Driving Tests

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

informational·how to guide·Published August 4, 2026

Who has the right of way at an Idaho four-way stop, and how do you drive a roundabout?

At an Idaho four-way stop, every driver stops first. The Idaho Driver's Handbook says the first vehicle to arrive goes first. If two vehicles arrive at the same time, the vehicle on the left yields to the vehicle on the right. In a roundabout, enter counterclockwise and yield to traffic already in the circle.

Where the Idaho four-way stop and roundabout facts come from

The four-way stop, traffic signal and roundabout steps come from the Idaho Driver's Handbook (July 2026). The stop-sign and yield-sign duties come from Idaho Code 49-807. The same-time rule at unmarked intersections and the left-turn rule come from Idaho Code 49-640 and 49-641. The skills test scoring comes from the Idaho Transportation Department (ITD) page Taking the Driver's Test. Violation points come from IDAPA 39.02.71. This guide is current as of 2026. Confirm the rules with the Idaho Transportation Department DMV (itd.idaho.gov/dmv) or your county driver's license office before you drive.

Where to stop at an Idaho stop sign

1
Stop at the stop line
If the road has a clearly marked stop line, stop there.
2
No line? Stop before the crosswalk
If there is no stop line, stop before you enter the crosswalk on the near side of the intersection.
3
No line and no crosswalk? Stop where you can see
Stop at the point nearest the other road where you have a view of approaching traffic on that road, before you enter it.
4
Then yield
After you stop, yield to any vehicle in the intersection, and to any vehicle on the other road so close that it is an immediate hazard.

Who goes first at an Idaho four-way stop?

Your car stopped before the other cars

The handbook says the first vehicle to arrive at a four-way stop has the right of way. Go when the intersection is clear and no vehicle is so close that it is a hazard. Practice this with our free question on who goes first after stopping at different times.

Two cars arrive at the same time

The vehicle on the left must yield to the vehicle on the right.

A police officer or a traffic signal tells you to go

Follow the officer or the signal. Idaho Code 49-807 lets an officer or a traffic-control signal direct you to proceed instead of stopping at the sign.

Is "first to arrive" a law in Idaho?

"First to arrive" is the handbook rule for a four-way stop. It is not the wording of the law. Idaho Code 49-807 tells you to stop and then yield to a vehicle in the intersection or one so close that it is an immediate hazard. The left-yields-to-right rule is law in Idaho Code 49-640, but only for unmarked or uncontrolled intersections. The handbook also says that right-of-way is something to be given, not taken.

Other Idaho intersections: who yields

Other Idaho intersections: who yields
Situation	Who yields	Source
Unmarked or uncontrolled intersection, two vehicles arrive at about the same time	The driver on the left yields to the driver on the right	Idaho Code 49-640 and the handbook
Unmarked T intersection, both arrive at about the same time	The driver on the road that ends yields to the other vehicle	Idaho Code 49-640
You turn left	Yield to oncoming vehicles in the intersection or so close that they are an immediate hazard	Idaho Code 49-641 and the handbook
Two-way stop	After you stop, yield to cross-traffic	The handbook
Yield sign	Slow down to a speed that is reasonable for the conditions, stop if you must for safety, then yield to vehicles in or close to the intersection	Idaho Code 49-807

What a yield sign means for you

If you drive past a yield sign without stopping and then hit a vehicle in the intersection, Idaho Code 49-807 says the collision is prima facie evidence that you failed to yield. In plain words, the crash itself counts as evidence against you unless other evidence shows otherwise. So as you approach a yield sign, slow down and be ready to stop.

How to drive a roundabout in Idaho

1
Know the sign and the shape
The common sign on the approach is a warning sign with an arrow in a circle pattern. A roundabout is a one-way circular intersection, and you always turn right to enter and exit.
2
Slow down, obey the markings and yield
Slow down, keep your speed low and obey all signs and pavement markings. Yield to pedestrians and bicyclists. The handbook says all drivers must yield to vehicles already in the circle, so yield to traffic on your left. Check this with our free question on who has priority when you enter a roundabout.
3
Enter counterclockwise and merge
Enter counterclockwise and merge into the circle. This is the same for a right turn, a left turn, a U-turn or going straight through.
4
Signal and exit
As you approach your exit, turn on your right turn signal. Then exit, and yield again to pedestrians and bicyclists.

Why these rules matter on the Idaho skills test

The Idaho skills test includes controlled and uncontrolled intersections and roundabouts. Right-of-way is one of the scored skills. To pass, you can have no more than 12 errors and no critical driving error. Five errors of the same skill, for example five right-of-way errors, count as a critical driving error. For the full test steps, read our guide to the Idaho skills test.

Key takeaways

Stop at the stop line. With no line, stop before the crosswalk. With neither, stop where you can see the other road.
At a four-way stop, the handbook says the first vehicle to arrive goes first. If two arrive together, the vehicle on the left yields to the vehicle on the right.
At an unmarked intersection, the same-time rule is law: the driver on the left yields to the driver on the right. At an unmarked T intersection, the road that ends yields.
In a roundabout, slow down, yield to pedestrians, bicyclists and vehicles already in the circle, enter counterclockwise and signal right before your exit.
Next step: practice on the free Idaho Class D practice test.

Idaho four-way stop and roundabout: common questions

What do I do when a traffic light is out in Idaho?

The handbook says to treat the intersection as a four-way stop whenever a traffic signal is not working, for example during a power outage. Stop first. Then the first vehicle to arrive goes first, and if two arrive at the same time, the vehicle on the left yields to the vehicle on the right. Try our free question on a dark traffic signal.

Do I yield to pedestrians at a four-way stop?

Yes. Yield to a pedestrian who is in a marked or unmarked crosswalk at an intersection, and stop or slow down so the pedestrian can cross. Even when it is your turn to go at a four-way stop, you wait for a person in the crosswalk.

How many points do I get for not yielding in Idaho?

The IDAPA 39.02.71 point schedule gives 3 points each for a stop sign violation, a failure to yield at a signed intersection, an unmarked or uncontrolled intersection violation, a left-turn violation and a crosswalk right-of-way violation. Under the same rule, each conviction gets from 1 point for less serious violations to 4 points for more serious ones.

Should I signal in a roundabout?

Yes, when you leave it. Turn on your right turn signal as you approach your exit. The handbook lists exiting a roundabout as a time when you must always use a turn signal. For turns in business or residential areas, a signal must start at least 100 feet before the turn.

What does a flashing red light mean in Idaho?

A flashing red light is the same as a stop sign. Come to a complete stop at the stop line or crosswalk, yield to cross traffic and to pedestrians, and then go only when the way is clear.