Andrew L. Shapiro | November 12, 2024 | Car Accidents
Navigating the right of way at 4-way stop intersections can be confusing and dangerous if drivers ignore or don’t know the rules. In places like Encino, car accidents happen often at these intersections because drivers might not know who has the right of way at a four-way stop.
Basics of a Four-Way Stop
Four-way stops exist to control the flow of traffic at intersections that don’t have stop lights. They’re regulated by four-way stop sign rules, where drivers and cyclists from each direction have to come to a complete stop. Once stopped, they’re expected to follow specific rules about who should proceed first.
However, figuring out at a 4-way stop who has the right-of-way can depend on timing, position, and sometimes even situational judgment calls.
Most people are familiar with the term California stop (also called a “rolling stop”). It’s a common practice in which a vehicle slows down and rolls through the stop sign without coming to a complete stop. It might seem harmless enough, but it’s actually quite dangerous. Knowing how to properly and safely react to stop signs can help reduce the risk of collisions.
Rules for a Four-Way Stop
California law lays out 4-way intersection rules to clarify how people should behave in such interactions.
These rules include:
- First-Come, First-Served: If more than one car comes to the stop sign, whoever got there first should proceed first
- Right Goes First: When two cars get there at the same time, the one on the right has the right of way
- Straight Over Turning: When two vehicles arrive at the same time, the driver going straight has the right of way over any cars making a turn
- Left Goes Last: Left turns are inherently more risky than going straight or turning right, so the driver intending to turn left should yield to all other drivers and take their turn last
Some of these rules might seem counterintuitive at first, but they actually help to ensure a smooth flow when everyone follows them correctly.
Special Situations
While these rules cover most typical scenarios, certain situations can complicate things in real-world traffic. So, in these cases, how does a four-way stop sign work?
Pedestrians always have the right of way regardless of other vehicle traffic, so drivers at four-way stops have to yield to anyone crossing the street. This means that even if you technically have the right to move, safety for pedestrians takes priority. Drivers have to wait until they clear the intersection.
When several cars arrive at the same time, there can be confusion and delays. Eye contact and hand signals can help in such cases. However, drivers still have to prioritize safety and be patient so that each driver has their turn.
If an emergency vehicle approaches, all other drivers have to give the right of way to let them pass through the intersection unhindered. Even if it’s not directly behind you, yielding to emergency responders is required by law and necessary for everyone’s safety.
California Laws
State laws on four-way stops emphasize that drivers have to come to a full stop and continue on only when it’s safe to do so. Drivers who roll through intersections not only break the law but also put themselves and everyone else at risk. Failing to stop can cause a crash if another driver is expecting you to stop completely.
Fines and legal consequences for failing to properly stop can be costly, especially if someone gets hurt in the process.
Mastering the Four-Way Stop
Four-way stops are designed to manage traffic flow and protect everyone who uses the roads. For Encino drivers, these intersections might be familiar, but it’s easy to get confused. Knowing who has the right of way at a 4-way stop can help minimize confusion and improve overall safety.
Contact the Encino Car Accident Lawyers of JUSTICENTER Personal Injury Lawyers for Help Today
Please contact an experienced car accident lawyer at JUSTICENTER Personal Injury Lawyers for a free initial consultation today at (833) 852-3600.
Our main office is in Encino, CA, but we serve all through Los Angeles County.
JUSTICENTER Personal Injury Lawyers
16633 Ventura Blvd suite 1011,
Encino, CA 91436
