were created with AI assistance.

Traffic signs
Traffic rules
Canada

16. Roundabout

A roundabout is a circular road arrangement in which traffic travels around a central island in one designated direction. Vehicles enter and leave through connecting roads, and traffic signs or local rules determine who has the right-of-way.

Drivers should reduce speed, choose a suitable lane, observe all road users and signal as required when leaving. The direction of travel, entry priority, lane use and rules for cyclists and pedestrians depend on local traffic signs and regulations.

Roundabout sign at the junction of Alberta highways 633 and 44 near Villeneuve. (Alberta, Canada)
Wikimedia.org • formulanone • CC BY-SA
Who has priority at a roundabout in Canada?

In Ontario, entering drivers yield to traffic already circulating, which approaches from the left. The handbook distinguishes modern roundabouts from older traffic circles, where different controls can apply. Other provinces have their own rules.

🔗 ontario.ca • Ontario MTO — roundabout controls and150m U-turn visibility

🔗 icbc.com • ICBC — Learn to Drive Smart, March2026, comparative signs and safe-driving guidance; BC scope

How should you choose a roundabout lane in Canada?

In Ontario, choose the lane for your exit before entering, follow the lane markings and allow room for large vehicles. Do not assume an older traffic circle follows the same arrangement as a modern roundabout.

🔗 ontario.ca • Ontario MTO — roundabout controls and150m U-turn visibility

🔗 icbc.com • ICBC — Learn to Drive Smart, March2026, comparative signs and safe-driving guidance; BC scope

What should you check when leaving a roundabout in Canada?

Check the lane you will cross or enter, signal the manoeuvre as required and look for cyclists and pedestrians at the exit. Obey any separate crossing controls and do not force an exit across another vehicle’s path.

🔗 ontario.ca • Ontario MTO — roundabout controls and150m U-turn visibility

🔗 icbc.com • ICBC — Learn to Drive Smart, March2026, comparative signs and safe-driving guidance; BC scope

1 Canada 2 Freeway 3 Speed limit 4 Advisory speed 5 Bike path 6 Pedestrian warning 7 Bridge 8 Speed bump 9 Toll road 10 One-way traffic 11 Bus lane 12 Bus stop 13 Dead end 14 Stop sign 15 Yield 16 Roundabout 17 Road narrowing 18 Crosswalk 19 Railway crossing 20 Mandatory direction 21 Turn prohibition 22 School area 23 Crossing animals 24 Slippery road 25 Rockfall 26 Curve 27 Wrong-way driving 28 Road work 29 Height limit 30 Weight limit 31 Radar speed sign 32 Selective barriers 33 Priority at the next intersection 34 Traffic signals 35 Traffic signals ahead 36 Pedestrian lights 37 All-way stop 38 Emergency telephone 39 No parking 40 No stopping 41 Parallel parking 42 Disabled parking 43 Traffic management 44 Backing up 45 U-turn 46 Detour 47 Uncontrolled intersection 48 Road surface 49 Emergency lane 50 Provisional licence 51 City limit 52 Road closed 53 Licence plate 54 Charging station 55 Pedestrian 56 Bus 57 Police 58 Ambulance 59 Taxi 60 Tailgating 61 Pothole 62 Path 63 Particulates 64 Air pollution 65 Rush hour 66 Road code 67 Reversible lane 68 Street gutter 69 Cargo bike 70 Forestry vehicle 71 Construction vehicle 72 Semi-trailer truck 73 Trolleybus 74 Speed pedelec 75 Delivery vehicle 76 Idling 77 Tow truck 78 Four-wheel drive 79 Bicycle 80 Motorcycle equipment 81 Rail track 82 Travel trailer 83 Trailer 84 Tow hitch 85 Fire truck 86 Siren 87 Convoy 88 Emergency vehicle lighting 89 Agricultural machinery 90 Electric bicycle 91 Electric vehicle 92 Pedelec 93 Quadricycle 94 Microcar 95 All-terrain vehicle 96 Van 97 Recreational vehicle 98 Scooter 99 Trikke 100 Personal mobility device ...