Drivers sometimes enter roundabouts without yielding, signal incorrectly or travel in the wrong direction. Knowing how to use a roundabout safely is an important part of being a responsible driver. Traffic patterns and road designs change, so it is worth reviewing the rules and refreshing your driving skills from time to time.
Roundabouts and Traffic Circles
Roundabouts and traffic circles are circular intersections that direct traffic around a central island. Their design and traffic controls can vary. Modern roundabouts commonly have yield signs at their entrances, while some smaller or older traffic circles may not.
Always watch for signs and pavement markings as you approach. They help identify the appropriate lane, indicate where you must yield and guide you through the intersection.
Approaching a Roundabout
Slow down as you approach and be prepared to stop. Watch for pedestrians at marked crosswalks and look for traffic already circulating in the roundabout.
At a roundabout controlled by yield signs, yield to traffic already circulating. In a multilane roundabout, check for traffic in every lane you will need to cross before entering. Do not assume that a gap in one lane means the roundabout is clear.
Enter only when there is a safe gap. Once you have entered, continue around the central island in the direction indicated by the road layout and signs.
Choosing the Correct Lane
Choose your lane before entering a multilane roundabout. Follow the lane-use signs and pavement markings, as these determine which exits you may take from each lane. If you are unsure which lane to use, slow down and check the signs before entering.
Once inside the roundabout, stay in your lane. Do not cut across another lane to reach your exit. A driver in an inside lane must not simply cross the outside lane to leave the roundabout, and a driver in the outside lane must remain alert to vehicles travelling beside them.
Watch the movement of other vehicles, maintain a safe following distance and check that your exit is clear before leaving. If you cannot safely take your intended exit, do not force your way across another lane. Continue around the roundabout if the lane markings permit it, and take an appropriate exit when it is safe.
Signalling and Exiting
In British Columbia, ICBC's instructions for using a roundabout advise drivers to signal right before reaching the exit they intend to take. This lets drivers waiting to enter and pedestrians waiting to cross know that you intend to leave the roundabout.
Choose the correct lane before entering, following any signs and pavement markings. Stay in that lane as you travel around the roundabout, and do not change lanes after entering. Do not signal in a way that could mislead other road users about your intended movement.
Before exiting, check that the way is clear and watch for pedestrians and cyclists at the exit crossing. A signal communicates your intention; it does not give you priority or relieve you of the responsibility to make sure the movement is safe.
When Traffic Is Waiting to Enter
At a roundabout controlled by yield signs, traffic entering must yield to traffic already circulating. A driver waiting at an entrance does not automatically have priority just because they have been waiting for a long time.
If traffic is circulating continuously, be patient and wait for a safe gap. Drivers already in the roundabout should continue predictably and avoid unnecessary braking or stopping. Courtesy is helpful, but do not create confusion by stopping to invite another driver into your path when it is not safe to do so.
Traffic Circles Without Yield Signs
Not every circular intersection in British Columbia has yield signs. At an unsigned traffic circle, the right-of-way rules for an uncontrolled intersection may apply.
Section 173(1) of the Motor Vehicle Act requires a driver to yield to a vehicle approaching or entering from the right when two vehicles approach or enter an intersection from different highways at approximately the same time and there are no yield signs.
In Trytko v. Kafafi, the court considered a collision at an unsigned traffic circle in Vancouver. The driver already in the circle was found 75% responsible, while the approaching driver was found 25% responsible for failing to slow down. The case illustrates why drivers cannot assume that being inside an unsigned traffic circle automatically gives them priority over approaching traffic.
The circumstances matter, including when each vehicle approaches or enters the intersection. Do not assume that a vehicle approaching from the right can proceed without regard for other traffic, or that a vehicle already in the circle always has priority. Approach cautiously, assess other road users and proceed only when it is safe.
Sharing the Roundabout With Large Vehicles
Large vehicles may need more room to negotiate a roundabout. Their trailers or rear wheels may track closer to the central island, and the driver may need more space to complete the turn.
Give large vehicles room and avoid driving beside them where they may need to move. Do not attempt to squeeze past a truck or bus within the roundabout. Wait until you can proceed without interfering with its path.
Emergency Vehicles and Roundabouts
If an emergency vehicle approaches while you are already inside a roundabout, continue through and exit before pulling over to let it pass. Do not stop in the roundabout or make an unexpected manoeuvre that could block traffic or create a collision risk.
If you have not yet entered, stop before the entrance when necessary and allow the emergency vehicle to pass. Stay alert for other emergency vehicles that may follow.
Pedestrians and Cyclists
Watch for pedestrians at crosswalks near roundabout entrances and exits. Yield to pedestrians as required, and do not stop on a crosswalk or block it while waiting to enter.
Cyclists may use the roadway through a roundabout or, where permitted and appropriate, a designated cycling or multi-use path. Be alert for cyclists approaching from different directions and check carefully before entering and exiting. If you are cycling in the roadway, make your movements predictable and use the appropriate lane position. If you are using a shared path, follow the signs and yield as required.
Keep Your Knowledge Current
Roundabouts are designed to keep traffic moving while reducing conflict points, but they work safely only when road users understand how to use them. Slow down, follow signs and markings, yield when required, signal your exit and watch for everyone sharing the road.
For additional guidance, consult ICBC's Learn to Drive Smart guide to refresh your knowledge of British Columbia's driving rules.
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