Who Goes First at a Four-Way Stop in B.C.? Right-of-Way Rules
Who goes first at a four-way stop in B.C.?
At a four-way stop in British Columbia, every driver stops completely. The first vehicle to arrive and stop should go first. If two arrive together, the one on the right should go first. If two face each other at about the same time, the one turning left yields to the one going straight. If you are not sure who has the right of way, yield.
Where these rules come from
The four-way stop, stop-position, no-sign and pedestrian rules come from the ICBC guide Learn to Drive Smart, chapter 4 and chapter 6. The right-hand rule, the left-turn rule and the legal stop positions come from sections 173, 174, 175 and 186 of the Motor Vehicle Act (as of 2026). The first-to-arrive rule at a four-way stop is ICBC guidance. Confirm the rules with ICBC (icbc.com).
How to take your turn at a four-way stop in B.C.
- 1Stop completely
A stop sign always means a complete stop. Stop at the right place (see the table below), then check the intersection carefully.
- 2Look at who arrived first
A four-way stop has stop signs at all corners. The vehicle that arrived and stopped first should go first.
- 3If you arrived together, look right
When two vehicles reach the intersection at the same time, the vehicle on the right should go first.
- 4If you turn left, check the vehicle facing you
When that vehicle goes straight and you arrived at about the same time, you yield to it.
- 5Check the crosswalks before you go
Do not enter a crosswalk without checking that it is empty.
Where to stop at a stop sign in B.C.
| What you see at the intersection | Where to stop |
|---|---|
| A marked stop line | Just before the stop line |
| A crosswalk, but no stop line | Just before the crosswalk, marked or unmarked |
| No stop line and no crosswalk | Before you enter the intersection, at the point nearest the cross road from which you can see approaching traffic |
What the Motor Vehicle Act says about vehicles that arrive together
Section 173 (1) of the Motor Vehicle Act sets the right-hand rule for two vehicles that approach or enter an intersection from different highways at about the same time when there are no yield signs. The driver yields to the vehicle on the right. Section 175 makes one exception: a driver who stopped to enter a through highway yields to traffic that is already in the intersection on that highway, or so close that it is an immediate hazard. Practise the right-hand rule on the question about who goes first when two vehicles stop together.
Who goes first at each type of intersection in B.C.
| Intersection | Who goes first |
|---|---|
| Four-way stop (stop signs at all corners) | The first vehicle to arrive and stop should go first. If two arrive together, the vehicle on the right should go first. |
| Two-way stop (only one street has stop signs) | Traffic on the through street (the street with no stop signs) has the right of way. Wait for a safe gap before you go through or turn. |
| No signs and no traffic lights | If a vehicle arrived before you, you yield to it. If two arrive together, the vehicle on the left yields to the vehicle on the right. |
Turning left against straight-through traffic
Uncontrolled intersections in B.C.: no signs, no lights
These intersections are usually in areas with little traffic. They can be dangerous because drivers may not expect cross traffic or pedestrians. Slow down, look for other road users and scan the intersection from left to right. If another vehicle arrived before you, slow down and yield. If you arrive together, the driver on the left yields to the driver on the right. Treat an unmarked T-intersection the same way. If you go straight and a vehicle is already in the intersection turning left, you yield. For roundabouts, read the roundabout rules for B.C. drivers.
When the lights fail or a person directs traffic
- When traffic lights go out or all four lights flash, treat the intersection like a four-way stop.
- When a traffic control person directs traffic, follow that person's directions.
- A peace officer can give other directions about where to stop at a stop sign. Section 186 of the Motor Vehicle Act makes this exception.
Pedestrians at four-way stops and other intersections
- Yield to a pedestrian in a marked crosswalk when the pedestrian is close to your half of the road.
- At an intersection with no marked crosswalk, pedestrians near your half of the road still have the right of way.
- Yield to pedestrians when you turn, and when you enter a road from a driveway or alley.
- It is always the driver's responsibility to avoid hitting a pedestrian.
Key takeaways
- Stop completely, then go in the order of arrival. When two vehicles arrive together, the one on the right should go first.
- At a two-way stop, traffic on the through street has the right of way. At a corner with no signs or lights, yield to a vehicle that arrived before you.
- Check each crosswalk before you go, and yield to pedestrians.
- Next step: practise on the free British Columbia Class 7 practice test.
Four-way stops in B.C.: common questions
Does the driver on the right always go first at a four-way stop?
No. Arrival order comes first: a driver who arrived and stopped before you should go before you, even if that driver is on your left. The right-hand rule is for two vehicles that arrive at the same time. When two drivers face each other and arrive at about the same time, the one turning left yields to the one going straight.
Is a corner with no signs a four-way stop?
No. A four-way stop has stop signs at all corners, so every driver must stop. A corner with no signs or traffic lights is an uncontrolled intersection. Slow down as you come near it, and yield to any vehicle that got there before you. When two vehicles arrive together, the one on the left yields to the one on the right.
What does right of way mean?
Right-of-way rules decide who must yield when more than one road user wants to move into the same space. They keep traffic moving in an orderly way. The road user who has the right of way may go first, and the other road user yields.
What if I have the right of way but the other driver does not stop?
Do all you can to avoid a crash. You cannot always count on the other driver to follow the rules. If there is any chance of a crash, it is always better to yield, even when you have the right of way.
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