Driving Tests

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

informational·how to guide·Published April 14, 2026

Who goes first at a four-way stop in Newfoundland and Labrador?

In Newfoundland and Labrador, the first vehicle to come to a full stop goes first. If two vehicles arrive at the same time, the vehicle on the right goes first. Treat a traffic light that is not working as a four-way stop. In a roundabout, traffic goes counterclockwise, and you yield to traffic already in the roundabout, in both lanes.

Where these rules come from

This guide is current as of 2026. It uses the Motor Registration Division (MRD) Driver's Handbook, the Highway Traffic Act (sections 100.1, 106 and 118) and the Demerit Point System Regulations. Confirm the rules with the Motor Registration Division (gov.nl.ca/motorregistration) before you drive.

How to take your turn at a four-way stop

1
Stop completely
A four-way stop has stop signs on all four corners. Come to a full stop at the stop line or the crosswalk, and make sure the way is clear before you continue.
2
Find who stopped first
The first vehicle to come to a full stop goes first. Wait for your turn.
3
Use the right-hand rule for a tie
When two vehicles arrive at the same time, the vehicle on the right has the right-of-way and goes through first.
4
Yield when you are not sure
If you are not sure who has the right-of-way, it is safer to yield to the other driver.
5
Stop again behind a stopped vehicle
If you are behind a vehicle at the stop sign, you must also come to a complete stop when that vehicle has moved on.

What the Highway Traffic Act says at stop signs and intersections

At a stop sign, section 106(24) of the Act tells you to stop before you enter the intersection, then go with special care and give way to traffic on the other road. If a crosswalk is at the sign, stop before the crosswalk and give way to pedestrians in it. At other intersections, section 118 tells you to yield to traffic that has already entered from a different road. When two vehicles enter from different roads at about the same time, the driver on the left yields to the driver on the right. Test the first-to-stop rule with a practice question on who goes first at a four-way stop.

Who yields when the lights are out or there are no signs

The traffic lights are not working

Treat the intersection as a four-way stop. Every driver stops, and the first-to-stop and right-hand rules apply.

The intersection has no traffic lights, no stop or yield signs and no police officer

Yield the right-of-way to traffic on your right-hand side.

You turn left at an intersection

Yield to vehicles that come toward you before you go.

An emergency vehicle comes with its lights flashing and its siren on

Yield to it. Pull to the right as far as possible and stop. Stay stopped until the emergency vehicle has passed.

How a roundabout works in Newfoundland and Labrador

A roundabout is a circular intersection built for better traffic flow at slower speeds. A sign warns you that one is ahead, and it may show a recommended speed. Slow down as you approach, and wait for a space in traffic before you enter. Traffic goes counterclockwise around the centre island. Entering traffic yields to traffic already in the roundabout, in both lanes. Section 100.1 of the Highway Traffic Act makes this yield a law.

Which lane and signal for your exit in a two-lane roundabout

Which lane and signal for your exit in a two-lane roundabout
Your exit	Approach lane	Signal	Exit lane
First exit	Right lane	Right signal while you are in the roundabout, until you have exited	Right lane
Second exit or farther	Left lane	Left signal to show that you will not take the first exit. Then right signal after you pass the exit just before yours	Left lane

Why you choose your roundabout lane before you enter

Choose your lane before you enter, because you must not change lanes in the roundabout. Enter from either lane only when it is safe. If you enter from the right lane, stay in it and leave from it. If you leave from the left lane, you cross the right (outside) lane. Use caution, and check for traffic in the right lane that may be continuing around. A practice question on the lane for the first exit covers the right-lane case.

Rules for driving inside a roundabout

Drive to the right of the centre of the roundabout, unless a traffic control device shows other directions.
Yield to traffic on your left. In a two-lane roundabout, the driver on the right yields to the driver on the left.
Never stop inside a roundabout. If an emergency vehicle comes while you are inside, take your exit and go past the splitter island before you pull over to the right.
If an emergency vehicle comes before you enter, pull over to the right if possible and let it pass.

Pedestrians and large vehicles at a roundabout

Scan for pedestrians and cyclists at the crosswalks and at the entrance and exits. When you leave from the left lane, look ahead for pedestrians at the crosswalk of your exit. Pedestrians never cross to the central island. The splitter islands let them cross one direction of traffic at a time. Large vehicles may need more than one lane when they approach, drive in and leave a roundabout, so give them plenty of room.

Demerit points for stop sign and roundabout mistakes

Demerit points for stop sign and roundabout mistakes
Offence	Section	Demerit points
Failure to stop at a stop sign	Act s. 106(24)	2
Failing to yield the right-of-way at an intersection	Act s. 118	2
Failure to yield when you enter a roundabout	Act s. 100.1(1)	2
Failure to drive to the right of the centre of a roundabout	Act s. 100.1(2)	2
Failure to yield in a roundabout to traffic on your left	Act s. 100.1(3)	2

How demerit points from these offences add up

When you are convicted of an offence in the table, 2 demerit points go on your driving record. A novice or probationary driver who reaches 6 or more points in one year gets a licence suspension, for at least 2 months the first time. For other drivers, the limit is 12 or more points in 2 years. The guide to novice driver penalties in Newfoundland and Labrador explains who counts as a novice driver and the other penalties.

Key takeaways

At a four-way stop, the first vehicle to stop goes first. When two arrive together, the vehicle on the right goes.
Treat a traffic light that is not working as a four-way stop, and never pass a vehicle that has stopped.
In a roundabout, go counterclockwise, yield to traffic already inside in both lanes, and do not change lanes.
Use the right lane for the first exit. Use the left lane for the second exit or farther.
Next step: practise these rules on the free Newfoundland and Labrador Class 5I practice test, which is in English only.

Newfoundland and Labrador roundabout and four-way stop: common questions

Do I have to stop at a four-way stop if no other car is there?

Yes. A stop sign always means a full stop at the stop line or the crosswalk, even when no other vehicle is in sight. Make sure the way is clear before you continue. Failure to stop at a stop sign carries 2 demerit points on conviction.

Can I pass a car that is stopped at a stop sign?

No. Never pass a vehicle that has stopped at a stop sign, a traffic light or a crosswalk. Stay behind it. When it moves on, come to your own complete stop at the sign, and then take your turn.

What if I miss my exit in a roundabout?

Do not stop, and do not change lanes to reach the exit. Stay in your lane and travel around the roundabout again. Then take your exit when you can do so safely. Do the same when you cannot stop or exit safely for any other reason.

Is a traffic circle the same as a roundabout?

In the law, yes. Section 100.1 of the Highway Traffic Act says that a roundabout includes a rotary traffic island and a traffic circle. So the same yield rules, and the same 2 demerit points for each offence, apply in a traffic circle.

Can cyclists ride through a roundabout?

Yes. Experienced cyclists may ride through a roundabout as if they were a vehicle. They move into the centre of the travel lane before they enter, and they stay in the middle of the lane until they are clear. Less experienced cyclists should walk their bicycles and follow the pedestrian rules.