When drivers meet at a four-way stop, it can get confusing. Who goes first? Do you wait or go? In Phoenix and across Arizona, the rules for four-way stops are simple—but only if you know them. Failing to follow these rules can cause crashes, injuries, and big insurance problems. In fact, in 2022, drivers failing to yield caused over 21,700 accidents in Arizona. That led to more than 7,800 injuries and 132 deaths.
If you want to stay safe and avoid being blamed in a crash, it helps to understand how right-of-way works at a four-way stop.
What Does “Right of Way” Mean?
Right of way means the legal right to go first in traffic. It’s what decides who gets to move through an intersection while others wait. Arizona law doesn’t give anyone the right of way. Instead, it says when you must yield to others. That means you slow down or stop so someone else can go first.
What Is a Four-Way Stop?
A four-way stop is an intersection where each direction has a stop sign. Every driver who comes to the stop must come to a full stop. These stops are common in neighborhoods, near schools, and on smaller roads. They help control traffic when there aren’t any stoplights.
Who Goes First at a Four-Way Stop?
The rules at a four-way stop are easy to follow if you take them one step at a time:
- First Come, First Go – The first car to stop at the intersection gets to go first.
- Same Time? Yield to the Right – If two cars stop at the same time, the driver on the left must yield to the one on the right.
- Going Straight vs. Turning – When two cars face each other, the one going straight goes first. A driver turning left must wait for oncoming traffic to clear.
- Right Turn vs. Left Turn – If both cars are turning, the one turning right goes first.
- Four Cars at Once – If all four cars arrive at the same time, the one farthest to the right goes first. After that, it goes in a clockwise direction.
When in doubt, it’s safer to let the other driver go first than to risk a crash.
What If There Are No Signs or Traffic Lights?
Sometimes, intersections don’t have signs or lights. In those cases, Arizona law says you must yield to any car already in the intersection. If two cars arrive at the same time, the one on the left must yield to the one on the right.
Why Are These Rules Important?
The rules aren’t just about who goes first—they help prevent crashes. Four-way stops only work when everyone follows the same process. When someone assumes they have the right of way or rolls through a stop, they put everyone at risk. Most accidents at these stops happen when a driver fails to yield or guesses wrong about who should go first.
Common Mistakes at Four-Way Stops
Here are some of the mistakes drivers often make:
- Rolling through the stop sign without fully stopping
- Assuming another driver will yield when they shouldn’t
- Not using turn signals, which confuses others
- Rushing to beat another car
- Getting angry or impatient if someone hesitates
Being patient and following the rules can prevent a lot of trouble.
Tips for Staying Safe at a Four-Way Stop
- Always come to a full stop. Rolling stops are not only dangerous—they’re illegal.
- Use your turn signal. Let other drivers know your plan.
- Make eye contact. If you’re unsure who should go, a quick look can help avoid confusion.
- Wait your turn. Even if someone else is wrong, don’t force your way through.
- Be ready to yield. If the other driver is unsure or aggressive, it’s safer to let them go.
How Does Right of Way Affect Legal Claims?
When an accident happens at a four-way stop, figuring out who had the right of way can help decide who’s at fault. Arizona uses comparative fault. That means each driver can be blamed for part of the accident. For example, if one driver didn’t yield and another was speeding, they may both share the blame.
If you’re found to be 30% at fault, you can still collect 70% of the damages from the other driver. But if you’re more than 50% at fault, your claim may be much smaller—or denied.
How Is Fault Decided?
Insurance companies, judges, or juries look at many things to figure out who had the right of way:
- Photos of the crash and where each car was hit
- Statements from the drivers and witnesses
- Police reports that list the cause of the crash
- Traffic laws and who failed to follow them
It can get tricky, especially if both drivers claim they had the right of way.
What Should You Do After a Four-Way Stop Crash?
If you’re in a crash at a four-way stop, take these steps:
- Check for injuries and call 911
- Take pictures of the scene and damage
- Get names and contact info from witnesses
- Ask for a copy of the police report
- Don’t admit fault, even if you think you’re to blame
- Call a personal injury attorney to talk about your options
Need Help After a Four-Way Stop Accident?
If someone failed to yield and you got hurt in a crash, you don’t have to deal with it alone. A top-rated car accident attorney can look at your case, explain your options, and help fight for the money you need to cover medical bills, lost wages, and pain. The sooner you talk to a lawyer, the better your chances of getting fair results.
Call CLS Law today at (855) 257-9467 for a free consultation.