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

1. 1
   Stop completely

   A stop sign means a full stop. Wait until crossing vehicles and the crosswalk are clear before you go.

2. 2
   Note who arrived first

   The driver who reaches the intersection first gets to go first, after a complete stop.

3. 3
   Check for a tie

   If you and another driver arrive at the same time, the vehicle to the right goes first. If the other vehicle is on your right, you wait.

4. 4
   Yield before you turn left

   A driver who turns left yields to oncoming vehicles that go straight ahead or are so close that they are an immediate hazard.

5. 5
   Look before you go

   Yield to anyone in or about to enter a crosswalk. Not all crosswalks are marked. Then go when the way is clear.

What does Iowa law say about who yields?

Iowa Code 321.319 says that when two vehicles enter an intersection from different streets at approximately the same time, the driver of the vehicle on the left yields the right-of-way to the vehicle on the right. The rule changes at through highways and where the chapter says otherwise. Iowa Code 321.320 says that a driver who turns left yields to oncoming vehicles that are in the intersection or so close that they are an immediate hazard, then signals and turns. Our free question page on which car goes first at an all-way stop uses the same-time rule.

Where to stop at an Iowa stop sign

• Stop at the stop line if there is one. Iowa Code 321.322 says to stop at the first opportunity at the marked stop line.
• If there is no line, stop before the crosswalk. If there is no crosswalk, stop before the intersection, or at the point nearest the cross road where you can see approaching traffic.
• You may then pull forward to the stop sign or the edge of the intersection and go when it is safe.
• Before you go, yield to any vehicle on the cross road that is in the intersection or so close that it is an immediate hazard.

Stop signs and yield signs are different

At a stop sign you always stop. At a yield sign you slow to a speed that is reasonable for the conditions, and you stop at the first opportunity if you need to for safety. Our free question page on where to make the stop at a stop sign covers the stopping point.

1. 1

   Approach

   A roundabout has no stop signs or traffic signals. Yield signs, directional signs and pavement markings guide you. Slow to the posted advisory speed and yield to anyone in the crosswalk.

2. 2

   Pick your lane

   At a multi-lane roundabout, choose your lane before the yield line, with the lane control signs and pavement markings.

3. 3

   Yield and enter

   At the yield line, yield to all traffic already in the roundabout. Wait for a gap, then merge in a counterclockwise direction around the center island.

4. 4

   Keep moving

   Continue until you reach your street, and avoid stopping in the roundabout. In a multi-lane roundabout, be aware of traffic in the other lane.

5. 5

   Signal and exit

   In a single-lane roundabout, signal, then exit to your right. In a multi-lane roundabout, signal for a right turn after you pass the street before your exit. Yield to anyone in the crosswalk.

What not to do in an Iowa roundabout

• Do not change lanes in the roundabout.
• Do not pass or drive beside trucks or buses. They may straddle lanes or may not see you.
• Do not drive in the outside lane farther than allowed. It creates a hazard to vehicles that legally exit from the inside lane.
• Expect long vehicles, such as semis and vehicles with trailers, to use the truck apron for their rear wheels when they need it.

What to do when an emergency vehicle comes

Yield to a police vehicle, fire engine, ambulance or other emergency vehicle that uses a siren, an air horn, or red or blue flashing lights. Pull over to the right edge of the road, or as near to it as possible. If you are in an intersection, including a roundabout, drive through it before you pull over. Stay at least 500 feet behind an emergency vehicle that uses lights and sirens. Our free question page on what to do when an emergency vehicle approaches uses this rule.

Why these right-of-way rules matter

Failure to yield the right-of-way is the number 1 cause of traffic-related deaths in Iowa, as the Iowa Driver's License Manual states. The law says who must yield. It does not give anyone the right-of-way. So, whoever has the right-of-way, do everything you can to avoid hitting a pedestrian or another vehicle.

Iowa four-way stop and roundabout: common questions