Driving Tests

Pennsylvania Four-Way Stop Rules: Who Goes First

informational·how to guide·Published April 12, 2026

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

At a four-way stop in Pennsylvania, traffic from all four directions must stop. PennDOT's Driver's Manual says the first vehicle to reach the intersection goes first. If two vehicles arrive at the same time, the driver on the left yields to the driver on the right. If two drivers arrive together and face each other, both can go with caution and watch for turns.

Where these rules come from

The rules come from PennDOT's online Pennsylvania Driver's Manual pages on regulatory signs and negotiating intersections, the Driver's Manual PDF (PUB 95), and 75 Pa.C.S. section 3323 on stop signs, with section 3321 of the same Vehicle Code chapter. The order of arrival is manual guidance, not a statute. This guide is current as of 2026. Confirm the rules with PennDOT Driver and Vehicle Services (pa.gov/dmv) before you drive.

Who goes first at a Pennsylvania four-way stop?

You reach the intersection before the other drivers

You go first, after a full stop and a check for pedestrians. The practice question on two cars at a four-way stop uses this rule.

Two vehicles reach the intersection at the same time

The driver on the left yields to the driver on the right. If the other car is on your right, let it go first.

Two drivers face each other and arrive together

Both can go with caution. Watch for a driver who turns.

Is yield-to-the-right also Pennsylvania law?

Yes, as a general intersection rule. Section 3321(a) of the Vehicle Code says that when two vehicles approach or enter an intersection from different roads at about the same time, the driver on the left yields the right-of-way to the vehicle on the right.
The rule has exceptions. For example, on a through highway, through traffic has the right-of-way, and in a traffic circle, the traffic in the circle has the right-of-way. For circles, see the guide to Pennsylvania roundabout rules.

What to do at a four-way stop, step by step

1
Stop completely
Stop at the stop line, or before the crosswalk if there is no line. Slowing down without a full stop is illegal.
2
Check who stopped first
The first vehicle to reach the intersection goes first. If you arrived at the same time as a driver on your right, that driver goes first.
3
Look for pedestrians and cross traffic
Check for people in the crosswalk and for vehicles in or near the intersection before you move.
4
Go when it is your turn and the way is clear
Move through the intersection only when it is safe.

Where must you stop at a four-way stop?

Section 3323(b) of the Vehicle Code sets three places, in this order:
1. A clearly marked stop line.
2. Before the crosswalk on the near side of the intersection, if there is no stop line.
3. The point nearest the intersecting road where you have a clear view of approaching traffic, if there is no stop line and no crosswalk.
In practice, stop before the front of your vehicle reaches the first painted line. The practice question on the stop line and crosswalk covers a stop line that sits before a crosswalk.

Who must you yield to at a four-way stop?

Pedestrians who cross at any intersection without a traffic light, with or without a crosswalk.
Pedestrians in marked crosswalks.
Any vehicle already in the intersection, or on another road so close that it is a hazard.
Oncoming vehicles that go straight ahead, when you turn left.

What if another driver goes out of turn?

Let that driver go. PennDOT's manual explains that the law does not give anyone the right-of-way at an intersection; it only says who must yield. When a driver who must yield fails to do so, the other drivers must still stop or yield as needed to avoid a crash. Never insist on your turn, because that can cause a crash.

What if the traffic light is out or flashing red?

PennDOT's Driver's Manual (PUB 95) says to treat a traffic signal that does not work as a four-way stop sign. Every driver stops, and the four-way stop order above applies. The practice question on a dark traffic signal shows this on a busy road with a quiet side street.
A flashing red light has the same meaning as a stop sign. Come to a complete stop, look both ways, and go only after the intersection is clear.

Key takeaways

At a four-way stop, all four directions must stop completely. Slowing down is not enough.
The first vehicle to arrive goes first. If two vehicles arrive together, the driver on the left yields to the driver on the right.
Stop at the marked stop line. With no stop line, stop before the crosswalk. With neither, stop at the point nearest the crossing road where you can see approaching traffic.
Yield to pedestrians and to any vehicle in the intersection. If another driver goes out of turn, stop or yield to avoid a crash.
Next step: practice intersection and stop sign questions on the free Pennsylvania Class C permit practice test. The questions are in English only.

Four-way stops in Pennsylvania: common questions

Is a rolling stop okay at a four-way stop?

No. In Pennsylvania, slowing down at a stop sign without coming to a full stop is illegal. Stop with the front of your vehicle behind the first painted line, or before the crosswalk if there is no line. Then check for pedestrians and cross traffic, and go only when the intersection is clear.

Who goes first at a four-way stop if I want to turn left?

Use the same order: the first vehicle to reach the intersection goes first. If you and an oncoming driver arrive together and face each other, both of you can go with caution. As the driver who turns left, you yield to the oncoming vehicle that goes straight ahead.

Can a police officer tell me to go at a four-way stop?

Yes. The duty to stop at a stop sign does not apply when a police officer, or a person who is authorized to direct traffic and wears the right clothing for it, tells you to go. Follow that person's directions instead of the order of arrival.

What if I cannot see cross traffic after I stop at the line?

Yield to any pedestrian in the crosswalk first. Then pull forward slowly, past the line, until you have a clear view of approaching traffic. Yield to any vehicle in the intersection or close enough to be a hazard, and go only when it is safe.