The ongoing changes to roundabout traffic rules have sparked confusion among drivers. This viewpoint was voiced by Viktor Travin, the Chairman of the Board of the Legal Protection of Vehicle Owners, in an interview with socialbites.ca.
“The rules are altered so frequently, in ways that are hard to follow and without clear justification. Initially, three years ago, they claimed the intervention rule applied to the right; then it shifted to the left; later, drivers were told to follow the signs; now a fresh modification has appeared,” Travin remarked during his discussion with socialbites.ca.
According to Government Decree No. 1769, dated October 6, 2022, a revised version of paragraph 13.11 (1) of the SDA has come into force. This update, which also addresses how traffic moves through roundabouts, becomes effective on March 1, 2023.
“When approaching a road that is not part of a main thoroughfare and encountering a roundabout marked with sign 4.3, the vehicle driver must yield to traffic already navigating the intersection.” This is the SDA’s stated guidance, reflecting a shift in priority rules at these junctions.
Under the new framework, vehicles traveling on the main road are granted priority entering the roundabout. Other vehicles entering the circle must yield. In the prior edition of the traffic regulations, the wording did not include the qualifier “not a main road,” which impacted general expectations about right-of-way at these crossings.
“From the many inquiries I receive from vehicle owners, it appears that a large portion of drivers still hasn’t fully absorbed the former rules for roundabouts. The confusion is so widespread that many continue to operate as they always did, regardless of the newer stipulations,” Travin concluded in his interview.
The updated traffic guidelines, effective March 1, also extend beyond the roundabout rules. The decree introduces the concept of “individual mobility assistance” (IM) and outlines accompanying road signs that regulate their use. In addition, pedestrians are instructed to yield to cyclists when those cyclists are traveling on designated bike paths, further clarifying interactions among different road users in shared spaces.
Experts emphasize that familiarity with these changes is crucial for reducing misunderstandings and improving safety. With roundabouts playing an increasingly common role in urban transportation networks, drivers are urged to review the new rules and approach intersections with heightened awareness. Marked signage and official interpretations are expected to guide behavior, but personal vigilance remains essential for maintaining smooth traffic flow and avoiding unnecessary conflicts at junctions.
In summary, the reform implemented on March 1 clarified priority at roundabouts by specifying that non-main-road approaches must yield to vehicles on the circle, while those on the main road retain priority entering the roundabout. The broader framework also highlights the need for clear communication between road users when new mobility concepts and corresponding indicators are introduced, ensuring safer and more predictable travel for everyone on Canadian and American roads alike. (Source: Government Decree No. 1769, 2022; official SDA updates.)