Driving Tests

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

informational·how to guide·Published April 13, 2026

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

In Oklahoma, a vehicle that has already entered the intersection goes first. If two vehicles reach a four-way stop at about the same time, the driver on the left yields to the driver on the right. Each driver stops first, before the crosswalk or at the stop line. In a roundabout, Oklahoma law says to drive counterclockwise around the central island.

Where the Oklahoma right-of-way rules come from

The right-of-way rules come from the Oklahoma Statutes, Title 47: sections 11-401 to 11-404 (with section 11-403 for stop and yield signs), section 11-703 for where to stop, and section 11-308 for roundabouts. The plain-English advice, the parking distances and the point values come from the Oklahoma Driver Manual. The facts are as of 2026. Confirm the rules with Service Oklahoma (oklahoma.gov/service) before you drive.

Who goes first when cars reach a four-way stop at different times?

Oklahoma law (section 11-403) gives the right-of-way to a vehicle that has already entered the intersection, over a vehicle that has not. In plain words: at a four-way stop, the car or truck that entered the intersection first goes first.
So you stop, look, and let a vehicle that is already in the intersection finish. Then you go. Decide who has the right-of-way before you enter the intersection. If you have the right-of-way and another driver yields it to you, go immediately.

What if two cars reach the four-way stop at the same time?

When two vehicles reach the intersection at about the same time, the driver on the left yields to the driver on the right. Oklahoma law gives this rule two times: in the general intersection rule (section 11-401) and in the stop-sign rule (section 11-403). Where each vehicle must stop, the vehicle that comes from the right has the right-of-way.
To check yourself, try our free question page on two drivers who stop at a four-way stop at the same moment.

Who has the right-of-way at an Oklahoma intersection

Who has the right-of-way at an Oklahoma intersection
Situation	Who has the right-of-way	Source
One vehicle is already in the intersection	That vehicle goes first	Section 11-403(D)
Two vehicles arrive at the same time	The vehicle that comes from the right	Sections 11-401(B), 11-403(D)
One vehicle must stop, and the other must only slow down or take caution	The vehicle that slows down or takes caution	Section 11-403(D)
A driver turns left, and an oncoming vehicle is very close	The oncoming vehicle	Section 11-402
A driver enters a road from a private road or driveway	All vehicles on the road	Section 11-404

How to stop and go at an Oklahoma stop sign

1
Stop at the right place
Stop before the crosswalk on the near side of the intersection, also when the crosswalk is not marked. With no crosswalk, stop at a clearly marked stop line. With neither, stop at the point nearest the cross road where you can see approaching traffic.
2
Check the sign
An ALL-WAY or 4-WAY plaque under a stop sign means that all traffic that approaches the intersection must stop.
3
Yield to traffic and pedestrians
Yield to pedestrians. Yield to vehicles that are in the intersection, and to vehicles on the other road that are so close that they are an immediate hazard.
4
Go when it is your turn
After you yield, you may go. Other drivers that approach must then yield to you. Make sure that the other drivers see you: make eye contact.

Four-way stop: which rule applies to you?

Another vehicle is already in the intersection when you stop

Wait. A vehicle that has already entered the intersection has the right-of-way over one that has not.

You and another driver arrive at about the same time

If the other driver is on your right, yield. If you are on the right, you have the right-of-way.

A police officer or a traffic signal tells you to proceed

Follow the officer or the signal. It replaces the normal stop rule.

You have the right-of-way, but a crash looks possible

Yield anyway. Right-of-way is something to give, not to take. Yield when damage or injury is possible, even if the right-of-way is yours.

What are the Oklahoma roundabout rules?

Oklahoma law says that a vehicle that passes around the central island of a circular intersection, such as a roundabout, must be driven counterclockwise around the island (section 11-308). So you enter to the right and keep the island on your left until you exit.
Where a YIELD sign faces you at the entry, the yield sign rules in the next section apply. Our free question page on entering a roundabout with a YIELD sign lets you practice the entry.

How do you handle an Oklahoma yield sign?

At a yield sign, slow down to a reasonable speed for the conditions, and stop if necessary. Yield to any pedestrian who legally crosses the road, and to any vehicle in the intersection or on the other road that is so close that it is an immediate hazard. Let oncoming vehicles pass before you cross or enter the flow of traffic.
If you must stop, use the same stop points as at a stop sign. If you pass a yield sign without a stop and hit a pedestrian in a crosswalk or a vehicle in the intersection, the law treats that crash as evidence that you failed to yield.

Other places where you must yield

Near people on foot: pedestrians in a crosswalk have the right-of-way over most vehicles, whether the crosswalk is marked or not.
Leaving a parking space: wait for an opening, because the drivers already on the road have the right-of-way.
On a county road that meets a state or federal highway: yield, and do not go until it is safe, whether or not a stop or yield sign is present or visible.
On an unpaved county road that meets a paved county road: the same rule applies, with or without a sign.

What happens if you fail to yield in Oklahoma?

The Oklahoma Driver Manual lists failure to yield right of way as a 2-point offense under the Oklahoma Mandatory Point System. If you collect 10 or more points within 5 years, your license is suspended. For more on points, see our guide to Oklahoma driving points for new drivers.

Key takeaways

At a four-way stop, a vehicle that has already entered the intersection goes first.
If two vehicles arrive at about the same time, the driver on the left yields to the driver on the right.
In a roundabout, drive counterclockwise around the central island.
Failure to yield right of way is 2 points, and 10 points in 5 years leads to a suspension.
Next step: practice on the free Oklahoma Class D practice test.

Oklahoma four-way stop and roundabout: common questions

Does the car on the right always go first?

No. The car on the right goes first only when two vehicles arrive at about the same time. A vehicle that has already entered the intersection goes first, from any direction. Pedestrians in a crosswalk also have the right-of-way. And when damage or injury is possible, yield even when the right-of-way is yours.

Do I have to come to a complete stop at an Oklahoma stop sign?

Yes. Come to a complete stop before the crosswalk, or at the stop line, and stay stopped until the way is clear in all directions. Then yield to vehicles in the intersection or close to it. The Oklahoma Driver Manual lists failure to obey a stop sign or traffic light as a 2-point offense.

Do I have to yield when I enter an Oklahoma roundabout?

Where a YIELD sign faces you at the entry, yes. Slow down, stop if necessary, and let any vehicle that is in the intersection, or so close that it is an immediate hazard, go first. Also yield to pedestrians who legally cross. Then enter and drive counterclockwise around the central island.

What does a flashing red light mean in Oklahoma?

A flashing red light means the same as a stop sign. Stop before the crosswalk or the stop line, yield to pedestrians and to vehicles in or close to the intersection, then go when it is safe to cross. Our free question page on a flashing red light lets you check this rule.

How close to a stop sign can I park in Oklahoma?

Not within 30 feet. The Oklahoma Driver Manual lists it as illegal to park within 30 feet as you approach a stop sign, a flashing beacon or a traffic control signal at the side of the road. It is also illegal to park within 20 feet of a crosswalk at an intersection.