Who Has the Right of Way at a Four-Way Stop?

You pull up to a four-way stop, glance around, and realize you’re not alone. Another car’s already waiting. A third rolls up right after you. Maybe even a fourth. Now what?

Knowing who has the right of way at a four-way stop is the key to preventing accidents and keeping traffic flowing smoothly. However, when timing gets tight and multiple vehicles arrive at once, it’s easy to start second-guessing.

Let’s clear things up. Whether you’re wondering “Do you go in a 4-way stop clockwise or counter-clockwise?” or asking, “If two vehicles arrive at an intersection with stop signs on all four corners, which driver must yield?”, we’ve got answers.

What is a four-way stop?

The Maryland Department of Transportation defines a four-way stop as an intersection where all four directions of traffic face stop signs. It’s an important traffic control device.

Everyone has to stop before proceeding, and drivers are expected to yield the right of way according to a set of rules. However, when someone hesitates, misjudges timing, or doesn’t know the rules, confusion and collisions follow.

The basic right-of-way rules at four-way stops

Here’s what you need to know when approaching a four-way stop:

1. First come, first served

The primary rule is simple: if you arrive first, you go first. If you pull up and there’s no one else already waiting, you’re free to proceed once you’ve made a complete stop and confirmed the intersection is clear.

This works well when arrivals are staggered. But what if two or more vehicles arrive at the same time?

2. Yield to the right

When two vehicles arrive at the intersection at the same time, the driver on the left must yield to the driver on the right. That means if you and another car arrive simultaneously, and they’re on your right-hand side, you let them go first.

This is where the “clockwise” question comes in. Technically, yes, if four vehicles arrived at precisely the same time (a rare but possible scenario), each would go in a clockwise direction. Each driver yields to the one on their right.

But real-world intersections don’t always follow ideal timing. If there’s any doubt about who got there first, or if it’s not clear who’s to your right, it’s safest to yield. A few extra seconds of caution are better than a crash.

3. Turning vehicles must yield to straight-through traffic

If you and another driver arrive at the same time, and you’re turning while they’re going straight, you yield to them. This applies whether you’re turning left or right. Drivers going straight always have the right of way over those turning.

4. Left turns yield to right turns

If two drivers arrive at the same time from opposite directions and one is turning left while the other is turning right, the driver turning left has to yield.

5. When in doubt, yield

If there’s ever any uncertainty, yielding is always the safest option. It prevents misunderstandings and helps avoid potential collisions.

Common mistakes people make at four-way stops

Knowing the rules is one thing. But it helps to recognize where things usually go wrong. Here are a few common mistakes drivers make at four-way stops:

• Rolling through the stop sign – You must come to a complete stop. Even a slow roll is illegal and dangerous.
• Assuming other drivers will yield to you – Don’t expect other people to know or follow the rules. Always make eye contact and proceed cautiously.
• Going out of turn – Jumping ahead of your turn creates confusion and can lead to accidents.
• Waving others through when it’s your turn – This may feel polite, but it disrupts the flow and can confuse others. It’s better to follow the rules.
• Rushing through – Being in a hurry increases the risk of making a bad judgment call. Stay calm, stop fully, and move with confidence.

Who yields if two vehicles arrive at the same time?

Let’s go back to one of the most common and confusing scenarios:

If two vehicles arrive at an intersection with stop signs on all four corners, which driver yields?

The answer: The driver on the left yields to the driver on the right. That’s it. If you’re on the left, the person on your right has the right of way.

And again, if one of you is turning and the other is going straight, the straight-through driver goes first, even if they’re to your left.

How to handle four-way stops as a pedestrian or cyclist

Four-way stops involve more than cars. Pedestrians and cyclists also have roles to play:

• Pedestrians typically have the right of way at crosswalks (although they are not permitted to step into traffic). If someone is crossing the street (whether walking or using a mobility device), you must stop and let them cross completely before proceeding.
• Cyclists must follow the same stop sign rules as drivers. That means coming to a complete stop and yielding just like any other vehicle.
• Always double-check for cyclists, especially when turning. They can be harder to see and may approach faster than you expect.

What happens if someone doesn’t follow the rules?

Unfortunately, not everyone respects the right-of-way system. If someone blows through the intersection out of turn or doesn’t stop at all, you could be at risk of a car accident. If that happens, and you’re injured, it’s important to know your legal rights.

What to do if you’re hit at a four-way stop

If you’ve been injured in a crash at a four-way stop, here’s what you should do:

• Call 911 – Always report the accident, even if it seems minor. Injuries can show up later.
• Get medical attention – Don’t wait to see a doctor. It’s important to document your injuries right away.
• Take photos – If you can, get pictures of the scene, the vehicles, and any visible injuries.
• Get witness info – If others saw what happened, their statements are important.
• Contact a personal injury lawyer – You may be entitled to compensation for your medical bills, lost wages, and pain and suffering.

Speak with a Maryland car accident lawyer today

Four-way stops shouldn’t be confusing, but when drivers don’t know the rules or ignore them, accidents happen. If you’ve been hurt in a crash and you believe the other driver failed to yield, don’t wait to get legal help.

At Plaxen Adler Muncy, P.A., we know Maryland traffic laws inside and out. We’re ready to listen to your story, explain your options, and fight to get you the compensation you deserve. Contact us today for a free consultation.