Driving Tests

Massachusetts Four-Way Stop Rules: Who Goes First?

informational·how to guide·Published June 26, 2026

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

At a four-way stop in Massachusetts, you yield to a vehicle that already came to a full stop. Vehicles go in the order they stopped: the first to stop is the next to go. If two vehicles stop at the same time, you yield to the vehicle directly to your right. If you are in doubt, give the right-of-way to the driver on your right.

Where these Massachusetts rules come from

The four-way stop, stop sign and right-of-way rules come from the Massachusetts RMV Driver's Manual (the April 2026 edition). The left-turn yield rule for vehicles and bicycles also comes from Massachusetts General Laws chapter 90, section 14. This guide is current as of 2026. Confirm the rules with the Massachusetts RMV (mass.gov/rmv) before you drive.

How to stop and go at a four-way stop

1
Stop before the crosswalk or stop line
A STOP sign means a complete halt, and it applies to each vehicle that comes to the sign. Stop before any crosswalk or stop line painted on the pavement. Only slowing down is not enough.
2
Check who stopped before you
A 4-WAY or ALL WAY sign under a STOP sign means all traffic that comes to the intersection must stop. Note which vehicles are already stopped. You must yield to a vehicle that came to a full stop before you.
3
If you stop at the same time, look right
When you stop at the same time as another vehicle, yield to the vehicle directly to your right. You can practice this rule with our free question on which vehicle goes next at a four-way stop.
4
Make eye contact and go with care
Four-way stops can cause confusion, so try to make eye contact with the other drivers to judge what they plan to do. Yield to pedestrians and other vehicles, then go carefully.

What if another driver does not follow the rules?

Give way. The right-of-way is something you give, not take: if another driver does not follow the rules or goes out of turn, always give the right-of-way. Our free question on how to respond when another driver fails to yield uses the same idea. While you wait, do not block the intersection or a crosswalk. It is illegal to block an intersection, and you may enter an intersection or cross a crosswalk only if there is enough room to drive through safely.

How to turn left at a Massachusetts intersection

On any left turn, first yield the right-of-way to three groups: an oncoming vehicle, a vehicle already in the intersection, and pedestrians or bicyclists who cross your path. Under M.G.L. chapter 90, section 14, a driver who turns left at an intersection, or into an alley, private road or driveway, must yield to any oncoming vehicle that is in the intersection or so close that it is an immediate hazard. This includes a bicycle that rides to the right of the other oncoming vehicles. See the free question on turning left across oncoming traffic. On any turn, also yield to bicyclists who go straight through.

Other intersections that look like a four-way stop

If the intersection has no signs or signals (an uncontrolled intersection)

Slow down, look left and right, and go only if the way is clear. Yield to any vehicle that entered the intersection from your right or is coming from your right. Look for traffic from the left too, and make sure the other driver yields before you go, even if you have the legal right-of-way.

If you enter a paved road from a private road, a driveway or an unpaved road

You must stop. Then give the right-of-way to pedestrians, bicyclists and vehicles on the road you enter. The free question on entering a paved road from a driveway covers this.

If you are on a designated throughway

Yield the right-of-way to traffic on the throughway before you turn.

If you are on a single or two-lane road and reach an intersection with a divided highway or a roadway with three or more lanes

You must yield the right-of-way.

Pedestrians at Massachusetts intersections

Always yield to pedestrians who are in a roadway.
Yield to pedestrians who enter or use a crosswalk in your travel path.
If a pedestrian is in the crosswalk, stop behind the stop line or crosswalk line.
Never pass a vehicle that is stopped or slowing down for a pedestrian.
Never let your vehicle block a crosswalk.

Key takeaways

At a four-way stop, the first vehicle to stop is the next to go. Vehicles go in the order they stopped.
If two vehicles stop at the same time, yield to the vehicle directly to your right. If you are in doubt, give the right-of-way to the driver on your right.
Stop fully before the crosswalk or stop line. Only slowing down is not enough.
On a left turn, yield to oncoming vehicles, vehicles already in the intersection, and pedestrians and bicyclists in your path.
Dark traffic signals mean you treat the intersection as a stop sign in all directions.
Next step: practice these right-of-way rules on the free Massachusetts Class D learner's permit practice test. The tests are free and in English only.

Massachusetts four-way stop: common questions

Do I have to stop at a stop sign if no one is coming in Massachusetts?

Yes. In Massachusetts, a STOP sign always means a complete halt, and it applies to each vehicle that comes to the sign. Slowing down or rolling through is not enough, even when the road looks empty. Stop before any crosswalk or stop line painted on the pavement, then go carefully when the way is clear.

Who goes first when two cars face each other at a four-way stop?

The car that stopped first goes first. If you stopped at the same time and one of you turns left, the left-turning driver waits: on any left turn in Massachusetts, you must first yield to an oncoming vehicle, a vehicle already in the intersection, and pedestrians or bicyclists who cross your path. Make eye contact to see what the other driver plans to do.

What do I do if the traffic lights are out at an intersection?

If the signals are dark and do not work at all, be careful and act as if there is a stop sign in all directions. Then follow the four-way stop order and go when it is safe. Signals that do not work often flash instead: a flashing red light means the same as a STOP sign, and a flashing yellow light means proceed with caution.

Who has the right of way when I turn into or out of a driveway?

To leave a driveway or private road onto a paved road, stop first, then give the right-of-way to pedestrians, bicyclists and vehicles on that road. To turn into a driveway or parking lot, yield to pedestrians: people on the sidewalk or crossing the driveway have the right-of-way. On a left turn into a driveway, also yield to oncoming vehicles, including bicycles, that are close enough to be an immediate hazard.