What should a driver do at a four-way stop?

At a four-way stop, the correct action for a driver is to yield to the vehicle that arrived first. This rule is essential for maintaining order and safety at intersections where multiple vehicles may arrive at the same time. If two or more vehicles arrive simultaneously, the general rule is that the vehicle on the right has the right of way. However, if a vehicle has already stopped and is waiting at the stop sign, that driver must be given the opportunity to proceed first if they arrived before others. This approach prevents confusion and potential accidents by establishing a clear protocol for who moves first, ensuring that traffic flows smoothly at intersections.

In contrast, proceeding without stopping first disregards the stop sign and could lead to dangerous situations. Yielding to the right alone does not account for the sequence in which vehicles arrived. Making a right turn only limits options and does not address vehicles that may be proceeding straight or turning left. Understanding and following the rule of yielding to the vehicle that arrived first fosters a safer driving environment for everyone on the road.