New Brunswick Roundabout Rules: Who Yields, Which Lane and When to Signal
Who has the right of way at a roundabout in New Brunswick?
Under the New Brunswick Motor Vehicle Act, traffic already in the roundabout has the right of way. When you enter, yield to that traffic, and to both lanes in a multilane roundabout. Yield to pedestrians and bicyclists, then drive counter-clockwise. Do not change lanes or stop inside, and turn on your right signal as you approach your exit.
Where these roundabout rules come from
The yield and direction rules are in section 147(3) of the New Brunswick Motor Vehicle Act (the Act calls a roundabout a "rotary traffic circle"). The step-by-step driving advice comes from Part 4 of the New Brunswick Driver's Handbook, published by the Government of New Brunswick. This guide is current as of 2026. Confirm the rules with Service New Brunswick (gnb.ca) before you drive.
Who yields at a roundabout in New Brunswick?
You do, when you enter. Section 147(3) of the Motor Vehicle Act says a driver who enters a rotary traffic circle must give the right of way to vehicles already on a roadway in the circle. If the roundabout has two lanes, yield to both lanes.
Before you enter, also yield to pedestrians and bicyclists. Then wait at the entry until there is a safe gap in the traffic in the circle, and go only when the gap is safe.
How to drive a roundabout, step by step
- 1
Slow down and choose your lane early
Choose your lane before the roundabout, from the arrows on the signs and the pavement markings. Respect the posted speed limit.
- 2
Yield to pedestrians and bicyclists
Give way to people on foot and on bicycles before you look for a gap in the circle.
- 3
Yield to traffic already in the roundabout
If the roundabout has two lanes, yield to both lanes.
- 4
Enter when there is a safe gap
Drive counter-clockwise around the centre of the circle.
- 5
Stay in your lane
Do not change lanes in a multi-lane roundabout, and do not stop in the roundabout.
- 6
Signal right and exit
As you approach your exit, turn on your right turn signal.
Which direction do you drive in a roundabout?
Counter-clockwise, around the island or the centre of the circle. The Motor Vehicle Act requires it. It applies in every roundabout, with one lane or with more.
Do you signal when you exit a roundabout in New Brunswick?
Yes. As you approach your exit, turn on your right turn signal.
Give the signal well in advance, so that other drivers can plainly see it. The Motor Vehicle Act also requires a signal when you turn or move right or left and other traffic may be affected. Check often that your signal lights work.
Outside the roundabout, the general rule for a turn is a signal at least 30 metres before it. Practise that rule with our free question on how far before a turn to signal.
Which lane to use in a roundabout
Can you change lanes inside a roundabout?
No. The New Brunswick Driver's Handbook says not to change lanes while you are in a multi-lane roundabout. That is why the lane choice comes first: pick it from the signs and markings while you are still on the approach.
If you must move into another lane on the approach, make sure there is safe clearance to the side, ahead and behind, and signal before you move. Our free question on checks needed before turning or changing lanes practises this.
What to do around large trucks in a roundabout
- Give large trucks plenty of room in a roundabout, because they need more space.
- Do not try to pass a large truck inside a roundabout.
- Do not drive side-by-side with a large truck inside a roundabout.
Roundabout rules at a glance
| Situation | What to do |
|---|---|
| Entering the circle | Yield to traffic already in it, and to both lanes if there are two |
| Pedestrians and bicyclists | Yield to them at the entry |
| Direction of travel | Counter-clockwise around the island or centre of the circle |
| Speed | Respect the posted speed limit |
| Lane changes | Do not change lanes in a multi-lane roundabout |
| Stopping | Do not stop in the roundabout |
| Leaving | Right turn signal as you approach your exit |
| Large trucks | Give extra room; do not pass or drive beside them in the circle |
Key takeaways
- Yield to pedestrians, bicyclists and traffic already in the roundabout, and to both lanes of a multilane roundabout.
- Drive counter-clockwise. Choose your lane before you enter, and do not change lanes or stop inside.
- Turn on your right turn signal as you approach your exit.
- Give large trucks plenty of room, and do not pass them or drive beside them in the circle.
- Next step: practise on the free New Brunswick Class 7 Level 1 practice test, including the question on who has priority when you enter a roundabout. Our practice tests are free and in English only.
New Brunswick roundabout rules: common questions
Do you have to yield to pedestrians at a roundabout in New Brunswick?
Yes. Step 2 in the New Brunswick Driver's Handbook is to yield to pedestrians and bicyclists. Do this before you yield to the traffic in the circle and look for a safe gap. Slow down early on the approach so that you can stop for anyone who crosses in front of you.
Do you yield to the car on your right in a roundabout?
No, not because it is on your right. In a roundabout, the vehicle already in the circle goes first, and you yield to it when you enter. The yield-to-the-right rule is for two vehicles that enter an intersection at about the same time, for example at a four-way stop.
Is a roundabout the same as a traffic circle or a rotary?
Yes. The New Brunswick Driver's Handbook says a roundabout is also called a rotary or a traffic circle, and the Motor Vehicle Act uses the words "rotary traffic circle". The same rules apply to all of them: yield on entry, drive counter-clockwise and signal right as you approach your exit.
Can you pass a truck in a roundabout?
No. Do not pass a large truck or drive side-by-side with it inside a roundabout. Large trucks need more space in the circle, so stay back and give them plenty of room until you are out of the roundabout.
What is the speed limit in a roundabout?
Respect the posted speed limit in a roundabout. Slow down on the approach so that you have time to read the lane arrows, yield to pedestrians and to traffic in the circle, and find a safe gap before you enter.
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