As you approach a 4-way stop sign, what is your responsibility?

When approaching a 4-way stop sign, your responsibility is to stop completely and yield to all traffic that is already in the intersection as well as to any vehicles that arrive at the stop sign before you. This rule ensures that all drivers have a clear understanding of the right-of-way, which helps prevent accidents and facilitates safe traffic flow.

At a 4-way stop, all vehicles must come to a complete stop. The point of yielding to traffic is crucial, particularly when multiple cars arrive simultaneously at the intersection. In situations where two or more vehicles reach the stop sign at nearly the same time, the vehicle to the right has the right-of-way. Yielding appropriately also means being attentive to pedestrians and cyclists who may be using the intersection, as they also have the right to cross safely.

This understanding of stopping and yielding is fundamental for maintaining safety on the road, ensuring that drivers behave predictably and cooperatively at intersections.