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

On behalf of Harper, Evans, Hilbrenner & Netemeyer

January 28, 2025

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

Here’s a scenario: you approach a four-way stop, and so do three other drivers. Everyone pauses. Then comes the awkward moment—who moves first? This common situation trips up even experienced drivers. In Missouri, intersections account for a significant portion of accidents annually, making it crucial to know the rules of the road.
Whether you're driving through Columbia, St. Louis, or anywhere in the state, understanding the four-way stop's meaning isn’t just about following the law—it’s about preventing accidents and saving lives. Let’s break it down step by step.

Who Proceeds First at a Four-Way Stop?
When you pull up to a four-way stop, the golden rule is simple: right of way goes to the first vehicle to arrive and come to a complete stop. This might seem straightforward, but hesitation or miscommunication often leads to confusion.

First Come, First Serve
If you’re the first car to stop, you get to go first. Think of it as a polite queue system. But it’s not just about stopping—you must stop completely. A rolling stop doesn’t count.

Yield to the Right
When two vehicles arrive simultaneously, the car on the right has the right of way. Look to your right. If there’s a vehicle there, let them proceed before you.

Straight Over Turns
If two cars face each other at a four-way stop, the driver going straight has the right of way over the driver turning left. This minimizes the risk of side-impact collisions.

Communication is Key
Make eye contact with other drivers. A simple wave or nod can clarify intentions and keep traffic moving smoothly.

What Happens if Four Cars Arrive Simultaneously?
It’s rare but not impossible—four cars pulling up to a stop at the exact same time. This scenario can feel like a standoff. Here’s how to handle it:

  • Follow the Yield to the Right Rule
    If everyone arrives at once, the car to the farthest right should proceed first. After that, the process continues clockwise.
  • Make Eye Contact and Communicate
    In practice, it’s unlikely that everyone will arrive at the same millisecond. Drivers often make quick judgments about who arrived first. If there’s confusion, use hand signals or flash your headlights to indicate your intentions.

  • Stay Calm and Patient
    Aggressive or rushed behavior leads to mistakes. Missouri has seen thousands of intersection crashes, often caused by driver impatience as a contributing factor. It’s better to take an extra second than to risk a collision.

Why Four-Way Stops Are Important
Four-way stops, also called all-way stops, are meant to help control traffic in areas where cars are moving slowly or where it's hard to see. Unlike traffic lights, which tell drivers exactly when to stop or go, four-way stops rely on drivers working together and understanding the rules.
Each driver has to take turns, giving the right of way to the car that arrives first or the one on the right if you get there at the same time. But if drivers don’t follow these rules or get too impatient, accidents can happen. Misunderstanding the signs or not waiting your turn can cause crashes. It’s important to stay focused, be patient, and always follow the rules to stay safe.

Common Missteps and How to Avoid Them
Even with clear rules, mistakes at four-way stops happen. Some of the most frequent errors include:

1.Rolling Stops
Many drivers fail to come to a complete stop, assuming the intersection is clear. This can result in fines or, worse, accidents.

2. Failure to Yield
Misjudging another vehicle’s arrival time often leads to collisions. Double-check before proceeding.

3.Overcommunication
While hand signals help, overusing them or making exaggerated gestures can create confusion. Stick to simple and clear signals.

When Accidents Happen: Legal Options
Despite your best efforts, accidents at four-way stops do happen. When they do, understanding your legal rights is crucial. Missouri follows a pure comparative fault rule, meaning each driver involved in an accident is assigned a percentage of fault. This determines how damages are awarded. For example, if you’re found 30% at fault, your compensation is reduced by that percentage.
If you’ve been involved in a collision at a four-way stop, it’s important to document the scene and gather witness statements. This can make a significant difference when pursuing a legal claim.

Need Legal Assistance? Contact Harper, Evans, Hilbrenner & Netemeyer
At Harper, Evans, Hilbrenner & Netemeyer, we understand how overwhelming it can be to deal with the aftermath of an accident. Whether it’s negotiating with insurance companies or pursuing a claim in court, our team is here to help.
If you’ve been injured in a collision at a four-way stop or have questions about Missouri’s traffic laws, call us today for a free consultation. Don’t leave your case to chance—let us help you get the justice you deserve.


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