Traffic circles and roundabouts

By the ChowChow Labs editorial team · Updated November 13, 2026 · How we check our content

Short answer: Circular intersections keep traffic moving counterclockwise around a centre island. Alberta has specific rules for two-lane circles.

Key points

• Yield to traffic already in the circle before entering.
• Travel counterclockwise.
• Signal right after passing the exit before the one you'll use.
• Two-lane circles: stay in your lane; don't change lanes in the circle.
• Use the left lane if you're going past the first exit.
• Drivers in the right (outside) lane yield to drivers on the left (inside) who are exiting.
• Missed your exit? Go around again.

Law or advice?

Yielding on entry and the lane rules are law. Checking for cyclists and pedestrians at the crosswalks on every entry and exit is good practice.

Example

You're in the outside lane continuing around. A car in the inside lane signals to exit across you. You yield to it.

Checked against the Government of Alberta Driver’s Guide (Spring 2026), used under the Open Government Licence – Alberta. Laws change, so check alberta.ca for the current rules before you rely on a number. Sources: Alberta Driver’s Guide, page 61: Traffic circles and roundabouts.

Check yourself

Try these 6 questions from our free mock exams, then tap Show answer. For more, take the rules of the road practice test.

1. Question 1 · Intersections

   You are in a roundabout and plan to take the third exit. When should you turn on your right signal?

   1. A. Before entering the roundabout, so everyone knows your plan early
   2. B. After passing the exit before the one you will use
   3. C. Right after you enter the circle
   4. D. After you have left the roundabout

   Show answer

   Answer: B. After passing the exit before the one you will use

   Signal right after you pass the exit just before yours.

   Source: Alberta Driver’s Guide (Spring 2026), page 61: Traffic circles and roundabouts (two-lane: right lane yields to left lane)Reviewed October 2026Report an error

2. Question 2 · Intersections

   You miss your exit in a roundabout. What should you do?

   1. A. Continue around and take the exit on the next pass
   2. B. Stop in the circle and wait for a gap to reach it
   3. C. Cut across the other lane to reach the exit
   4. D. Reverse back along the circle to the exit

   Show answer

   Answer: A. Continue around and take the exit on the next pass

   If you cannot exit safely, continue around the circle and try again.

   Source: Alberta Driver’s Guide (Spring 2026), page 62: Traffic circles and roundabouts (two-lane: right lane yields to left lane)Reviewed October 2026Report an error

3. Question 3 · Intersections

   Three vehicles stop at an all-way stop at different times. Which goes first?

   1. A. The vehicle going straight
   2. B. The vehicle on the main road
   3. C. The vehicle that stopped first
   4. D. The largest vehicle

   Show answer

   Answer: C. The vehicle that stopped first

   At an all-way stop, the first vehicle to stop proceeds first, when it is safe.

   Source: Alberta Driver’s Guide (Spring 2026), page 59: All way stop orderReviewed October 2026Report an error

4. Question 4 · Intersections

   At an intersection with no signs or signals, a vehicle approaches from your right at the same time. What should you do?

   1. A. Go first, since you are going straight
   2. B. Speed up to cross first
   3. C. Go first if your road is wider
   4. D. Yield to the vehicle on your right

   Show answer

   Answer: D. Yield to the vehicle on your right

   At uncontrolled intersections, yield the right-of-way to a vehicle on your right.

   Source: Alberta Driver’s Guide (Spring 2026), page 59: Uncontrolled intersection right sideReviewed October 2026Report an error

5. Question 5 · Intersections

   At a T intersection with no signs or signals, who has the right-of-way?

   1. A. Whoever is going faster
   2. B. The driver on the road that ends
   3. C. The driver on the right
   4. D. The driver on the road that continues

   Show answer

   Answer: C. The driver on the right

   In Alberta, an uncontrolled T intersection follows the right-hand rule.

   Source: Alberta Driver’s Guide (Spring 2026), page 60: Uncontrolled T intersectionReviewed October 2026Report an error

6. Question 6 · Intersections

   You are turning left at an intersection and an oncoming car is going straight. Who has the right-of-way?

   1. A. Whoever is driving the larger vehicle
   2. B. The oncoming car
   3. C. You, because you were there first
   4. D. You, because you signalled

   Show answer

   Answer: B. The oncoming car

   Drivers turning left must yield to oncoming traffic.

   Source: Alberta Driver’s Guide (Spring 2026), page 60: Left turn conflictReviewed October 2026Report an error

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