At a four-way stop, who has the right of way?

In a four-way stop scenario, the vehicle that arrives first has the right of way. This rule prioritizes vehicles based on the timing of their arrival at the intersection, ensuring a smooth flow of traffic and minimizing confusion. When drivers can clearly determine who arrived first, it helps to reduce the likelihood of accidents that could occur from miscommunications about who should proceed.

While there are other traffic rules that may apply in different situations, such as yielding to the right or considerations for larger vehicles, these do not supersede the first-come, first-served principle at a stop sign intersection. This generalized approach promotes fairness and safety, as each driver must be cautious and vigilant at all stop signs. Understanding this fundamental traffic rule is crucial for maintaining order on the road, especially at busy intersections.