Driving Tests

Arizona Four-Way Stop and Roundabout Rules: Right of Way Explained

informational·how to guide·Published June 27, 2026

Who goes first at a four-way stop in Arizona?

At an Arizona four-way stop, stop before the crosswalk or at the stop line (A.R.S. 28-855). If two vehicles from different streets arrive at about the same time, the driver on the left yields to the driver on the right (A.R.S. 28-771). Then go with caution when the roadway is clear. Never take the right-of-way if a crash may result.

Where these Arizona rules come from

As of 2026, the right-of-way rule is in A.R.S. 28-771, the rule after a stop is in A.R.S. 28-773, and the place to stop and the yield-sign rule are in A.R.S. 28-855. The four-way stop, roundabout, T intersection and dark signal advice is in the Arizona Driver License Manual (Revised March 2026) of the Arizona Department of Transportation (ADOT) Motor Vehicle Division (MVD). Confirm the rules with the ADOT Motor Vehicle Division (azdot.gov/mvd) before you drive.

Who must yield at an Arizona intersection

Arizona law does not give the right-of-way to any one driver. It states who must yield. The Arizona Driver License Manual adds that no one is allowed to take the right-of-way if taking it means a crash may result. So at a stop sign, find out who you must yield to before you go.
The left-yields-to-right rule changes at through highways and in other cases that the same article of law sets. Where signs or signals control the intersection, obey them. Do not assume it is safe to go just because you have the right-of-way.

How to go through an Arizona four-way stop

1
Stop in the right place
Stop before the crosswalk on the near side of the intersection. If there is no crosswalk, stop at a clearly marked stop line. If there is no line, stop at the point nearest the crossing road where you can see approaching traffic (A.R.S. 28-855). A police officer can direct you to go instead.
2
Check who arrived with you
If another vehicle came from a different street at about the same time, the driver on the left yields to the driver on the right. Practice this on the free question about two cars that arrive at the same time.
3
Yield to cross traffic that does not stop
After your stop, go with caution. A.R.S. 28-773 requires you to yield to vehicles that do not have to stop and are in the intersection or so close that they are an immediate hazard.
4
Yield to pedestrians
Yield to pedestrians who cross in a marked or unmarked crosswalk.

Who yields when the signal is dark or there is no stop sign

The traffic signal is dark or not working

Treat the intersection as you would a 4-way stop. Come to a complete stop before the intersection and go when the roadway is clear. If two vehicles arrive at about the same time, both must stop and the driver on the left yields to the driver on the right. Practice this with the free question on a dark traffic signal.

The intersection has no traffic lights, stop signs or yield signs

Use the same 4-way stop method: come to a complete stop, then go when the roadway is clear.

You face a yield sign

Slow down to a speed that is reasonable for the conditions. Then yield to any vehicle in the intersection or on another road so close that it is an immediate hazard (A.R.S. 28-855).

You enter a freeway from a ramp

The left-yields-to-right rule does not control the merge. A vehicle from the ramp yields to a vehicle on the main roadway that enters the merging area at the same time (A.R.S. 28-771).

Who yields at an Arizona T intersection

At an uncontrolled T intersection, the left-yields-to-right rule does not apply when the vehicle on the left is on the continuing street and the vehicle on the right is on the terminating street. The vehicle on the terminating street yields to the vehicle on the continuing street (A.R.S. 28-771). In short, the driver on the street that ends must yield. Test yourself with the free question on an uncontrolled T intersection.

How to drive a roundabout in Arizona

1
Slow down as you approach
A roundabout is a circular intersection where traffic flows almost continuously in one direction around a central island. Roundabouts are designed for speeds of 15-20 mph.
2
Know your lane as you approach
Know where you want to go as you approach the roundabout. Follow the signs or pavement markings that tell you which lane to use.
3
Yield before you enter
Vehicles already in the roundabout have the right-of-way, so yield to all of them. Also yield to a large vehicle that enters at the same time, and always yield to pedestrians and bicyclists who cross the road. Try the free question on entering a roundabout.
4
Enter at a gap, to the right of the central island
Enter when there is a gap in traffic. Always enter to the right of the central island.
5
Keep moving, then exit
Once you are inside, do not stop. You may exit at any street, or continue around if you miss your exit.

Key takeaways

At about the same time, the driver on the left yields to the driver on the right (A.R.S. 28-771).
After a stop sign, go with caution and yield to vehicles that do not have to stop and are in or close to the intersection (A.R.S. 28-773).
Treat a dark signal or an intersection with no signs as a 4-way stop: stop completely, then go when the roadway is clear.
In a roundabout, slow to 15-20 mph, yield to vehicles already inside, enter to the right of the central island and do not stop inside.
Next step: practice on the free Arizona Instruction Permit practice test. It is in English only.

Arizona four-way stop and roundabout: common questions

Does the first car to stop go first at an Arizona four-way stop?

The rule in Arizona law is for vehicles that arrive at about the same time: the driver on the left yields to the driver on the right (A.R.S. 28-771). Otherwise, come to a full stop and go with caution only when the roadway is clear. If another driver goes first anyway, let that driver go. No one may take the right-of-way if a crash may result.

Do I have to stop at a flashing red light in Arizona?

Yes. A flashing red light has the same meaning as a stop sign. Come to a full stop, then go with caution when the roadway is clear. If another vehicle from a different street arrives at about the same time, the driver on the left yields to the driver on the right.

Can I pass a large truck in an Arizona roundabout?

No. Do not try to pass large trucks in the roundabout. Before you enter, yield to a large vehicle that approaches the roundabout at the same time as you, and slow down or stop if necessary. Inside, keep to the 15-20 mph design speed.

What do I do if an ambulance or fire truck comes while I am in a roundabout?

Go on with caution. Exit the roundabout if you can, or pull over to the right. The usual roundabout rule is to keep moving and not stop inside. An emergency vehicle is the one case where the manual tells you to pull over.