Navigating 4-Way Stops: The Rules of the Road in California

As drivers, we encounter various traffic scenarios on a daily basis, but one of the most common and potentially confusing situations is the 4-way stop. When multiple vehicles arrive at an intersection simultaneously, it’s crucial for everyone to understand and follow the rules to ensure a smooth and safe flow of traffic. In California, the 4-way stop has specific regulations designed to promote order and prevent accidents. 

Rule 1: First Come, First Served

The fundamental principle of a 4-way stop is that the first vehicle to arrive at the intersection has the right of way. If multiple vehicles reach the intersection at the same time, the vehicle to the right generally has the right of way. In practice, this means that the vehicle to your right should proceed before you. Remember, patience is key in this situation to avoid any confusion or potential accidents.

Rule 2: Stop and Yield

At a 4-way stop, every vehicle must come to a complete stop, regardless of whether there are other vehicles present or not. Rolling stops are not permitted, as they can lead to dangerous situations. Once you’ve stopped, yield to any vehicle that has already entered the intersection or that has the right of way based on the first-come, first-served principle.

Rule 3: Proceed with Caution

After coming to a complete stop and determining your turn order, proceed through the intersection with caution. Even if you have the right of way, it’s essential to remain vigilant and be prepared to yield if another driver fails to follow the rules or if unforeseen circumstances arise. Always make eye contact with other drivers if possible, as it can help ensure everyone is on the same page.

Rule 4: Pedestrian Priority

Pedestrians have the right of way at 4-way stops just as they do at regular intersections. If pedestrians are waiting to cross, all vehicles must yield to them. Exercise extra caution and patience when pedestrians are present, allowing them to safely cross before continuing through the intersection.

Rule 5: Right Turns and Conflicting Turns

When making right turns at a 4-way stop, you can generally proceed without stopping if there are no pedestrians or vehicles with the right of way approaching from the left or ahead. However, if there are other vehicles present, yield to them before making your turn. For conflicting turns, such as two vehicles wanting to turn left across each other’s paths, the right of way is still determined by the first-come, first-served principle. Always yield to the vehicle that arrived first.

Rule 6: Uncontrolled Intersections

In some cases, intersections may lack stop signs on one or more sides, making them uncontrolled intersections. In these situations, the rules of the road remain the same. Vehicles on the uncontrolled side must yield to vehicles on the controlled side, and the first-come, first-served principle still applies.

So remember, the key principles are to stop completely, yield to the first vehicle to arrive or the vehicle on your right, and always prioritize the safety of pedestrians. By adhering to these rules and exercising patience and courtesy, we can contribute to a smoother driving experience for everyone on the road. If you or a loved one has been injured in a 4 way stop accident, give us a call today. We are here to help. 

Call (619) 413-4405 for a free case evaluation. 

4 way stop rules