Driving Tests

Four-Way Stop Rules in Georgia: Who Goes First

informational·how to guide·Published April 18, 2026

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

At a four-way stop in Georgia, all drivers yield to pedestrians first. After that, vehicles go in "first to arrive, first to proceed" order. If two vehicles reach the intersection at about the same time, yield to any vehicle on your right. If another driver takes your turn, let that driver go. A stop or yield sign violation carries 3 points.

Where the Georgia four-way stop facts come from

The right-of-way rules, the stop line rules and the road test items come from the DDS Drivers Manual. The point values come from the DDS points schedule, and the rule for drivers under 18 comes from the DDS list of suspension offenses. This guide is current as of 2026. Confirm the rules with the Georgia Department of Driver Services (dds.georgia.gov) before you drive.

How to take your turn at a four-way stop in Georgia

1
Make a complete stop
An eight-sided (octagon) sign always means stop. Come to a complete stop. The table below shows where to stop.
2
Yield to pedestrians
At a four-way stop, all drivers must yield to pedestrians before any vehicle goes.
3
Go in order of arrival
Vehicles go in "first to arrive, first to proceed" order. Take your turn when it comes, if it is safe, and do not delay traffic without need.
4
Use the right-hand rule for a tie
If two vehicles reach the intersection at about the same time, yield to any vehicle on your right.
5
Start again only when the way is clear
Wait until all pedestrians have finished crossing on your side of the road, and yield to traffic that is close. Then go.

Where to stop at a four-way stop in Georgia

Where to stop at a four-way stop in Georgia
What is on the road	Where you stop
A white stop line	At the line, not at the sign. Do not let your vehicle go past it. In urban areas, the line is usually about 4 feet before the crosswalk.
No stop line, but a crosswalk	Before the crosswalk on your side of the intersection.
No stop line and no crosswalk	At the point where you can best see oncoming traffic.
You stop to let a pedestrian cross	Leave enough room so that approaching traffic can see the whole crosswalk. Do not block the crosswalk.

What if two cars arrive at the same time?

Yield to the car on your right. Example: you stop at your sign, and at the same moment a car stops at the sign on your right. That car goes first, and you go next. The rule works the same way for the other driver, so a car that stops on your left at the same time yields to you. Before you go, check again for pedestrians. Our free question on a four-way stop with a vehicle on your right tests this rule.

What if another driver takes my turn?

Let the other driver go, even if it is your turn. It might prevent a crash. You can have the legal right-of-way while the other driver does not obey the rules. In that case, the right step is to yield. In Georgia, right-of-way is something to give, not something to take, and care, courtesy and common sense should guide what you do.

Right-of-way at intersections that are not four-way stops

Only your road has a stop sign, and the cross traffic does not stop

Stop. Then go only after you yield to any vehicle or pedestrian in the intersection, or so close to it that it is dangerous to go.

The intersection has no stop signs, yield signs or signals

If two vehicles arrive at the same time, the driver on the left yields to the driver on the right.

You face a yield sign (a triangle)

Slow down to a safe speed and be ready to stop. Stop if needed. Yield to vehicles in the intersection or close to it on the other road, and go only when it is safe.

The intersection is a roundabout

Yield to the traffic that is already in the roundabout. Our guide to Georgia roundabout rules has the steps.

Left turns at a four-way stop: yield to oncoming traffic

When you turn left at an intersection, or into an alley or driveway, yield to all traffic that comes from the opposite direction. That includes bicycles. Also yield to pedestrians who cross either road. After the turn, stop and stay stopped for any pedestrian in the crosswalk of the road you turn onto, until that person clears the lanes you travel in. Our free question on a left turn across oncoming traffic checks this rule.

Georgia points for stop and yield errors

Georgia points for stop and yield errors
Offense on the DDS points schedule	Points
Stop/Yield Sign Violation	3 points
Failure to Yield at Intersection	3 points
Failure to Yield when Turning Left	3 points
Failure to Yield to Pedestrian	3 points

What 3 points mean for your Georgia license

DDS adds the points when it receives a conviction. A driver with 15 points in a 24-month period is suspended. The limit is much lower for Georgia residents under 18: 4 or more points in any 12-month period can lead to a suspension. So two 3-point violations in 12 months, such as a stop sign violation and a failure to yield, are over that limit. Our guide to Georgia teen driver penalties explains the teen rules.

Key takeaways

At a four-way stop, yield to pedestrians first. Then vehicles go in first to arrive, first to proceed order. In a tie, yield to the vehicle on your right.
Stop at the stop line. With no line, stop before the crosswalk. With no crosswalk, stop where you can best see oncoming traffic.
If another driver takes your turn, let that driver go. Right-of-way is something to give, not to take.
A stop or yield sign violation carries 3 points. Under 18, 4 points in 12 months can lead to a suspension.
Next step: practice right-of-way questions on the free Georgia Class C practice test.

Georgia four-way stop: common questions

Do I have to come to a complete stop at a stop sign in Georgia?

Yes. An eight-sided stop sign always means stop, and a complete stop is required, at the marked stop line if there is one. This is true at a four-way stop and at a stop sign where the cross traffic does not stop. A stop or yield sign violation carries 3 points.

Do I have to stop for pedestrians at a corner with no painted crosswalk?

Yes. Crosswalks exist on all four corners of an intersection, even when no painted lines mark them. Pedestrians in a crosswalk have the right-of-way over motor vehicles, and at a four-way stop all drivers must yield to pedestrians. Failure to yield to a pedestrian carries 3 points.

What does a flashing red light mean in Georgia?

Treat a flashing red light as a stop sign. Stop completely, then go with caution only after you yield to pedestrians and to other vehicles at the intersection. A flashing yellow light is different: slow down and use caution before you go through the intersection.

What does the Georgia road test check at a stop sign?

Give the correct hand or brake signal and approach in the correct lane. Stop before you reach the crosswalk, and stay stopped until all pedestrians have cleared the crosswalk on your side of the road. Go through only when it is safe. Also yield to pedestrians, drivers and bicyclists who enter the intersection before you.