Right-Of-Way Rules To Follow At Four-Way Stops

The rules of the road are there to help keep everyone safe and help lower car crashes. Drivers aren't the only road users who have to know and follow these rules. Bicyclists, moped riders, motorcyclists, and even pedestrians are all required to adhere to state road law, especially when it comes to stop signs and right-of-way.

Four-way stops and right-of-way can be one of the more confusing set of rules to learn and remember, even for experienced drivers! To make it easy for you, we've broken these laws down into four simple rules that will help ensure you are navigating four-way stops in a safe and legal manner.

1. First To Arrive Has Right-Of-Way

When it comes to four-way stops, the first car to arrive at the stop sign is the first car that gets to proceed. If you see cars at the intersection all arriving at different times, each car should proceed in the order that they arrived. Directions don't matter in this case, as it is first come, first serve.

2. Arrive At Same Time, Right Goes First

Sometimes you find yourself arriving at the stop sign at the same time as another driver. If it is not clear as to which car arrived first, the rules of the road dictate that the car on the right has the right-of-way. Note, this rule only applies when the two cars are perpendicular to each other.

3. Straight Trumps Turns

Sometimes two cars arrive across from each other at an intersection at the same time. If there is no car to the right of either car, and both cars intend on going straight (their turn signals are not engaged) then the rules of the road state that both cars may proceed at the same time. However, if both vehicles arrive at the same time across from each other, and one vehicle intends on going straight while the other indicates a turn (to the left or right), then the vehicle going straight will have the right-of-way and will proceed first.

4. Right Over Left

Let's come back to our example of two cars arriving across from each other at an intersection at the same time. This time, however, one vehicle is indicating a turn to the right and the other vehicle is indicating a turn to the left. In this instance, the right-of-way goes to the vehicle making a right-hand turn. If you think about it, it makes sense! Since both cars are trying to turn into the same lane of traffic, it seems fitting that the vehicle turning right would get to go first.

The best way to help ensure everyone is following the rules of the road is to be certain you are communicating with your fellow drivers. Always use your turn signals to indicate your intention and remember to signal before you come to a complete stop.

Keeping a steady flow of traffic is key to lowering congestion and accidents at four-way stops. Remain courteous and patient, even if others don't, and always remember the rules of the road!

Want to practice your 4-way stops? Book a lesson with Coastline!