4-Way Intersections: Who Goes First?

Do you know what to do when you get to a 4-way intersection?  Generally, they are marked with a Stop Sign for each approaching vehicle.  The Stop Signs take the place of an electric control light.  Motorists often get confused at these intersections.  BEWARE!  Many motorists don’t know the simple rules that apply to 4-way intersections or they just disobey them.  Motorists often get confused at these intersections, but the rules are really quite simple.  

Here are FOUR SIMPLE RULES: 

Rule 1: First to arrive, first to drive.  When you’re approaching a 4-way stop, drivers who stopped before you have the right of way. If two or more vehicles reach the intersection at the same time, the driver on the left must yield to the driver on your right. 

Rule 2: Right-of-way goes to the right, so if two vehicles arrive at the same time, stop, and the car on the right has the right-of-way. 

Rule 3: Straight doesn’t have to wait.  If 2 vehicles arrive at the same time and are across from each other, stop and watch in which direction the other vehicle is going.  If it goes straight, it’s safe for you to go straight because you won’t cross each other’s path.  If you are turning, then the car that is going straight has the right-of-way. 

Rule 4: Left turn yields to the right.  If two vehicles arrive directly across from each other at the same time and both are turning, then the vehicle that is turning left yields to the one that is turning right.  These are COMMON SENSE rules.  Know them, follow them, and you’ll be safe.