All-way stops First to stop goes first
At an all-way stop everyone stops at the limit line. Whoever stopped first goes first. If two drivers stop at the same time, the driver on the left yields to the driver on the right.
CVC 21800(c) · CA Driver's Handbook, "Right-of-Way Rules: Who Goes First?" · CVC 22450(a)
Who goes first at a 4-way stop in California?
The driver who stopped first. If two drivers stop at the same time, the driver on the left yields to the driver on the right (CVC 21800(c)).
Why this rule exists
With a STOP sign on every corner no road has priority, so the order of arrival decides. Taking turns in that order keeps two cars from entering at once.
Step by step on the road
- Look for the ALL WAY plaque under the STOP sign: every road has a STOP sign.
- As you come up, notice who is already stopped, and keep the order in your head.
- Stop fully at the limit line, as at any STOP sign.
- Whoever stopped first goes first. If you stopped at the same time as a car on your right, let it go first.
- Go when it is your turn and the intersection is clear.
Common mistakes
- Thinking the car on the right always goes first: that only decides it when you stop at the same time.
- Rolling through because every other car has stopped.
- Going before a car that was already waiting at its line.
On the DMV drive test
The stop is scored as at any STOP sign: a full stop within 6 feet behind the limit line, and going through faster than 4 mph is a critical driving error (DL 955). When you start, DL 955 wants you to take the right-of-way when it is safe, without causing confusion or holding up the traffic. The DL 32 sheet marks a traffic check, a yield and your speed on each start.
Based on the DMV’s Driving Test Criteria (DL 955) and its score sheet (DL 32). How the drive test works ›Questions people ask
What does ALL WAY under a STOP sign mean?
Traffic from every direction has a STOP sign and must stop. You still make a full stop yourself, then take turns.
Does the car on the right always go first at a 4-way stop?
No. The driver who stopped first goes first (Handbook). The car on the right goes first only when you both stop at the same time (CVC 21800(c)).
Is an all-way stop scored like a STOP sign on the drive test?
Yes, it is still a STOP sign. Going through it faster than 4 mph is a critical driving error on the DMV drive test.
Test yourself
Kees' three questions on this rule, the “Did you know?” facts and his tip come with the drive, in Voorrah! Pro.
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