Driving Tests

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

informational·how to guide·Published April 11, 2026

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

At a four-way stop in Tennessee, the vehicle that reaches the intersection first goes first, and all vehicles must stop. If two vehicles stop at the same time, the driver on the left yields to the driver on the right. At a roundabout, yield to vehicles already in the circle, drive counterclockwise, and use your right turn signal to show your exit.

Where these rules come from

The Tennessee Department of Safety and Homeland Security (TDOSHS), Driver Services Division, explains the stop sign, right-of-way and roundabout rules in the Tennessee Comprehensive Driver License Manual. This guide follows that manual, as of 2026. Confirm the rules with the Tennessee Department of Safety and Homeland Security (tn.gov/safety) before you drive.

How a four-way stop works in Tennessee

A stop sign with a red ALL WAY sign below it means that all traffic approaching the intersection must stop. The first vehicle to reach the intersection goes first, from any side. Tennessee's manual points out that the law does not really give anyone the right-of-way: it only says who must yield. The manual also says that traffic signs and signals, and rules of the road, each make up about 25 percent of the knowledge test. The Tennessee permit test guide shows how that test works.

How to take your turn at a four-way stop

1
Stop completely in the right place
Come to a complete stop, not a rolling stop, before the nearest side of the crosswalk or at the marked stop line. With no crosswalk or line, stop where you can see approaching traffic on the other road, and before you enter the actual intersection.
2
Check who stopped first
The driver who stopped first goes first, even if that car is on your left. A practice question on the car that stopped a few seconds before you uses this exact case.
3
At the same time, yield to the right
If two or more vehicles stop together, the driver on the left yields to the driver on the right. A practice question on a same-time stop at dark traffic lights shows how this works at a dark signal.
4
Go only when it is safe
Even when you were first, make sure it is safe before you move. Do not enter the intersection unless you can get through it without having to stop. A vehicle left blocking the intersection stops other traffic, and the driver could get a ticket.

Who goes first at an all-way stop: four cases

Who goes first at an all-way stop: four cases
What happens at the stop	Who goes first
You stop first and another car stops after you	You go first
Another car stops first and you stop after it	The other car goes first, from whichever side it is on
You stop at the same time as a car on your right	The car on your right goes first. You yield
You stop at the same time as a car on your left	You go first. The car on your left yields

When the signal is out, flashing red or missing

The traffic signal is not working (dark)

Tennessee state law says to treat the intersection as an all-way stop. Stop as if there were stop signs in all directions, and do not go until it is safe.

The light is flashing red

Make a complete stop, the same as at a stop sign. If no traffic comes from the right or left, you may go. If there is cross traffic or oncoming traffic, follow the right-of-way rules.

Two roads cross with no stop signs or signals

Yield to any vehicle that comes at the same time on your right.

How to drive a roundabout in Tennessee

A roundabout is an intersection control device, with traffic circulating around a central island. It is usually used to slow speeds and to reduce accidents. In the United States, traffic keeps to the right, so you always travel around the circle to the right, in a counterclockwise direction. You treat the entry like a yield sign: yield to vehicles already in the circle, then enter when there is a gap. The practice question on a car already in a single-lane roundabout tests this rule.

Roundabout rules in order: entry, lane, speed and exit

On approach, stay in your lane and keep to the right of the splitter island or the yellow markings or curbs that direct traffic to the right. These stop drivers from trying to go left around the circle.
Inside, go slowly. The posted speed is usually 15 to 25 mph.
In a multi-lane roundabout, do not overtake or pass any vehicles, and be ready to yield to vehicles that turn in front of you from the inside lane to exit.
Use your right turn signal to show your exit.
Before you leave, watch for pedestrians in or near the crosswalk on the exit street, and yield if necessary.

Key takeaways

At a four-way stop, all vehicles stop and the first to arrive goes first.
When two vehicles stop at the same time, the driver on the left yields to the driver on the right.
A signal that is out is an all-way stop, and a flashing red light is a full stop.
In a roundabout, go counterclockwise, yield to traffic in the circle, keep to the posted speed (usually 15 to 25 mph) and signal right to exit.
Next step: practice these rules on the free Tennessee Class D practice test. It is free and in English only.

Tennessee four-way stop and roundabout: common questions

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

No. At a stop sign, Tennessee requires a complete stop, not a rolling stop. The manual notes that the Tennessee Code defines a stop as a "complete cessation of movement." Go only when traffic is clear, so that approaching traffic does not have to slow down or change lanes for your vehicle.

What if another driver goes out of turn?

Let that driver go. You must not insist on the right-of-way, and if another driver does not follow the right-of-way rules, give that driver the right-of-way. A driver must do everything possible to avoid a traffic crash. When the intersection is clear and it is safe, take your turn.

What is a town square in Tennessee?

Many Tennessee towns have a form of roundabout that is known as the town square. The manual gives it the same rules as a roundabout, traffic circle or rotary: you turn right, go around it counterclockwise, and yield to traffic that is already in it.

Can I stop inside a roundabout?

No, not unless a sign, a signal or a traffic officer directs you to stop. Do your waiting at the entry: yield to traffic already in the circle, then enter when there is a gap and keep moving at the posted speed, usually 15 to 25 mph.

What if I miss my exit in a roundabout?

Keep going and go around the circle again. The manual says you can exit at any street, or continue around if you miss the street you wanted. When you reach your street, use your right turn signal and watch for pedestrians in the crosswalk as you leave.