Driving Tests

Arkansas Four-Way Stop and Roundabout Rules: Who Goes First

informational·how to guide·Published October 2, 2026

Who has the right of way at a four-way stop in Arkansas?

At a 3-way, 4-way or all-way stop in Arkansas, the driver who reaches the intersection first goes first, after a complete stop. At an intersection with no sign or signal, yield to vehicles from the right. At a roundabout, yield to drivers already in the circle. Failure to obey a stop sign or to yield at a roundabout is 3 points on your record.

Where the Arkansas right-of-way facts come from

The right-of-way, stop sign, roundabout and parking rules come from the Arkansas Driver License Study Guide of the Arkansas State Police (October 2026). The point values come from the DFA violations and points table, and the 10-point and 14-point limits come from the DFA points system page. The facts are as of 2026. Confirm the rules with the Arkansas DFA Office of Driver Services (dfa.arkansas.gov) and the Arkansas State Police before you drive.

How does an all-way stop work in Arkansas?

Each driver at a "3 WAY," "4 WAY" or "ALL WAY" stop must make a complete stop. The driver who reached the intersection first goes first. If another vehicle arrived before you, yield to it and let it go through first.
Right-of-way rules only say which driver must yield. They do not give any vehicle an absolute right-of-way. In every case, do everything possible to avoid hitting a pedestrian or another vehicle. Try our free question on who goes first at an all-way stop.

How to make a correct stop at a stop sign

1
Look for the sign and the line
A stop sign is red with white letters and has eight sides. If a painted stop line is present, you must stop at it.
2
Stop completely before the line
Make a complete stop before the vehicle reaches the line.
3
Pull forward if something blocks your view
If obstacles block your view, make a complete stop and pull forward to see. You may go when it is safe to do so.
4
Wait until the intersection is clear
Wait until crossing vehicles and pedestrians have cleared the intersection. At an all-way stop, go when it is your turn: the driver who arrived first goes first.

Who yields at an Arkansas intersection without an all-way stop?

There is no stop sign and no traffic signal

Yield to vehicles that approach from the right. This rule is for an intersection where nothing controls traffic, not for an all-way stop.

You want to turn left

Yield to oncoming cars that travel straight ahead. Our free question on a left turn across traffic tests the same rule.

You see a yield sign

Slow down and yield to traffic in the intersection that you cross or enter. Stop when you must.

You leave a driveway, alley or parking lot

Yield to pedestrians on the sidewalk that you cross. Then yield to vehicles already on the main road.

What are the roundabout rules in Arkansas?

A roundabout is a circular intersection in which traffic travels around a central island. This design is becoming more popular for its safety, mobility and maintenance advantages.
The rule to remember: when you enter a roundabout, traffic circle or rotary, yield to drivers already in the circle. Our free question on entering a roundabout lets you check the rule.

What else to watch for at an Arkansas intersection

Yield to pedestrians who are in a crosswalk or about to enter one. Not all crosswalks are marked, so watch for people at intersections that have no marked crosswalk.
Pedestrians who use a guide dog or carry a white cane have absolute right-of-way. Do not use your horn: it can confuse or frighten a blind pedestrian.
Look left and right before you enter an intersection.
Do not enter an intersection unless you can get through it without having to stop. Wait until traffic clears so that you do not block it.

How many points does a right-of-way violation cost in Arkansas?

How many points does a right-of-way violation cost in Arkansas?
Violation	Violation code	Points
Failure to obey a stop sign	M15	3
Failure to obey a yield sign	M19	3
Failure to yield at a rotary, roundabout or circular intersection	N21	3
Failure to yield right of way at a stop sign	N22	3
Failure to yield right of way at a yield sign	N26	3
Failure to yield right of way (general)	N01	3

What happens when the points add up?

DFA assesses 3 to 8 points for each moving violation, by how serious the violation is. When a ticket brings a driver to 10 points, DFA mails a warning letter. At 14 or more points, DFA schedules a hearing automatically, and the result can be probation or suspension. If the driver does not attend the hearing, the license is suspended automatically. Our guide to Arkansas driving points for new drivers explains more.

Key takeaways

At a 3-way, 4-way or all-way stop, make a complete stop. The driver who reaches the intersection first goes first.
With no sign and no signal, yield to vehicles that approach from the right. When you turn left, yield to oncoming cars that go straight.
At a roundabout, yield to drivers already in the circle.
A stop sign, yield sign or right-of-way violation is 3 points each. A warning letter comes at 10 points, and a hearing at 14 or more.
Next step: practice on the free Arkansas Class D practice test.

Arkansas four-way stop and roundabout: common questions

What is the penalty for failing to yield in Arkansas?

Failure to yield the right of way is 3 points on your record, at a stop sign, at a yield sign, at a roundabout or in general. For a yield sign, the Arkansas Driver License Study Guide says that a driver who fails to yield could get a fine of up to $1,000 and a 180-day license suspension. A warning letter comes at 10 points.

Is a flashing red light the same as a stop sign in Arkansas?

Yes. Treat a flashing red light like a stop sign: make a complete stop, then go only when it is safe. A flashing yellow light is different: slow down and go with caution. A flashing yellow left arrow lets you turn left, but you must first yield to oncoming traffic and pedestrians.

Can you turn right on red in Arkansas?

Yes, unless a sign prohibits a right turn on red. First make a complete stop and check for opposing traffic. Always look for pedestrians in or near the crosswalks before you turn. Never stop or block your vehicle in a crosswalk.

How close to a stop sign can you park in Arkansas?

Do not park within 30 feet of a stop sign, a yield sign or a traffic signal. Also do not park in an intersection, or within 20 feet of a crosswalk at an intersection. Also check for signs that limit parking, and for colored curb markings that show a restricted parking area.