Driving Tests

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

informational·how to guide·Published April 23, 2026

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

At a North Dakota four-way stop, stop at the stop line, yield to any vehicle already in the intersection, then go in turn: the vehicle that stops first goes first. In a roundabout, drive counterclockwise, yield to traffic already inside, and exit with a right turn. A stop sign or yield sign violation carries a $40 fee under state law.

Where these North Dakota rules come from

The stop sign, yield sign and right-of-way rules come from North Dakota Century Code chapter 39-10 (sections 39-10-16, 39-10-22, 39-10-23 and 39-10-24). The fee and the points come from sections 39-06.1-06 and 39-06.1-10 of the Century Code. The driving steps come from the North Dakota Noncommercial Driver License Manual (2025-2027) and the NDDOT roundabouts page. This guide is current as of 2026. Confirm the rules with the North Dakota Department of Transportation (dot.nd.gov) before you drive.

Who goes first at a four-way stop?

At a four-way stop, the vehicle that stops first goes first. State law (section 39-10-24) gives the same order in more detail. After you stop, you must yield to any vehicle that is in the intersection or so close that it is an immediate hazard. You must also yield to any other vehicle that stopped at its stop sign before you, if the intersection is clear for each driver to go.

If you turn left, you have one more duty: yield to oncoming traffic that is in the intersection or so close that it is an immediate hazard.

How to take a four-way stop

1
Stop in the right place
Stop before the marked stop line. With no line, stop before the crosswalk. With neither, stop as near as possible before the intersection, at the point where you can see traffic from all directions.
2
Look at the intersection
Yield to any vehicle already in the intersection, and to any vehicle that is so close it is an immediate hazard.
3
Check who stopped before you
If another vehicle stopped first, let it go when the intersection is clear for it. Check who goes first when you stop first and a car stops on your right for a common case.
4
Go when it is your turn
Go when you stopped first, or when every vehicle that stopped before you has gone. Be ready to yield to a driver who does not follow the right-of-way rules.

What if another driver goes out of turn?

Yield to that vehicle so that you do not cause a crash. The manual asks every driver to drive defensively and to be ready to yield to anyone who does not follow the right-of-way rules. After the other vehicle clears the intersection, go when the way is clear and it is your turn.

Right of way with no sign, at a T, or with dark signals

The intersection has no sign or signal and two vehicles arrive at about the same time

The driver on the left yields to the driver on the right. The law applies this only where there is no official traffic-control device.

The intersection is a T with no sign or signal

The driver on the street that ends yields to the driver on the street that continues.

The traffic signals are dark, for example in a power outage

Stop and yield as you would at a stop sign (section 39-10-22), and yield to any vehicle in the intersection. Try the practice question on a dark traffic signal.

How do you drive a roundabout in North Dakota?

A roundabout is a circular intersection where drivers travel counterclockwise around a center island. It has no traffic signals or stop signs. Drivers who enter must yield to the traffic already inside. NDDOT puts the rule in one line: in a roundabout, there is no stopping, only yielding. Roundabouts are designed to reduce the number and severity of collisions.

How to enter and exit a North Dakota roundabout

1
Slow down
Reduce your speed as you approach.
2
Choose your lane
With more than one lane, use the left lane to turn left, the right lane to turn right, and any lane to go straight, unless signs and pavement markings tell you otherwise.
3
Yield to people on foot and on bikes
Yield to pedestrians and bicyclists before you enter.
4
Yield to circulating traffic
Yield to the traffic already in the roundabout, then enter. The question on entering a roundabout shows the order.
5
Stay in your lane and exit
Stay in your lane inside the roundabout, and exit with a right turn at your road. Do not pass trucks: assume that they need all the space.
6
Give way to emergency vehicles
Clear the roundabout so emergency vehicles can pass. Do not enter if one is approaching.

Do you need to signal when you leave a roundabout?

State law does not require an exit signal at a rotary traffic island. Under section 39-10-16, you must drive only to the right of the island. After you enter, you may exit from any position without a signal of intention to exit.

Key takeaways

At a four-way stop, the vehicle that stops first goes first. Stop at the stop line, and yield to any vehicle already in the intersection.
If another driver goes out of turn, yield so you do not cause a crash.
With no sign or signal, the driver on the left yields to the driver on the right. At a T, the street that ends yields. Dark signals mean stop and yield as at a stop sign.
In a roundabout, drive counterclockwise, yield to people on foot and to traffic inside, stay in your lane and exit with a right turn.
Next step: practice these rules on the free North Dakota Class D practice test.

North Dakota four-way stop and roundabout: common questions

How much is a stop sign ticket in North Dakota?

The fee for a violation of the stop sign and yield sign law (section 39-10-24) is $40, under section 39-06.1-06. Points are separate: failing to yield the right of way under sections 39-10-22 through 39-10-26 adds 2 points to your driving record. To see how points add up for new drivers, read the guide to North Dakota teen driver points.

Do I have to stop at a yield sign in North Dakota?

Only when you must stop for safety. The law says to slow down to a speed that is reasonable for the conditions. If you must stop, stop at the marked stop line. Then yield to any vehicle in the intersection or so close that it is an immediate hazard. If you drive past a yield sign without stopping and hit a vehicle in the intersection, the law treats the crash as prima facie evidence that you failed to yield.

What does a flashing red or flashing yellow light mean in North Dakota?

A flashing red light means the same as a stop sign: stop, then go when the intersection is clear of pedestrians and vehicles. A flashing yellow light at an intersection means go ahead with caution. Some traffic signals work like this late at night or when traffic is light.

What is the apron around the center of a roundabout for?

It is for large trucks. Roundabouts are designed for all vehicle types, including truck and trailer combinations, and the center island has an apron for the rear wheels of a large truck. The manual also says not to pass trucks in a roundabout: assume that they need all the space.