Driving Tests

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

informational·how to guide·Published April 16, 2026

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

In Maryland, the driver who arrives at the intersection first goes first. If two drivers arrive at the same time, the driver on the right goes first, says the Maryland Driver's Manual. Make a complete stop at the stop line, yield to anyone still in the intersection, and go only when it is safe. In a traffic circle, always yield to traffic already in the circle.

Where the Maryland right-of-way rules come from

The four-way stop steps, the traffic circle steps and the stop line rules come from the Maryland Driver's Manual (DL-002, October 2025 edition) of the Maryland Department of Transportation Motor Vehicle Administration (MDOT MVA). The stop sign, yield sign and through highway rules come from Maryland Transportation Article § 21-403, and the rule for an intersection with no signs from § 21-401. The left turn, driveway and emergency vehicle rules come from § 21-402, § 21-404 and § 21-405. This guide is current as of 2026. Confirm the rules with the Maryland MVA (mva.maryland.gov) before you drive.

How to go through a four-way stop in Maryland

1
Stop at the stop line
Make a complete stop at the stop line. If there is no stop line, stop before the crosswalk. If there is no stop line or crosswalk, stop before you enter the intersection.
2
Yield to anyone still in the intersection
Let vehicles, pedestrians and bicyclists that are still in the intersection clear it. Stay stopped until it is safe to enter.
3
Let the driver who arrived first go first
Yield to the driver who is already at the intersection or who arrives before you.
4
If you arrive together, yield to the right
If you and another driver arrive at the same time, the driver on the right goes first. At a four-way intersection with stop signs, yield to the driver on your right.
5
Go only when it is safe
Never assume that you have the right to go first. Look at the whole situation before you enter the intersection.

What a Maryland stop sign means

The stop sign is the only eight-sided sign on the road, with white letters on red. The stop line is a white, solid line that shows where you must stop for a stop sign or a red light. Stop signs and yield signs show which road has the right-of-way. At a stop sign, Maryland law says that you stop, then yield the right-of-way to any vehicle that approaches on the other road. To yield means to let the other road user go first. Test yourself with our free question on what a stop sign means.

Who yields at T intersections, left turns, yield signs and driveways

Who yields at T intersections, left turns, yield signs and driveways
Situation	What you do
You stop at a T intersection	Yield to drivers already on the road that you join
You turn left	Yield to oncoming vehicles that are in the intersection or so close that they are an immediate danger
A yield sign faces you	Slow down, look to the left and the right, yield, and stop if you must
You come to a through highway	Stop at the entrance, then yield to traffic on the through highway
You leave a driveway or private road	Stop, then yield to vehicles on the road that you enter or cross

How to drive a Maryland traffic circle (roundabout)

1
Slow down at the yield sign
Roads that lead to a traffic circle have yield signs. Reduce your speed as you come to the circle.
2
Yield to pedestrians
Watch for pedestrians in the crosswalk and yield to them.
3
Wait for a gap at the yield line
Approach the yield line with care. Traffic already in the circle goes first, so wait for a gap and watch for vehicles that exit the circle. If there is no traffic in the circle, you do not need to wait. Check the rule with our free question on who goes first when you enter a traffic circle.
4
Keep to the right of the island
Drive around the circle with the island on your left. Expect bicyclists at traffic circles too.
5
Signal right to exit
When you prepare to exit, turn on your right turn signal.

What to do in a Maryland traffic circle with more than one lane

The traffic circle has more than one lane

Stay in your lane as you drive around the circle.

You pass the exit before the one you plan to take

Turn on your right turn signal and move to the outside lane.

What to do when a signal is out or an emergency vehicle comes

The traffic signal at the intersection does not work

Stop at the clearly marked stop line. If there is none, stop before the crosswalk. Yield to vehicles and pedestrians in the intersection, and stay stopped until it is safe. Try our free question on an intersection with dark signals.

An emergency vehicle comes with its lights and siren on

Yield to it. Drive as close as possible to the edge or curb of the road, clear of any intersection. Stop and stay there until the emergency vehicle has passed, unless a police officer tells you to do something different.

Key takeaways

At a Maryland four-way stop, make a complete stop at the stop line. The driver who arrives first goes first. If you arrive together, the driver on the right goes first.
Never assume that you have the right to go first. Yield to pedestrians, bicyclists and drivers who are still in the intersection.
In a traffic circle, yield to traffic already in the circle, keep to the right of the island and signal right to exit.
In a circle with more than one lane, stay in your lane. Move to the outside lane after you pass the exit before yours.
Next step: practice right-of-way and sign questions on the free Maryland Class C practice test.

Maryland four-way stop and traffic circle: common questions

Who goes first at an intersection with no stop signs or traffic lights in Maryland?

The vehicle on the right. Maryland law (Transportation Article § 21-401) says that a vehicle at an intersection must yield to a vehicle that approaches from its right, and has the right-of-way over a vehicle that approaches from its left. This rule does not apply at a through highway. Try our free question on two vehicles that arrive together.

Do I have to stop before I enter a Maryland traffic circle?

Only when you must yield. Roads that lead to a traffic circle have yield signs. At a yield sign, Maryland law says to approach with caution, yield, and stop if necessary. Pedestrians in the crosswalk and traffic already in the circle go first. If there is no traffic in the circle, you do not need to wait.

Is a roundabout the same as a traffic circle in Maryland?

For a driver, the steps are the same. The Maryland Driver's Manual covers both in one section, with the heading "Traffic Circles (Roundabouts)". At either one, slow down, yield to pedestrians and to traffic already in the circle, keep to the right of the island, and signal right when you prepare to exit.

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

Yes, when they are in the intersection. At a stop sign, you must yield to vehicles and pedestrians in the intersection. Pedestrians have the right-of-way at street crossings, but they must obey traffic control signals. Where there is no traffic signal, you must stop for pedestrians in a marked or an unmarked crosswalk.