Driving Tests

Nevada Four-Way Stop and Roundabout Rules: Who Goes First?

informational·how to guide·Published April 13, 2026

Who goes first at a Nevada four-way stop, and how do you drive a roundabout?

At a Nevada four-way stop, the driver who reaches the intersection first goes first, after a complete stop. Vehicles already in the intersection go before you. In a roundabout, yield to the traffic already circulating inside, drive counterclockwise, and use your right turn signal to exit. A conviction for failure to yield right-of-way adds 4 demerit points to your Nevada driving record.

Where these Nevada rules come from

The four-way stop, right-of-way and roundabout rules come from the Nevada Driver's Handbook (DMV 700, March 2024). The roundabout lines on entering without a stop, not stopping inside and a missed exit come from an older DMV sheet, Traffic Safety Quick Tips. The points come from the Nevada DMV demerit points page. This guide is current as of 2026. The handbook does not give the exact wording of the traffic laws. Confirm the rules with the Nevada DMV (dmv.nv.gov) before you drive.

Four-way stop and roundabout at a glance

Four-way stop and roundabout at a glance
Question	Four-way stop	Roundabout
Do you stop?	Yes. Come to a full stop every time.	Only if needed. Slow down, yield and wait for a gap.
Who goes first?	The driver who arrived first. Vehicles already in the intersection go before you.	Traffic already in the roundabout.
Pedestrians	Yield to pedestrians and cross traffic before you go.	Pedestrians have the right-of-way.

How to take your turn at a Nevada four-way stop

1
Stop completely
Come to a full stop behind the stop sign, at the crosswalk or the stop line. If no sign or marking shows the stop point, slow down and stop, if needed, at the point nearest the intersection where you can see approaching traffic.
2
Let vehicles already in the intersection go
Wait for other vehicles that are already in the intersection. A vehicle that is already there has the right-of-way over vehicles that are just arriving.
3
Let earlier arrivals go first
Allow vehicles that reached the intersection before you to go first. Wait your turn.
4
Yield to pedestrians and cross traffic
Give the right-of-way to pedestrians and to any cross traffic before you move forward.
5
Go when it is safe
If your view of the cross street is blocked, move forward slowly to see when it is safe to go. When it is your turn, go with caution.

What right-of-way means in Nevada

Right-of-way is the right of one vehicle to go before another one. The term also applies to pedestrians and bicycle riders. The Nevada Driver's Handbook warns that Nevada law does not give anyone the right-of-way; it only says who must yield. Even when you may legally have the right-of-way, you must do everything possible to avoid a crash. Failure to yield the right-of-way is the leading cause of crashes in Nevada. Pedestrians in crosswalks and at intersections have the right-of-way over vehicles.

Who goes first at other Nevada intersections?

The intersection has no signs or signals

The vehicle on your right should usually go first. A vehicle that is already in the intersection goes before you, as our free first-arrival question shows. If you have the right-of-way and others yield it to you, go through with caution.

You turn left and a vehicle goes straight through

The vehicle that goes straight ahead and is already in the intersection has the right-of-way over you. After you yield and signal correctly, you then have the right-of-way.

You pull onto a main road from a driveway, private road or minor road

Yield to all traffic on the main road and to pedestrians.

The traffic lights are dark or the signal flashes red

Come to a full stop before you go through. A flashing red light has the same meaning as a stop sign. Yield to pedestrians and to vehicles that have already stopped or are in the intersection, then go with caution. The dark traffic lights question tests this.

How to drive a roundabout in Nevada

1
Choose your lane before you enter
Choose the lane as you would at any other intersection. Use the left lane to turn left, make a U-turn or go straight. Use the right lane to turn right or go straight.
2
Slow down and yield
Those in the roundabout have the right-of-way, so wait for a gap in the traffic. Pedestrians also have the right-of-way. The roundabout yield question shows this case.
3
Enter and drive counterclockwise
All traffic moves in one direction, counterclockwise. Slow down to travel with the traffic already inside. Do not pass vehicles or bicycles.
4
Signal right and exit
Use your right turn signal when you exit.

What is the penalty for failure to yield in Nevada?

The Nevada DMV assigns demerit points for traffic convictions that the courts report. A conviction for failure to yield right-of-way adds 4 points to your Nevada driving record. Disobeying a traffic signal or stop sign also adds 4 points. If you collect 12 or more points within 12 months, the result is an automatic 6-month license suspension. Points expire 12 months after the date of conviction. For the full point list and teen penalties, see our guide to Nevada demerit points.

Key takeaways

At a Nevada four-way stop, come to a full stop. The driver who arrives first goes first, and vehicles already in the intersection go before you.
At an intersection with no signs or signals, the vehicle on your right should usually go first.
In a roundabout, choose your lane before you enter, yield to traffic inside, drive counterclockwise and signal right to exit.
A failure-to-yield conviction adds 4 demerit points. 12 points in 12 months means an automatic 6-month suspension.
Next step: practice these rules on the free Nevada Class C instruction permit practice test.

Nevada four-way stop and roundabout: common questions

Do you have to stop at a roundabout in Nevada?

Not when the way is clear. An older DMV traffic safety sheet says it is legal to enter a roundabout without stopping if the intersection is clear and you follow all traffic laws. You must still slow down and yield to traffic in the circle and to pedestrians. Once you are inside, do not stop for vehicles that wait to enter.

What if I miss my exit in a Nevada roundabout?

If you are in the inside lane, keep going around. DMV guidance says that if you miss your exit from the inside lane, you must continue around until you reach the exit again. Keep driving counterclockwise with the traffic. When you come back to your exit, use your right turn signal and leave the roundabout.

Can cars drive on the truck apron in a roundabout?

No. Cars should not use the truck apron, the raised pavement around the center island. Large commercial trucks and trailers may use it to make the tight turn. They usually drive on it with only their rear wheels.

Do I have to stop at a yield sign in Nevada?

Not always. A yield sign means the same as a stop sign, except that you may go without a full stop if it is safe. Slow down as you approach, check in all directions for cross traffic, and give the right-of-way to pedestrians and through traffic. If it is not safe to go, stop.

Do bicycles have the right of way in a Nevada roundabout?

Yes. DMV guidance says those in the roundabout have the right-of-way, as do pedestrians and bicyclists. A bicyclist who rides in the circle travels with the vehicles and yields to traffic in the circle when entering. Outside the roundabout, yield to bicyclists who ride on a bike path or in a bike lane.