Four-way stop rules explained

All-way stops are common in the US, Canada, South Africa and parts of other countries, but very rare in the UK. Pick a scenario to see who goes first.

Quick answer:At a four-way stop, every vehicle stops. The first car to stop goes first. If two cars arrive together, the car on the right goes first, and a car going straight goes before an oncoming car turning left.

1 3 2 4
Right-hand traffic (US/Canada). Numbers show the order in which cars should go.

Different arrival times

The red car stopped first, then yellow, then blue, then grey. They go in the order they arrived: 1 → 2 → 3 → 4. Each driver waits for the car ahead in the queue to clear the junction.

The four rules, in order

  1. Everyone stopsEvery car makes a full stop, even if it's alone.
  2. First to stop, first to goTake turns in the order cars arrived and stopped.
  3. Tie? Yield to the rightIf two cars arrive at the same time, the driver on the left lets the driver on the right go first.
  4. Facing each other? Straight beats leftA car going straight or turning right goes before an opposite car turning left.
If four cars arrive at onceNo rule settles it. Make eye contact, let one driver signal and go first, and never force your way. Right of way is given, not taken.

Worked examples

SituationWho goes firstWhy
You stop first, another car stops a second laterYouFirst to stop, first to go.
Two cars stop at the same time on adjacent roadsThe car on the rightThe driver on the left yields.
Two cars face each other, both going straightBoth, at the same timeTheir paths don't cross.
Two cars face each other; one goes straight, one turns leftThe car going straightA left turn crosses the oncoming path.
Two cars face each other; one turns right, one turns left, onto the same roadThe car turning rightRight turns don't cross oncoming traffic.
A pedestrian is crossing in front of the car whose turn it isThe pedestrianPedestrians in the crosswalk always have priority.

Three-way stops and T-junctions

A three-way stop works the same way: first to stop goes first, and in a tie the car on the right goes first. At a T-junction where only the side road has a stop sign, it is not an all-way stop: traffic on the through road keeps going and the side road waits for a gap.

When traffic lights are out

In most US states and Canadian provinces, an intersection with dark (failed) traffic lights is treated as an all-way stop. A flashing red light also means stop, then proceed like a stop sign. A flashing yellow means proceed with caution.

Cyclists, motorcycles and emergency vehicles

  • Cyclists take their turn like any other vehicle. If a cyclist stopped first, they go first.
  • Motorcycles are small and easy to overlook in the queue. Count them in the order.
  • Emergency vehicles with lights and sirens don't wait their turn. Stay stopped, or clear the intersection if you are already in it, and let them through.

How to communicate at a four-way stop

Most confusion comes from drivers arriving at almost the same moment. Make eye contact, signal your direction early, and if another driver waves you on, still check for yourself before moving. If two of you start at once, the polite (and safe) move is to stop and let the other driver go. Right of way is given, not taken.

Where you'll find four-way stops

All-way stops are very common in the United States and Canada, and also in South Africa, where they're called four-way stops. They are rare in the UK and most of Europe, where crossroads are usually controlled by priority roads, give way lines, roundabouts or traffic lights. At an unmarked crossroads in the UK, nobody has priority, so approach slowly and be ready to give way.

Common four-way stop mistakes

  • Not stopping fully because “it's my turn anyway”.
  • Going in order of who reached the line, not who actually stopped first.
  • Starting to turn left while the car opposite is going straight.
  • Waving others through and creating a muddle. Take your turn clearly.

Still unsure of the basics? Start with what a stop sign means, then test yourself in the road signs quiz.

Common questions

Who has right of way at a four-way stop?
The first vehicle to arrive and stop goes first. The others follow in arrival order.
Who goes first if two cars arrive at the same time?
The car on the right. The driver on the left yields (this is the rule in right-hand-traffic countries such as the US and Canada).
Who goes first at a three-way stop?
Same as a four-way: first to arrive goes first, and in a tie the car on the right goes first.
Who has priority when turning left at a stop sign?
At an all-way stop in the US, a car going straight or turning right opposite you usually goes before your left turn.
What if four vehicles arrive simultaneously?
No rule settles it. Use eye contact and signals, let one driver go first carefully, and never force your way.
How does an all-way stop work?
Every approach has a stop sign (often with an "ALL WAY" plate). Everyone stops and drivers take turns in arrival order.
How does a two-way stop work?
Only the minor road stops. Cross traffic doesn't, and a plate may say so. Wait for a genuinely safe gap.
What if another driver waves you through?
A wave isn't a legal signal and they can't see everything. Check for yourself, because you're still responsible for pulling out safely.

More answers on the questions page.

More guides

Stop Sign Meaning and RulesHow to Stop at a Stop SignStop Sign Driving Test GuideStop Sign vs Yield (Give Way) SignStop Sign Fines and Penalty Points (UK and US)Stop Sign Shape, Colour and HistoryRoad Signs and Their MeaningsStop Sign and Road Sign Questions and Answers (167 FAQs)Road Signs Quiz

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