How to Use a Traffic Circle in Alberta

How to Use a Traffic Circle in Alberta

Traffic Circles are a type of intersection. The name is unsurprisingly due to the nature of travel where vehicles travel in a counterclockwise direction around a circular median. Traffic Circles are not a new form of intersection; however, they have become an increasingly common way to manage traffic.

Traffic Circles despite becoming a more common option for intersections are still far less common than intersections controlled by traffic lights or traffic signs. The rules surrounding Traffic Circles, therefore, are encountered less frequently and depending on where you live, possibly not at all. This lack of familiarity can lead to confusion surrounding the rules required to navigate Traffic Circles and if the rules are not universally understood misunderstandings can lead to potentially dangerous situations. The primary misunderstanding appears to be the interactions between which vehicle is required to yield to which and this article is a response to the confusion concerning the rules surrounding Traffic Circles

Traffic Circle or Roundabout

As noted above, Traffic Circles are one-way counterclockwise circular intersections. The designed goal is to improve both traffic flow and safety for everyone using the intersection. Roundabouts are similar to Traffic Circles and the terms are often used synonymously with each other however there are certain differences.

  • Traffic Circles are smaller than roundabouts and are usually installed in residential low-traffic intersections.

  • Roundabouts are larger than Traffic Circles, they have a tighter curve to encourage lower speeds and have splinter islands on all approaches to allow only one-way traffic around a center island. The crosswalks for pedestrian crossings are located away from the intersection for safety, as this improves the lines of sight for both motorists and pedestrians.

In a multilane Traffic Circle/Roundabout, unless directed otherwise by a traffic control device, the vehicle travelling in the right lane shall yield the right of way to a vehicle travelling in the left lane.

Legislation

In Alberta the distinction between Traffic Circles and Roundabouts is absent. The rules governing these intersections are provided in the Use of Highway and Rules of the Road Regulation, Alta Reg. 304/2002 as follows:

Traffic Circles

40 Unless otherwise directed by a traffic control device, a person driving a vehicle that is travelling in a traffic circle shall yield the right of way to any other vehicle that is in the circle and that is travelling to the left of that person’s vehicle.

Drivers must also yield to pedestrians using the Traffic Circle and the rules concerning pedestrians are as follows:

Yielding to Pedestrians

41(1) A person driving a vehicle shall yield the right of way to a pedestrian crossing the roadway within a crosswalk.

(2) Where a vehicle is stopped at a crosswalk to permit a pedestrian to cross the roadway, a person driving any other vehicle that is approaching the stopped vehicle from the rear shall not overtake and pass the stopped vehicle.

(3) At any place on a roadway other than at a crosswalk, a person driving a vehicle has the right of way over pedestrians unless otherwise directed by a peace officer or a traffic control device.

(4) Nothing in subsection (3) relieves a person driving a vehicle from the duty of exercising due care for the safety of pedestrians.

When Entering a Traffic Circle

When entering a Traffic Circle remember these 5 steps:

  1. Obey Traffic Signs

  2. Yield to Pedestrians

  3. Yield to other Drivers already in the Traffic Circle

  4. Signal when entering

  5. Make sure you choose the correct lane

In addition, to yield signs, some intersections will have traffic lane signs that dictate the lanes the entering vehicle is required to exit at. It is important to follow these signs and ensure it is safe to enter the Traffic Circle in the correct lane so that you can exit at the correct location. Make sure that you use your signal lights so other drivers are aware of your intention in the Traffic Circle.

While in the Traffic Circle you can only drive forward in a counterclockwise direction. If you entered on the right lane, please ensure that you yield to vehicles traveling in the lane to your left and if you are allowed to continue to drive in the right lane beyond the first exit, that you ensure you are yielding to vehicles in the left lane exiting ahead of you.

When Exiting a Traffic Circle

When exiting a Traffic Circle remember these 6 steps:

  1. Do Not Change Lanes in the Traffic Circle

  2. Maintain a Safe Speed

  3. Yield to Vehicles in the Left Lane

  4. Use your Right Turn Signal Before Existing

  5. Watch for Pedestrians Using the Cross Walk When Exiting

  6. Make sure you Exit into the Correct Exit Lane

The lane you choose when you enter the Traffic Circle should provide an obvious exit lane and in multilane Roundabouts, there should be multiple lanes for exit. The safe speed is usually indicated by the posted speed limit; however, other factors may require a lower speed.

Do not stop in the Traffic Circle unless traffic conditions require it. Never pull over inside the Traffic Circle. If there are emergency vehicles pull over before or after the Traffic Circle.

Ryan O'Fee