Traffic Circles

Typical Layout of a Traffic Circle

Traffic Circles A traffic circle is a raised island located in the centre of an intersection. Vehicles are required to travel through the intersection in a counter-clockwise direction around the island. Its purpose is to slow down travel speeds and discourage traffic from short-cutting through a residential neighbourhood.

Traffic circles are part of the traffic calming* “toolbox” intended to address neighbourhood intrusion issues related to excessive travel speeds, rat-running, etc. Traffic circles generate less vehicle noise, vibration, and exhaust emissions compared to other traffic calming measures, such as speed humps.

* Traffic calming - a traffic management tool aimed at limiting travel speed by introducing physical roadway geometric changes at selected locations.

How to Drive Around a Traffic Circle Vehicles should keep to the right and travel around the traffic circle in a counter-clockwise direction. Vehicles entering the intersection should yield to the vehicle on the right and to vehicles already in the intersection as well as any crossing pedestrians.

Be Cautious! Large emergency and Service Vehicles may manoeuvre into the left side of the traffic circle when making a left turn.

Remember: Traffic circles are new to most drivers in Richmond, so please... Drive Defensively!

For further information, please contact:
City of Richmond
Transportation Division
Phone: 604-276-4388
Fax: 604-276-4052

Nothing stated on this page affects the applicability of the Motor Vehicle Act.