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

Four-way stops are one of the most common types of intersections you’ll come across in neighborhoods, residential spaces, and commercial crossings. But every year, tens of thousands of accidents happen at these types of stops, so much so that four-way stops are considered high-crash areas by many localities.

Knowing how to proceed when you approach a four-way stop can be the difference between safe driving or owing costly medical and property damage expenses because of an accident.

It’s important to understand what the driving laws are regarding four-way stops, who has the right of way, and other relevant information that can help you approach and proceed through these intersections safely. 

At Bernstein & Maryanoff, we’ve represented countless victims who have been injured or suffered property damage because of an accident at a four-way stop. Let us help you recover the compensation you deserve after an accident when you call our team for a free case evaluation.

What Is a Four-Way Stop?

So, what is a four-way stop and how does a four-way stop work? You’ve likely seen these intersections before as they are easily identified as a four-way intersection where each road at that intersection has a stop sign. The stop sign can also be accompanied by verbiage under it that reads “four-way” or “all way.”

Failing to stop at stop signs results in hundreds of thousands of accidents each year and unfortunately, these car accidents result in thousands of fatalities and millions of injuries. Injured persons may spend weeks or months recovering from severe injuries, and some even suffer permanent injuries. 

Four-way stops can reduce the number of accidents at an intersection, but this doesn’t totally eliminate the risk of an accident happening. Municipalities often install four-way stops at intersections with high collision rates or intersections involving minor highways. It’s also common to find four-way stops at intersections with reduced visibility.

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

So, how do four-way stops work when it comes to the right of way? Under Chapter 316 Section 123 of the 2011 Florida Statutes, the first vehicle that stops at an intersection has the right of way and should proceed first through the intersection. All other vehicles must yield to the vehicle that came before them.

When you approach a four-way stop, you must come to a complete stop. It is illegal to roll through a four-way intersection or any stop sign, for that matter.

Who Has the Right of Way if Two Cars Arrive at the Four-Way Stop Simultaneously?

You may be faced with a situation where you arrive at the four-way stop at the same time as another vehicle. Here are some notes to keep in mind to help you safely cross the intersection:

• First to arrive, first to drive: The driver who arrives at the intersection first always has the right of way.
• Always yield to the right: If two or more vehicles arrive at the intersection at the same time, the vehicle on the left has to yield to the vehicle on the right. In other words, the driver who does not have a vehicle to the right of them would have the right of way and should go first. This rule holds true until all vehicles have safely passed through the intersection.
• Left turn yields to right: Right turns have the right of way over left turns if you are on opposite sides of the intersection, but both approach the intersection at the same time.
• Straight doesn’t have to wait: If you arrive at the intersection at the same time as a driver who is directly across from you and both of you are traveling straight through the intersection, neither driver has to yield, but both should still come to a full stop. 

Some additional rules to keep in mind when you and another driver approach the intersection at the same time, and are facing opposite each other include the following: 

• If you need to turn left or right, and the vehicle opposite you is traveling straight, the vehicle traveling straight will always have the right of way.
• It’s important to keep in mind that bicyclists are considered vehicles and have the same rights as motorists do. 

Are There Situations When Multiple Cars Can Go at the Same Time?

Suppose the first vehicle at the intersection is going straight. This vehicle is across from another vehicle that’s going straight as well. In this scenario, both vehicles may pass through the intersection at the same time.

If two or more vehicles are all turning right, all vehicles can proceed with caution and pass through the intersection. Drivers may also be able to turn right when a vehicle is going straight, provided they won’t cross paths with the driver with the right of way. In these circumstances, drivers should be alert and check to see if other drivers are also entering the intersection to avoid collisions. When in doubt, drivers should wait until they have the right of way.

What Rules Apply to Pedestrians and Bicyclists at Four-Way Stops?

Most states grant pedestrians the right of way. In Florida, bicyclists and motorists must yield the right of way to pedestrians so long as the pedestrians are crossing legally. This means drivers stopping at a four-way stop must check for pedestrians before passing through the intersection. 

Although jaywalking is illegal, a pedestrian accident can cause severe injuries and carry financial repercussions, so drivers should always check for pedestrians.

Bicyclists must follow the same traffic laws that apply to cars. This means bicyclists must follow four-way stop rules and yield to the appropriate vehicle.

How Do Flashing Yellow Lights Compare to Four-Way Stop Signs?

Flashing yellow lights differ from four-way stops for several reasons. Drivers should use caution at intersections with flashing yellow lights. They must slow down and only pass through the intersection when it’s safe. There’s no legal requirement to stop if the intersection is clear.

What Should You Do After a Car Accident at a Four-Way Stop?

Car accidents can cause physical injuries, property damage, and mental trauma. In Florida, anyone in an accident that injures a person or causes at least $500 of property damage must contact the police and remain at the scene.

It’s also a good idea to contact a car accident attorney. Our attorneys will explain the laws you must comply with and how to protect your legal rights after your accident. Our attorneys can handle negotiations with insurance companies and take legal steps to get you the maximum compensation for any medical bills, property damage, and other costs.

FAQ

Sources

The 10 Most Scary Driving Statistics of 2022. (2022). 

Retting, R. et al. (2003). Analysis of motor-vehicle crashes at stop signs in four U.S. cities. 

The 2022 Florida Statutes. (2022).