Driving Tests

Who Goes First at a Four-Way Stop in Virginia? Roundabouts Too

informational·how to guide·Published July 2, 2026

Who goes first at an all-way stop in Virginia?

At an all-way stop in Virginia, every driver makes a complete stop at the stop line, or before the crosswalk if there is no line. The vehicle that arrives first goes first. If vehicles arrive at the same time, the driver on the left yields to the driver on the right. In a roundabout, yield to pedestrians, bicyclists and traffic already in the circle, then travel counterclockwise.

Where these Virginia rules come from

The all-way stop, dark signal and roundabout rules come from the Virginia Driver's Manual (DMV 39, April 2026). The stop position rules come from Code of Virginia 46.2-821, and the same-time rule for uncontrolled intersections comes from Code of Virginia 46.2-820. The roundabout design facts come from the Virginia Department of Transportation roundabouts FAQ. This guide is current as of 2026. Confirm the rules with the Virginia Department of Motor Vehicles (dmv.virginia.gov) before you drive.

What is an all-way stop in Virginia?

At some intersections, a small sign under the stop sign reads "All Way" or "4 Way." Many drivers call this a four-way stop. At these intersections, all vehicles on all roads that lead into the intersection must stop. The eight-sided stop sign always means stop, and you must come to a complete stop before you go. The order in which drivers go is shown below.

Who goes first at an all-way stop?

Vehicles from different directions arrive at different times

The vehicle that arrives first goes first, after its complete stop.

You arrive at the same time as other vehicles

The driver on the left must yield to the driver on the right. Code of Virginia 46.2-820 sets the same rule at uncontrolled intersections (no signs or signals): when two vehicles arrive at about the same time, the vehicle on the left yields to the vehicle on the right.

A vehicle or pedestrian is still in your way after you stop

Stay stopped. Wait for the vehicle or pedestrian to clear the way before you go.

Where must you stop at a stop sign?

Code of Virginia 46.2-821 sets where you stop, in a fixed order. You stop immediately before you enter the intersection. Use the first point in the table below that your road has. After you stop, and before you go, you must yield to any vehicle that approaches on the other road from either direction.

Stop point at a Virginia stop sign, in order

Stop point at a Virginia stop sign, in order
If the road has ...	Stop ...
A clearly marked stop line	At the stop line
No stop line, but a crosswalk	Before you enter the crosswalk on the near side of the intersection
No stop line and no marked crosswalk	At the point nearest the other road where you can see approaching traffic

What do you do when traffic signals are dark?

When traffic signals do not work because of a power outage or other problem, and they show no lights, you must stop. Then go through the intersection as if it were an all-way stop. The driver on the left yields to the driver on the right. This rule does not apply when a law enforcement officer or other authorized person directs traffic, or when portable stop signs are in use. Try our free question on an intersection with a dark signal.

What is a roundabout, and whom must you yield to?

A roundabout (also called a traffic circle) is a circular intersection with an island in the center. It has one or more lanes, and all traffic moves counterclockwise around the island. Each road that leads into a roundabout has a yield sign.
As you enter, yield to pedestrians and bicyclists, and to vehicles already in the roundabout. Yield also means to stop if you cannot merge safely into the flow of traffic. Test yourself with our free question on entering a roundabout with a pedestrian and a car in the circle.

How to drive through a roundabout

1
Slow down and read the signs
As you approach, slow down. Look for the street and direction signs, so you know which exit to take. Use your turn signals to show where you want to go.
2
Choose your lane
Use the lane for the way you plan to go. The table below shows the lane for each move.
3
Yield, then enter
Wait at the yield sign until pedestrians, bicyclists and vehicles in the circle have passed. Sometimes a stop sign or a traffic signal controls your entry instead. When the way is clear, enter.
4
Travel counterclockwise and stay in your lane
After you enter, travel counterclockwise around the island. Stay in your lane until you are ready to exit.
5
Signal right and exit
Use your right turn signal to show that you will exit. Before you change lanes or take your exit, check for vehicles that continue in the lane next to you or behind you. Expect vehicles in your blind spots, and glance over your shoulder.

Which roundabout lane for which move?

Which roundabout lane for which move?
Your plan	Where to be as you enter
Turn right	Stay to the right as you enter
Go straight	Either lane, if the roundabout has two lanes
Turn left	Stay to the left as you enter

Right-turn bypass lanes and why roundabouts are safer

Some roundabouts have a separate right-turn lane that bypasses the lanes of the circle. A conflict point is a place where the paths of vehicles cross or meet. For a simple intersection with one lane in each direction, a roundabout has 16 fewer crossing, 4 fewer merging and 4 fewer diverging conflict points than a conventional four-leg intersection. Roundabouts also promote lower speeds, so drivers have more time to react. To check your lane choice, try our free question on a left turn in a two-lane roundabout.

Key takeaways

At an all-way stop, make a complete stop. The vehicle that arrives first goes first. At the same time, the driver on the left yields to the driver on the right.
Stop at the stop line. With no stop line, stop before the crosswalk. With no marked crosswalk, stop where you can see approaching traffic.
When signals are dark, treat the intersection as an all-way stop, unless an officer directs traffic or portable stop signs are in use.
In a roundabout, yield to pedestrians, bicyclists and traffic already in the circle. Travel counterclockwise, and signal right to exit.
Next step: practice on the free Virginia passenger practice test.

Virginia all-way stop and roundabout questions

Do you have to stop at a roundabout?

Not always. At a yield sign, you slow down, yield, and stop only if you must for safety. You must stop if you cannot merge safely into the flow of traffic, or when pedestrians or bicyclists cross in front of you. At some roundabouts, a stop sign or a traffic signal controls the entry. Then you must stop or obey the signal.

Can you change lanes inside a roundabout?

Stay in your lane until you are ready to exit. Before you change lanes or take an exit, check for vehicles that continue through the roundabout in the lane next to you or behind you. Your mirrors do not show your blind spots, so quickly glance over your shoulder before you move.

What does a line of triangles across the road mean?

It is a yield line. It is used with a yield sign and shows the point where you must yield, or stop if necessary. You often see a yield line at the entrance of a roundabout. If pedestrians, bicyclists or vehicles in the circle make you stop, stop at this line.

Who goes first if a police officer directs traffic at a dark signal?

The officer decides. The all-way stop rule for dark signals does not apply when a law enforcement officer or other authorized person directs traffic. In Virginia, you obey signs and signals unless a police officer directs you, and you always follow the officer's direction. The rule also does not apply when portable stop signs are in use.

Is a roundabout the same as a traffic circle?

Yes. The Virginia Driver's Manual says that roundabouts are also called traffic circles. Both names mean a circular intersection with an island in the center, with one or more lanes. The same rules apply: traffic that enters yields to traffic already in the circle, and all traffic travels counterclockwise.