Driving Tests

Four-Way Stop Rules in Louisiana: Who Goes First

informational·how to guide·Published April 17, 2026

Who has the right of way at a four-way stop in Louisiana?

At a four-way stop in Louisiana, the first driver to stop is the first to go (R.S. 32:123(C)). If two or more vehicles reach the stop at the same time, the driver on the left yields to the driver on the right. Stop at the stop line before the crosswalk, and yield to any vehicle already in the intersection or close enough to be an immediate hazard.

Where the Louisiana four-way stop rules come from

Louisiana sets the four-way stop rule in R.S. 32:123, the stop-sign law. The left-turn rule is in R.S. 32:122, and the general right-of-way rule is in R.S. 32:121. The Office of Motor Vehicles (OMV) explains the same topics in the Class D & E Driver's Guide (form DPSMV2052, edition R08/25), which is also the source of the dark-signal rule. The rules are as of 2026. Confirm the rules with the Louisiana Office of Motor Vehicles (expresslane.org) before you drive.

What counts as a four-way stop in Louisiana

A four-way stop is an intersection where all approaching traffic has a stop sign. A 4-WAY sign may be added to the stop sign there, and you may also see 3-WAY, 5-WAY or ALL-WAY signs. The stop sign itself has eight sides and is red with white letters.
A roundabout works differently: there, you yield to the left before you enter. The guide to Louisiana roundabout rules explains it.

How to take your turn at a four-way stop

1
Stop in the right place
Stop before the crosswalk on the near side, at the stop line: the solid white line across your lane. If there is no stop line, stop at the point nearest the crossing road where you can see approaching traffic, before you enter the intersection.
2
Look in all directions
Look for crossing vehicles and for pedestrians in all directions.
3
Find out who stopped first
The first vehicle to stop goes first. If you stopped at the same time as a driver on your right, let that driver go first.
4
Yield, then go
On your turn, still yield to any vehicle that is already in the intersection or so close that it is an immediate hazard. Enter only when it is safe.

Who goes first in common four-way stop situations

You stopped before the other drivers

You go first, when it is safe.

You and another driver stopped at the same time, and that driver is on your right

You yield. R.S. 32:121 sets the same left-yields-to-right rule for intersections in general. The free question page on two vehicles arriving at the same time tests it.

You and another driver stopped at the same time, and that driver is on your left

That driver yields to you. Go when it is safe.

Another driver goes out of turn

Let that driver go, even if the right of way is yours. The law says who must yield; it does not give anyone the right of way.

A police officer or a traffic signal directs you to go

Follow the officer or the signal instead of the stop sign.

Left turns at a four-way stop

A driver who turns left in an intersection yields to oncoming vehicles that are in the intersection or so close that they are an immediate hazard (R.S. 32:122). Oncoming bicyclists count as oncoming traffic too. At a four-way stop, wait for your turn, then check for oncoming traffic before you turn. The free question page on turning left across oncoming traffic tests this rule.

What if the traffic light is dark or broken?

When a traffic signal at an intersection does not work, the intersection becomes an all-way or four-way stop, the Driver's Guide says. Every driver stops, the first vehicle to stop goes first, and when two vehicles arrive at the same time, the driver on the left yields to the driver on the right. The free question page on dark signals at an intersection tests this.

Penalties if a stop-sign violation hurts or kills someone

Penalties if a stop-sign violation hurts or kills someone
Result of the violation	Fine (U.S. dollars)	Possible license suspension and jail
Injury to another person	$200 to $500	Suspension of up to 90 days
Serious bodily injury	$500 to $1,000	Suspension of up to 180 days; up to 6 months in jail
Death	$1,000 to $5,000	Suspension of up to 360 days; up to 12 months in jail

Key Takeaways

The first driver to stop at a four-way stop goes first. If drivers arrive together, the driver on the left yields to the driver on the right.
Stop at the stop line before the crosswalk. With no line, stop where you can see crossing traffic.
A left-turning driver yields to oncoming vehicles and bicyclists.
A dark traffic light makes the intersection an all-way or four-way stop.
Next step: practice the rules on the free Louisiana Class E practice test.

Frequently asked questions

Do you have to come to a complete stop at a four-way stop?

Yes. Louisiana law says every driver who approaches a stop sign must stop before entering the intersection, unless a police officer or a traffic-control signal directs the driver to go. At a four-way stop, the stop also sets the order: the first vehicle to stop is the first to go.

What does a flashing red light mean in Louisiana?

Treat it like a stop sign. The Driver's Guide says to use the same procedure as at a stop sign: come to a complete stop, look both ways before you enter the intersection and yield the right of way. Go only when it is safe.

Do pedestrians have the right of way at a four-way stop?

Yes, when they are in a marked crosswalk. Pedestrians in a crosswalk have the right of way over motor vehicles, and you must stop for them. Before you enter the intersection, look for pedestrians and crossing vehicles in all directions, also when it is your turn to go.

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

R.S. 32:123 sets fines when a violation of the stop-sign law injures or kills another person: $200 to $500 for an injury, $500 to $1,000 for serious bodily injury and $1,000 to $5,000 for a death. These penalties apply to any part of the section, including the four-way stop rule. A license suspension is also possible.

Can you go to jail for running a stop sign in Louisiana?

Yes, if the violation seriously injures or kills another person. In addition to the fine, the law allows up to 6 months in jail for serious bodily injury and up to 12 months for a death. Serious bodily injury includes, for example, unconsciousness, extreme physical pain or a substantial risk of death.