← Handbook sources
Traffic circles and roundabouts Traffic circles and roundabouts are circular intersections designed to improve traffic flow and safety. Traffic always circulates in a counterclockwise direction around a centre island. Vehicles entering the intersection must yield to traffic already in the circle. There are differences between traffic circles and roundabouts. The centre island of a roundabout is smaller than the centre island of a traffic circle. The roundabout has been designed with a tighter curve around the island to encourage lower speeds and may have a sloped curb to allow more room for larger commercial vehicles. Roundabouts can come in several different shapes and sizes. Drivers must watch for and obey traffic signs and or pavement markings. Pedestrian crossings on roundabouts are located away from the intersection for safety, as well as improved lines of sight for motorists and pedestrians. Drivers must follow similar rules when using roundabouts or traffic circles.Text extracted from the PDF for reference and may contain layout artefacts. The official PDF is authoritative.
Open official handbook at page 63 ↗Source: Driver's Guide: cars and light trucks, Spring 2026. Contains information licensed under the Open Government Licence – Alberta.