Who has the right of way at a four-way stop?

At a four-way stop, the right of way is given to the first vehicle that arrives at the intersection. This rule is crucial for maintaining order and safety at intersections where traffic may be coming from multiple directions. When vehicles approach simultaneously, the one that arrived first has the priority to proceed, allowing traffic to flow smoothly and reducing the likelihood of accidents.

Understanding this priority is essential, as it ensures that drivers can navigate through intersections without confusion. It also emphasizes the importance of being aware of other vehicles and making decisions based on the relative arrival times of each vehicle. The rule can help prevent situations where drivers are unsure who should go first, which could potentially lead to collisions or hesitations. Therefore, recognizing that the first vehicle to arrive at a four-way stop has the right of way is a key component of safe driving practices.