Motorists must give snow removal vehicles more space this year with new Manitoba law

Several new road laws took effect on January 1, 2026, including those related to motorists and snowplows. 

Bill 38, The Highway Traffic Amendment Act (Traffic Safety Measures) took effect in the beginning of the year to ensure those working on roads and highways are safer. 

The law states that vehicles approaching snow plows and tractors within city limits must maintain a 30 m distance when the speed limit is 80 km/h or slower. On the highways, motorists must maintain a 100 m distance from snow removal machines. 

Snow plows often travel at slower speeds than posted while clearing snow. Motorists may only pass these vehicles if it doesn’t interfere with their work and they have a clear visual. 

These laws are in effect whenever a winter maintenance vehicle has its blue or blue/amber warning lamps activated and is engaged or preparing to engage in winter maintenance activities on a highway or roadway.

Added Safety Law for Cyclists

Bill 38 also covers a new safety measure for cyclists on the road. It states all vehicles passing cyclists on the road must give at least one meter in distance between. 

On the other end, cyclists are also required to stay as close to the curb as possible to allow for as much distance between moving vehicles.