Driving Tests

Alberta Roundabout and Traffic Circle Rules

informational·how to guide·Published March 31, 2026

Who has the right of way in an Alberta roundabout or traffic circle?

Traffic already in the circle goes first. In Alberta, vehicles that enter a traffic circle or roundabout must yield to traffic already in it. Inside the circle, the law says you yield to any vehicle in the circle on your left, unless a traffic control device says otherwise. Traffic always moves counterclockwise. Do not change lanes in the circle, and signal right to exit.

Where the Alberta roundabout rules come from

The yield rules for drivers in a circle and for pedestrians in a crosswalk are sections 40 and 41 of Alberta's Use of Highway and Rules of the Road Regulation. The entry, lane and signal steps come from Chapter 4 of the Alberta Driver's Guide, Spring 2026. This post is current as of 2026. Confirm the rules with Alberta Transportation and Economic Corridors (alberta.ca) before you drive.

Traffic circle or roundabout: what is the difference?

Traffic circle: A circular intersection built to improve traffic flow and safety. Its centre island is larger than the centre island of a roundabout.
Roundabout: A circular intersection with a smaller centre island and a tighter curve around it, to encourage lower speeds. It may have a sloped curb that gives larger commercial vehicles more room. Roundabouts come in several shapes and sizes.
What is the same in both: Traffic always moves counterclockwise around the centre island, and vehicles that enter must yield to traffic already in the circle.

Who yields: entering the circle and inside it

When you enter, yield to traffic already in the circle. Once you are in the circle, section 40 of the regulation applies: yield to any other vehicle in the circle that is travelling on your left, unless a traffic control device directs otherwise. In a two-lane circle, this means drivers in the right lane yield to drivers in the left lane. Because circles differ in shape and size, watch for signs and pavement markings and obey them. Try the practice question on who has the right of way at a roundabout entrance. For intersections with stop signs, read who goes first at a four-way stop.

How to drive through a one-lane circle

1
Approach and scan
As you approach, look for pedestrians and cyclists at the crosswalks at the entrance and at the exits.
2
Yield, then enter
Yield to drivers already in the circle. Enter only when it is safe.
3
Go counterclockwise
Drive counterclockwise around the centre island. Do not change lanes in the circle.
4
Signal right for your exit
For the first exit, turn on your right signal as you approach and leave it on until you have left the circle. For a later exit, wait until you pass the exit before yours, then signal right. This tells other drivers that you will leave at the next exit.

Two-lane circle: which lane and which signal?

Two-lane circle: which lane and which signal?
Where you are going	Lane to enter, stay in and exit from	Signals
First exit	Right lane	Right signal as you approach. Leave it on until you have left the circle.
Past the first exit	Left lane	Left signal as you approach, to show that you will not use the first exit. Right signal when you pass the exit before yours.

Leaving a two-lane circle safely

You are in the right lane

Signal right and exit using the right lane. Do not move into the left lane.

You are in the left lane

Signal right when you pass the exit before yours. Check the right (outside) lane for traffic that may continue around the circle, cross it with care, and look ahead for pedestrians at the crosswalk where you exit.

You cannot stop or exit safely

Stay in your lane and go around the circle again. Try the practice question on missing your roundabout exit.

Pedestrians and cyclists at a roundabout

Pedestrian crossings on roundabouts sit away from the intersection. This is for safety, and it gives drivers and pedestrians a better view of each other. As you approach, scan the crosswalks at the entrance and the exits for pedestrians and cyclists. By law, you must yield to a pedestrian who is crossing the roadway in a crosswalk. If a vehicle has stopped at a crosswalk to let a pedestrian cross, do not pass it from behind.

Key takeaways

Yield to traffic already in the circle when you enter. Inside the circle, yield to vehicles on your left, unless a traffic control device says otherwise.
Traffic moves counterclockwise. Do not change lanes in the circle.
In a two-lane circle, use the right lane for the first exit and the left lane to go past it.
Signal right to exit. If you cannot exit safely, go around the circle again.
Next step: practise these rules on the free Alberta Class 7 practice test. It is in English only.

Alberta roundabout rules: common questions

Do you signal when you enter a roundabout in Alberta?

Your signal shows where you will exit. For the first exit, turn on your right signal as you approach and keep it on until you leave. In a two-lane circle, if you will go past the first exit, approach in the left lane with your left signal on. For any later exit, signal right after you pass the exit before yours.

Which way do you go around a roundabout in Alberta?

Counterclockwise, around the centre island. This is the same in a traffic circle and in a roundabout. Before you enter, give way to the vehicles that are already moving around the circle. Once you are in, keep your lane until your exit.

Can you change lanes inside a roundabout?

No. Pick your lane before you enter and keep it: right lane in, right lane out; left lane in, left lane out. If you miss your exit, stay in your lane and go around again. Try the practice question on changing lanes in a two-lane roundabout.

Which lane do I use to turn left at a two-lane roundabout?

To turn left, you go past the first exit, so use the left lane. Approach with your left signal on, yield to traffic in the circle and enter when it is safe. Stay left. Signal right after you pass the exit before yours, check the right lane for traffic that keeps going around, then exit from the left lane.

Who goes first in a two-lane roundabout, the left or the right lane?

The left lane. Under section 40, a driver in the circle yields to vehicles in the circle on their left, so drivers in the right lane yield to drivers in the left lane. When a left-lane driver crosses your lane to exit, let them go. When you exit from the left lane, still check the right lane with care.

Do pedestrians have the right of way at a roundabout?

Yes, when they cross in a crosswalk. Alberta law requires drivers to yield to a pedestrian who crosses the roadway in a crosswalk. At a roundabout, the crosswalks are set back from the circle at each entrance and exit. Never pass a vehicle that has stopped to let someone cross.