Vehicles travel on the south Perimeter Highway during blustery winter conditions on Friday, December 19, 2025. (CHRISD.CA FILE)
New rules aimed at improving safety for highway workers, cyclists, and drivers across Manitoba came into force on January 1.
The changes stem from amendments to the Highway Traffic Act, which clarify how motorists must behave around snowplows, cyclists, and roadside assistance workers.
Under the new rules, drivers must maintain a safe following distance when approaching winter maintenance vehicles with blue warning lights activated. Motorists are required to stay at least 30 metres back on roads with speed limits of 80 km/h or less, and 100 metres back on higher-speed roads. Passing snowplows is prohibited when visibility is limited or when doing so could interfere with their work.
The legislation also introduces a mandatory one-metre minimum passing distance when drivers overtake cyclists, bringing Manitoba in line with several other provinces.
In addition, tow truck and roadside assistance operators are now permitted to place cones and warning signs to create safer work zones while operating in traffic.
“By establishing clear guidelines, this legislation aims to reduce collisions and provide the space and safety required for all who travel and work on the roads,” said Transportation and Infrastructure Minister Lisa Naylor, in a statement.
