Winter is here, and so are new road safety rules every Manitoban needs to know.

As Manitobans, we know winter doesn’t just arrive – it hits. Freezing temperatures, blowing snow, icy roads, and longer commutes are all part of the season. This is a busy time of year for both tow truck operators and winter maintenance crews who work around the clock to keep our roads safe.

The Province of Manitoba has enacted important new rules by way of Bill 38: The Highway Traffic Amendment Act (Traffic Safety Measures), which took effect January 1st. These changes represent a significant step forward in protecting roadside workers and reflects CAA Manitoba’s sustained advocacy in our province. However, they will only make a difference if drivers know about these new rules and we all do our part.

New Safety Perimeters for Tow Vehicles

When a vehicle breaks down or slides into a ditch in winter, CAA rescuers rush to help, often working just inches away from fast-moving traffic, in dangerous weather, with limited visibility.

As of January 1st, tow truck operators will now be permitted to establish a safety perimeter behind their vehicles using pylons or other approved traffic-control devices. This new rule does three important things:

1. Creates a safer work zone for tow operators.
2. Provides protection for the stranded motorists they’re rescuing.
3. Gives oncoming drivers better visibility and forewarning that roadside assistance is underway, reducing the risk of secondary collisions.

This is a meaningful advancement in roadside safety, providing clarity, consistency, and protection.

Stronger Protection for Snowplows and Winter Maintenance Crews

Winter maintenance operators face their own risks. Blowing snow, reduced visibility, and powerful equipment can create unpredictable situations. Bill 38 also introduces new rules to protect them – and you:

• Drivers must keep a safe following distance: At least 30 metres behind snowplows or other winter maintenance vehicles, increasing to 100 metres when speed limits are above 80 km/h.
• No passing snowplows when blowing snow or ice crystals prevent you from clearly seeing the road ahead.
• Use extreme caution when approaching snowplows coming from the opposite direction.
• Slow down, and stop if needed, when snowplows are working in or near an intersection.

These rules are simple and save lives. Keeping your distance prevents collisions, protects operators, and gives plows the room they need to keep roads clear for everyone.

1-Metre Safe Passing for Cyclists

"Drivers are required to leave at least one-metre of space when overtaking and passing a bicycle or power-assisted bicycle," the province said in a release. "Drivers who fail to give cyclists the minimum required distance could be subject to a $298 fine and two demerit points. Cyclists are required to stay as close as possible to the curb, often where debris or potholes are found. The new rule ensures they have enough room to avoid hazards and gives drivers a clear, measurable distance to maintain when sharing the road."

A Major Step Forward for Road Safety in Manitoba

The changes in Bill 38 are more than small adjustments. They represent a strong, coordinated commitment to protecting Manitoba motorists and the people who help them. From tow truck operators and winter maintenance workers to everyday commuters and other road users, these measures are designed to reduce injuries, prevent collisions, and promote safer driving habits across the province.

As winter ramps up, we’re asking Manitobans to do their part: learn the new rules, share them, and follow them.

Together, we’ll make our roads safer for everyone this season.