Four Way Stop Sign - Meaning

What does a Four Way Stop sign mean?

Four Way Stop signs are installed at 4-way stops to inform drivers that all entrances to the intersection are controlled by stop signs. Traffic from all four directions must stop, and vehicles must proceed through the intersection in the order they arrived. The first vehicle to reach the intersection should move forward first. If multiple vehicles reach the intersection at approximately the same time, each driver must yield to the drivers on their right. If two vehicles arrive opposite each other at the same time and no vehicles are on the right, then both vehicles may proceed at the same time if they are going straight through the intersection.

What type of sign is a Four Way Stop sign?

A Four Way Stop sign is a regulatory sign. Regulatory signs set limits, control traffic and give commands.

What colors are on a 4-Way Stop sign?

Four Way Stop signs are red and white with white lettering.

What shape are Four Way Stop signs?

Four Way Stop signs combine a STOP sign, which is shaped like an octagon, with a small rectangular placard which says "4-WAY" in white lettering, and is placed below the Stop sign.

Where are 4-Way Stop signs commonly found?

4-Way Stop signs are commonly found at intersections with four-way stops.

TIP: Studying for your DMV test? Check out our list of road signs and their meanings

Four Way Stop Sign - What To Do

When you see a Four Way Stop sign while driving, you must come to a complete stop at the intersection. After stopping:

• if no other vehicles are present at the intersection, then you can proceed
• if one or more other vehicles are present, proceed through the intersection in the order that you arrived at the intersection
• if you arrived at the intersection at the same time as other vehicles, the driver on the left must yield to the driver on the right
• if another vehicle arrives in the opposite direction at the same time, and no vehicles are on the right, you may proceed if both you and the other vehicle are going straight through the intersection
• if two vehicles arrive opposite each other and one is turning right and one is turning left, the vehicle turning right has the right-of-way