Answer: The clear and short answer is that the vehicle on the right has the right of way. There are additional rules for determining who goes first at a four-way stop, which are outlined below.

Keeping in mind that these four-way stop rules aren't bound to four-wheel vehicles Cyclists, tricyclists, motorcyclists, and pedestrians need to follow them too.

Now, Let's get into the blog to answer your questions about how does a four-way stop sign work?

What Is a Four-Way Stop?

An intersection where all intersections have stop signs is referred to as a four-way stop and is sometimes referred to as a one-way stop. All drivers must come to a complete stop once before turning. There are three basic purposes of a four-way stop:

1. Safety: The order and fairness at a 4-way stop are there to prevent road accidents.
2. Equal Opportunity: All drivers have time, a chance, and a sense of accountability, eliminating fuss on the road over missed turns.
3. Traffic Flow: The most important purpose is to manage road traffic by reducing confusion at intersections.

Who has the right of way? 

The four-way stop sign understanding lies in who has the right of way rules. Here are the basic rules broken down into four directional signs. 

• First Come, First Served:

No matter which direction you’re coming from or where you are on the block. If you arrive in that place first, you go first.

• Yield to the Right: 

Sometimes two cars arrive at the intersection at the same time. In such a case, the vehicle has the right of way on the right.

• Straight Traffic Over Turning Traffic: 

When two vehicles arrive at an intersection at the same time and are facing each other, traffic traveling straight has the right to pass the turning traffic if both vehicles are traveling straight or both going in with the same instructions. 

• Right Turn Left Turn: 

If two vehicles arrive at the same time and face each other, where one driver plans to turn right and the other driver plans to turn left, the right-turning driver has a normal lane, and driver the left-hand driver waits until the other car passes.

What If Four Cars Arrive at the Same Time?

We have to consider all types of “what if” scenarios. What if all four cars arrive at a four-way stop simultaneously? The four stop signs don’t give us a strict rule about who should go first. However, we do have non-verbal cues, such as making eye contact with other drivers, which are key in these situations.

However, the general recommendation is to wait and see which driver is the most assertive or confident in proceeding. Once one car goes, the others should follow the standard right-of-way rules mentioned above, yielding to the right, and so on. 

Common Mistakes at Four-Way Stops

Although the rules are not hard to remember, here are some of the most common mistakes drivers often make:

• Ignoring Pedestrians and Cyclists: 

Sometimes a car driver might miss out on other vehicles on the roads and you need to be mindful of this. Bicycles and Pedestrians can't be ignored.  

• Rolling Stops: 

Some drivers don’t come to a complete stop and just roll through the intersection. This is dangerous because it can cause accidents, especially if others are following the rules and expect everyone to stop fully.

• Impatience: 

When drivers rush, it can lead to accidents. History shows that those who don’t wait for their turn and try to go out of order often cause confusion and crashes.

Conclusion: How Does a Four-Way Stop Sign Work?

Understanding this is crucial for staying safe on the road. At the end of the day, it's all about your perception and decision-making skills that will guide you on “How does a four-way Stop sign work?” Stay on the basic rules such as yielding to the first car, the vehicle on the right, and straight traffic, you can drive at these intersections with confidence.

Be mindful, especially when you are on the road. Show patience and caution, as these are key at four-way stops. So Next time, Play your part in making these intersections less dangerous and safe to drive on.