Driving Tests

Four-Way Stop Rules in Kansas: Who Goes First

informational·how to guide·Published April 17, 2026

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

In Kansas, the driver who reaches a four-way stop first goes first, says the Kansas Driving Handbook. If vehicles arrive at the same time, the vehicle on the right goes first. Stop completely at the stop line; if there is none, before the crosswalk; if none, where you can see cross traffic. Failure to yield at a stop sign is a $75 (U.S. dollars) fine.

Where these Kansas four-way stop rules come from

The first-to-arrive rule, the flashing red light rule and the pedestrian rule come from the Kansas Driving Handbook of the Kansas Department of Revenue, Division of Vehicles (revised February 2022). The same-time rule comes from Kansas law (K.S.A. 8-1526), and the stop-sign rule from Kansas law (K.S.A. 8-1528). The left-turn rule (K.S.A. 8-1527) and the uniform fine schedule (K.S.A. 8-2118) are also on ksrevisor.gov. This guide is current as of 2026. Confirm the rules with the Kansas Department of Revenue, Division of Vehicles (ksrevenue.gov) before you drive.

Who goes first at a four-way stop: if this, then that

You reach the stop and no other vehicle is there

You go first. Come to a complete stop, check the crosswalks for pedestrians, then go.

Another vehicle reached the stop before you

Wait. That driver goes first. Yield to any vehicle that is already in the intersection, then go when it is clear.

Two vehicles arrive at the same time

The vehicle on the right goes first. The driver on the left yields.

You want to turn left and an oncoming vehicle is in the intersection or very close

Yield to the oncoming vehicle that goes straight or turns right, then turn.

A pedestrian is in the crosswalk next to you

Yield to the pedestrian, whatever the order of arrival.

The vehicle-on-the-right rule in Kansas law

Kansas law (K.S.A. 8-1526) says that when two vehicles approach or enter an intersection from different roads at approximately the same time, the driver on the left yields the right-of-way to the vehicle on the right. If the other car is on your right, let it go first. If it is on your left, it waits for you.
The law also says this rule changes at through highways and where other traffic rules apply. For example, stop signs and yield signs can give one road the right-of-way. The question on two vehicles that reach an intersection at about the same time tests this same rule.

Where to stop at a stop sign

Kansas law (K.S.A. 8-1528) names three places, in this order. Stop at a clearly marked stop line. If there is no stop line, stop before the crosswalk on the near side of the intersection. If there is no crosswalk, stop at the point nearest the cross street where you can see the traffic on it before you enter.
After you stop, yield to any vehicle in the intersection or so close on another road that it is an immediate hazard. Also yield to pedestrians in an adjacent crosswalk. The question on when you may enter the intersection after a stop sign covers this step.

How to take your turn at a four-way stop

1
Stop fully at the right place
A stop sign needs a complete stop. Slowing down is not enough. Stop at the stop line, the crosswalk or the point where you can see cross traffic, as the section above explains.
2
Look at the other approaches
Check who reached the intersection before you. Look for pedestrians in the crosswalks too.
3
Let earlier drivers go
The driver who arrived first goes first. Wait for each vehicle that arrived before you.
4
Use the right-hand rule for a tie
If you and another driver arrive together, the vehicle on the right goes first.
5
Enter only when you can get through
Do not enter the intersection until you can drive through it without blocking traffic. Wait until the traffic ahead clears.

Left turns and pedestrians at a Kansas four-way stop

Kansas law (K.S.A. 8-1527) says that a driver who turns left yields to a vehicle that comes from the opposite direction and is in the intersection or so close that it is an immediate hazard. In plain words: oncoming vehicles that go straight or turn right go first.
Always yield to pedestrians. Stop for them even when they jaywalk or cross where they should not. Kansas right-of-way rules say who must yield; they do not give anyone the right-of-way. You have the right-of-way only when another road user gives it to you, and you must do everything you can to avoid a crash.

Flashing red lights and intersections with no signs

A flashing red traffic light works like a stop sign. Come to a complete stop behind the stop line, the crosswalk or the intersection. Look both ways before you enter, and yield the right-of-way. The question on a flashing red traffic signal is a quick check of this rule.
Some intersections have no stop sign, yield sign or signal, for example in a residential area. There, you yield to vehicles in the intersection and to vehicles that come from the right. Roundabouts have their own rules; see the guide to Kansas roundabout rules.

Kansas fines for stop sign and right-of-way violations

Kansas fines for stop sign and right-of-way violations
What the driver did	Kansas law	Fine on the state schedule
Did not yield at an intersection with no signs or signals	K.S.A. 8-1526	$75
Turned left in front of an oncoming vehicle	K.S.A. 8-1527	$75
Did not yield at a stop sign or yield sign	K.S.A. 8-1528	$75
Did not obey a flashing traffic signal, such as a flashing red light	K.S.A. 8-1510	$75

Court costs and city tickets in Kansas

The $75 amounts come from the uniform fine schedule in Kansas law (K.S.A. 8-2118). If you plead guilty or no contest and pay, the fine is no greater than the schedule amount, and court costs are added. If you go to court for a trial, the judge can set another fine. A city that has its own traffic ordinance has its own fine schedule, set by the municipal judge, and those fines can differ from the state amounts.

Key Takeaways

The first driver to arrive goes first. When vehicles arrive at the same time, the vehicle on the right goes first.
Stop at the stop line; if none, before the crosswalk; if none, at the point where you can see cross traffic.
Yield to oncoming traffic when you turn left, and always yield to pedestrians.
A flashing red light is a stop: stop, look both ways and yield.
Next step: practice on the free Kansas Class C written practice test. Its questions are in English only.

Frequently Asked Questions

Do I have to come to a full stop at a four-way stop in Kansas?

Yes. Kansas requires a complete stop at a stop sign, and each approach of a four-way stop has one. Stop at the stop line, before the crosswalk, or at the point nearest the cross street where you can see traffic. Then take your turn.

Does the car on the right always go first at a four-way stop?

No. The car on the right goes first only when two cars arrive at the same time. A driver who arrived earlier goes first, and any vehicle already in the intersection goes before you. Pedestrians in the crosswalk always go first.

Two cars face each other at a four-way stop and one turns left. Who goes first?

If they arrive at the same time, the driver who goes straight or turns right goes first. In Kansas, a driver who turns left yields to an oncoming vehicle that is in the intersection or so close that it is an immediate hazard. The fine on the state schedule for this violation is $75.

What if a police officer waves me through a four-way stop?

Follow the officer. Kansas law (K.S.A. 8-1528) says that you do not have to stop at a stop sign when a police officer directs you to proceed. You must still yield to pedestrians, who always go first.

What is the fine for running a stop sign in Kansas?

The Kansas uniform fine schedule lists $75 for failure to yield at a stop sign or yield sign (K.S.A. 8-1528). Court costs are added. A judge can set another fine after a trial, and a city ticket can follow a different city fine schedule.

How do I treat a flashing red light in Kansas?

Treat it like a stop sign. Stop behind the stop line, the crosswalk or the intersection, look both ways, and yield the right-of-way before you go. The state fine schedule lists $75 for violating flashing traffic signals (K.S.A. 8-1510).