When can you use a traffic circle?

Using a traffic circle is governed by specific rules to ensure the smooth flow of traffic and enhance safety. The correct answer emphasizes that you should use a traffic circle when applicable, meaning when you are approaching one and it is safe to enter. A crucial part of this is yielding to traffic that is already in the circle. This ensures that vehicles inside the circle can continue moving without interruption, reducing the chance of accidents and allowing for efficient use of the intersection.

Yielding to traffic already in the circle is a standard practice in many jurisdictions, including Nova Scotia, and helps to maintain order in what can sometimes be a confusing traffic situation. This rule serves to prioritize the vehicles that are already committed to the circle, allowing for a smooth transition for both entering and exiting traffic.

The other options present scenarios that do not follow the established rules for using a traffic circle. The idea that you can only use a traffic circle during rush hour limits its use unnecessarily, while suggesting that you can enter only when there are no other vehicles around undermines the series of rules that prioritize safety for everyone in the circle. Additionally, the suggestion that you can disregard yielding altogether would lead to chaos, increasing the risk of collisions and jeopardizing the safety of all road users.