Driving Tests

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

informational·how to guide·Published April 1, 2026

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

The Washington Driver Guide says the first vehicle to arrive is the first to go, and the second to arrive goes second. If two vehicles arrive at about the same time, state law says the driver on the left yields to the driver on the right. A driver who turns left yields to vehicles that go straight or turn right. Every driver must stop first.

Where these rules come from

The arrival order and the roundabout steps come from the Washington Driver Guide of the Washington State Department of Licensing (DOL). The same-time rule is in RCW 46.61.180, and the dark-signal rule is in RCW 46.61.183. The stop-sign and left-turn rules are in RCW 46.61.190 and 46.61.185. This guide is current as of 2026. Where the law and the guide differ, it follows the law. Confirm the rules with the Washington State Department of Licensing (dol.wa.gov) before you drive.

How to take your turn at a four-way stop

1
Stop at the right place
Stop at the clearly marked stop line. With no line, stop before the marked crosswalk on your side. With neither, stop at the point nearest the crossing road where you can see approaching traffic.
2
Look at who arrived first
The first vehicle to arrive goes first. The second vehicle to arrive goes second, and so on. Watch the other drivers so that you know your place.
3
Yield to anything already in the intersection
After you stop, give way to any vehicle that is in the intersection, or that is so close on another road that it is an immediate hazard.
4
Check your turn direction
If you turn left, yield to vehicles that go straight or turn right. The law also makes a left turn yield to an oncoming vehicle that is in the intersection or so close that it is an immediate hazard.
5
Go when it is clear
Look in each direction again. Drive through when it is your turn and no vehicle or pedestrian is in your path.

Where to stop, and what to do if you cannot see

Every driver who comes to a stop sign must stop. The Driver Guide also says that every intersection is legally a crosswalk, whether it is marked or not. Stop before your vehicle reaches the stop line or the crosswalk, and yield to pedestrians in the intersection. If you stop at the line but your view of the cross street is blocked, edge forward slowly until you can see.

Two vehicles arrive at the same time: who yields?

The other vehicle is on your right and comes from a different road

You yield. The driver on the left gives way to the driver on the right.

The other vehicle is on your left and comes from a different road

You go first, and the other driver yields to you. The free question on two drivers who stop at the same time shows this case.

You turn left and the other driver goes straight or turns right

You yield. A vehicle that turns left gives way to vehicles that go straight or turn right.

Another vehicle is already in the intersection

You yield until it clears. After a stop, the law makes you yield to any vehicle in the intersection or so close that it is an immediate hazard.

What to do when the traffic light is out in Washington

A signal that is without power on all approaches, or that shows no green, red or yellow light to your road, is an all-way stop. Stop, then yield as at any four-way stop: the driver on the left yields to the driver on the right, and a left turn yields to oncoming traffic. The free question on a storm that cuts power to a signal asks about this case. A flashing red light is different: it works like a stop sign. A flagger, police officer or firefighter who directs you to go overrules the all-way stop.

Who can overrule the usual order at an intersection

A flagger, police officer or firefighter who directs you to go: this overrules a stop sign and a dark signal.
Police, construction workers, maintenance personnel and school crossing guards: they can direct traffic and overrule traffic signals, and you must follow their directions.
Fire trucks, ambulances and police cars that use lights or sirens: they always have the right-of-way.

What is a roundabout and how fast do you drive it?

A roundabout is a circular intersection. All approaching vehicles yield on entry and travel counterclockwise around a raised center island. The Driver Guide says roundabouts are designed for speeds between 15 and 25 mph, so slow down as you approach. Some roundabouts have a truck apron around the center island for large vehicles.

How to drive a roundabout step by step

1
Pick your lane as you approach
Read the lane choice sign. It shows which lanes are for right turns, straight travel and left turns.
2
Slow down and watch the crosswalk
Stop for pedestrians and bicyclists in the crosswalk at the entry.
3
Look left and yield
Yield to all traffic that is already in the roundabout. That traffic has the right-of-way.
4
Enter when you see a gap
Once you see a gap, enter the circle and go counterclockwise to your exit.
5
Stay in your lane and exit
Stay in your lane until you exit. Stop again for pedestrians and bicyclists in the exit crosswalk.

Which lane to use in a two-lane roundabout

Choose your lane from the lane choice sign before you enter, and stay in that lane until you exit. The free question on lane choice in a two-lane roundabout tests the same rule. Trucks need a lot of space and may use both lanes. Large vehicles may also cross the truck apron. Keep a safe distance behind them.

Pedestrians, bicyclists and emergency vehicles at a roundabout

Pedestrians: stop for people in the crosswalk when you enter and when you exit.
Bicyclists: they can use the roundabout as a pedestrian or as a vehicle, so watch for both.
Emergency vehicles: if one comes while you drive through, drive through the roundabout and then pull over, as at any other intersection.

Four-way stop, dark signal and roundabout compared

Four-way stop, dark signal and roundabout compared
Situation	Who goes first	Basis
Four-way stop	First vehicle to arrive	Driver Guide
Same-time arrival	Driver on the right; the driver on the left yields	State law (RCW 46.61.180)
Left turn	Vehicles that go straight or turn right, and close oncoming traffic	Driver Guide and RCW 46.61.185
Dark traffic signal	Treat as an all-way stop, then yield as above	State law (RCW 46.61.183)
Flashing red light	Treat as a stop sign	Driver Guide
Roundabout	Traffic already in the circle	Driver Guide

Key takeaways

Stop first at every stop sign. After that, the first vehicle to arrive goes first.
At the same time, the driver on the left yields to the driver on the right. A left turn yields to vehicles that go straight or turn right.
A dark signal is an all-way stop, and a flashing red light works like a stop sign.
In a roundabout, pick your lane early, yield to traffic in the circle and stop for pedestrians.
Next step: practice these rules on the free Washington personal driver practice test, which is in English only.

Washington four-way stop and roundabout questions

Do I have to stop at a four-way stop if no one else is there?

Yes. Every driver who approaches a stop sign must stop, even at an empty intersection. Stop at the stop line, or before the crosswalk if there is no line, or at the point where you can see the crossing road. Look in each direction, then go when it is clear.

Does a car turning left or a car going straight go first?

The car going straight. The Washington Driver Guide says any vehicle that turns left must yield to vehicles that go straight or turn right. State law also makes a left-turning driver yield to an oncoming vehicle that is in the intersection or so close that it is an immediate hazard.

What does a flashing red light mean in Washington?

A flashing red light works like a stop sign. Come to a full stop, then go when it is your turn. A signal that is dark is different: the law makes it an all-way stop.

Do I stop or yield when I enter a roundabout?

You yield. Look left and let the traffic that is already in the circle pass, then enter when you see a gap. You must stop for a pedestrian or bicyclist in the crosswalk at the entry and at the exit.

Is a traffic circle the same as a roundabout?

No. A traffic calming circle is an intersection with a painted or raised center island, and traffic goes counterclockwise around it. It can have stop or yield signs on all, some or none of its approaches. Use the same right-of-way rules as at any other intersection. Large vehicles may have to go clockwise to get through it.