Photo: Masterhatch, CC0, via Wikimedia Commons
In a Saskatchewan roundabout, traffic entering must yield to traffic already in the roundabout, and you signal right before you exit. The province also has diverging diamond interchanges, which briefly put you on the left side of the road, and restricted crossing U-turn (RCUT) intersections on divided highways, where you turn right and then U-turn instead of crossing. This guide explains each layout using SGI’s handbook rules, plus zipper merges and the basic right-of-way rules they build on.
Roundabout rules in Saskatchewan
- Yield on entry: traffic entering must yield to traffic in the roundabout. SGI’s handbook states it as: the vehicle on the right must yield to the vehicle on the left.
- Lane choice in a two-lane roundabout: use the right lane mainly when you are taking the first exit. If you are going beyond the second exit, use the left lane.
- Exiting: signal right to show you are leaving.
Step by step
- Watch the lane designation signs and pick your lane early.
- Slow down and look left for traffic already circulating.
- Enter when there is a safe gap. Do not force your way in.
- Stay in your lane. Watch for vehicles alongside, especially if you are in the left lane.
- Signal right and shoulder check before you exit.
Diverging diamond interchange
At a diverging diamond, traffic on the overpass crosses to the opposite side of the road at one signal-controlled ramp, then crosses back at the next. This lets heavy left-turn traffic flow with little interruption. The handbook names one at Pilot Butte on Highway 1 east of Regina.
| Your move | What to do |
|---|---|
| Going straight | Follow lane signs to the through lane. After the lights, you cross to the opposite side for a short distance, then cross back at the next lights. Don’t panic; this is normal. |
| Turning left | Follow lane signs to the left-turn lane. After the lights you cross to the opposite side, then make your left turn onto the ramp. |
| Turning right | Normal right turn. Get in the correct lane using the signs. |
Restricted crossing U-turn (RCUT)
An RCUT, also called a reduced conflict intersection, stops drivers crossing a four-lane divided highway in one move. You cannot turn left or go straight across. Instead:
- Turn right from the entrance ramp into the acceleration lane and enter the highway.
- When safe, signal, check mirrors, shoulder check and move to the far-left lane to enter the U-turn lane.
- Make the U-turn into the acceleration lane going the other way.
- When safe, signal, check mirrors, shoulder check and move to the far-right driving lane to continue, or into the far-right turning lane to turn right.
- Shoulder check for every lane you cross.
Scenario
You are on a side road and want to go left onto a divided highway with an RCUT. You turn right, merge, move left one lane at a time with a shoulder check each time, use the U-turn lane, and then you are heading in your intended direction.
Zipper merge in construction zones
When a lane closes, use both lanes until the lane ends, then take turns merging. If your lane is ending, signal, shoulder check and merge when safe. If your lane continues, let one vehicle in. Zipper merge signs may not be posted, but zipper merging is allowed and recommended in construction zones. It cuts speed differences between lanes and shortens backups.
The right-of-way rules underneath
| Situation | Who goes |
|---|---|
| Uncontrolled intersection (including T-intersections), arriving together | Vehicle on the left yields to the vehicle on the right |
| Yield sign | Slow down, give the right of way to traffic in or closely approaching the intersection, and stop if necessary |
| Three or four-way stop | By courtesy, the first to stop goes first; the others then yield to the driver on their right |
| Two-way stop | Stay stopped until all cross traffic has passed |
| Opposite stop signs, one turning left | Left-turning driver yields to the driver going straight |
| Turning left anywhere | Yield to oncoming vehicles close enough to be affected |
| Entering a provincial highway | Yield to highway traffic and nearby pedestrians |
| Leaving a lane, alley or driveway | Yield to pedestrians on the sidewalk and all traffic |
| Construction or maintenance vehicles with warning lights | Always yield to them |
At a two-way stop where opposing drivers are both going straight, you may both go at the same time. If you are turning left and the first oncoming driver goes straight, SGI says you may turn once that car has passed, if it is safe, while the next oncoming car moves up to its stop line. That keeps traffic moving; it is not a reason to cut in front of a car that has already started across.
Having the right of way never lets you insist on it. You must still avoid a collision.
Common questions
Who has the right of way in a Saskatchewan roundabout?
Traffic already in the roundabout. Entering traffic yields.
Do I signal when entering a roundabout?
The handbook requires a right signal when leaving. Follow the lane signs on entry.
Which lane for a roundabout if I am going straight?
The handbook says use the right lane mainly for the first exit, and the left lane if going beyond the second exit. For the second exit, follow the lane designation signs.
Is it legal to drive on the left side at a diverging diamond?
Yes. The road layout and signals guide you across and back. Follow the lane markings.
Can I turn left at an RCUT?
No. Turn right, then use the U-turn lane.
Related: learning to drive in Saskatchewan, SGI written test, SGI road test.
Sources
- SGI, “Saskatchewan Driver’s Handbook: A guide to safe driving 2026-27” (sgi.sk.ca)
- SGI, “Right of way” (sgi.sk.ca)