In South Carolina, the driver who arrives first has the right of way at a four-way stop. However, if two or more vehicles arrive at the same time, the vehicle on the right is legally permitted to go first.
While the logistics seem straightforward, a four-way stop can still be very confusing, especially when multiple vehicles arrive at the intersection around the same time. At the end of the day, knowing who has the right of way in these situations is important for everyone on the road.
If you were involved in a collision or hurt in a crash due to confusion regarding four-way-stop rules and regulations, a Charleston personal injury lawyer is the one to call. Your attorney can help you understand how to proceed in the aftermath of your accident.
The Basic Rule: First Come, First Served
At a four-way stop, the vehicle that arrives first has the right of way. Each driver must come to a complete stop before proceeding. If there is any uncertainty, all drivers should yield to the vehicle that clearly stopped first.
If you’re the first to arrive and come to a full stop at the four-way intersection, you have the right to proceed through the intersection first. Drivers who arrive after you must yield to vehicles that were already present and have already started to move through the intersection.
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Additional Rules Regarding Four-Way Stops in South Carolina
While the basic rules of four-way stops are generally understood, there are additional nuances that drivers in South Carolina should be aware of. Exploring these scenarios can help you understand how the law applies to your case.
When Two Vehicles Arrive at the Same Time
When two vehicles stop at a four-way intersection at the same time, the general rule is to yield to the vehicle on your right. This means that two drivers who stop simultaneously and find themselves across from each other or adjacent, the one on the left must yield.
For example, if you stop at the same time as a vehicle to your right, you must yield and let them go first. If the other driver is to your left, you have the right of way. They should wait for you as you proceed through the intersection first.
When Three or More Vehicles Arrive at Once
In cases where three or more vehicles reach a four-way stop at nearly the same moment, drivers must rely on a combination of these three factors:
- Observing who arrived first
- Watching for hand signals or gestures
- Following the “yield to the right” rule when in doubt
Though these situations can feel chaotic, South Carolina law still supports the principle of yielding to the right when no other clear priority exists.
Opposing Vehicles Going Straight and Turning
Sometimes, two vehicles will arrive at the same time directly across from each other. If one of the drivers intends to go straight while the other wants to turn left, the driver going straight has the right of way.
For example, let’s say Vehicle A is going straight and Vehicle B, which is opposite to Vehicle A, is turning left. Even if both cars stop simultaneously, Vehicle A gets to go first. The turning vehicle must wait until the path is clear.
Pedestrians at Four-Way Stops
Under South Carolina Code § 56-5-3130, pedestrians in a marked or unmarked crosswalk have the right of way at intersections. All drivers must yield to pedestrians crossing the street, regardless of the vehicle’s arrival order at the stop sign.
Drivers must remain stopped until the pedestrian has completely cleared the lane the vehicle is in and the adjacent lane in the pedestrian’s direction of travel.
Cyclists at Four-Way Stops
Bicycles are considered vehicles under South Carolina law, meaning cyclists must follow the same rules as drivers at four-way stops. If a cyclist and a car arrive at the same time, the same “first-come, first-served” and “yield to the right” rules apply.
This means motor vehicles must yield to cyclists who have the right of way, just as they would for any other car.
Emergency Vehicles
When an emergency vehicle—such as a police car, fire truck, or ambulance—is approaching a four-way stop with lights or sirens activated, all other vehicles must yield. This is true even if it means other cars on the road have to delay or miss their turn at the stop sign.
You must also remain stopped until the emergency vehicle has safely passed through the intersection.
Common Mistakes and Misunderstandings Regarding Who Has the Right of Way at a Four-Way Stop
Even experienced drivers can misinterpret four-way stop rules. Here are some common mistakes in situations like these:
- Rolling through the stop without coming to a full stop first
- Assuming the vehicle to the left should always yield, regardless of arrival time
- Failing to yield when turning left across oncoming traffic
- Ignoring or failing to see pedestrians and cyclists
Errors like these can result in traffic citations or, more seriously, collisions that cause injuries to people or damage to property.
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What Happens if a Driver Fails to Yield at a Four-Way Stop?
Failure to yield the right of way at a four-way stop can result in serious consequences under South Carolina laws. A driver who ignores stop sign rules and causes a crash may be found at fault for the collision.
This can result in them being held liable for any damages that resulted from the collision, such as physical injuries and property damage. In many cases, this can also mean the driver will receive a traffic citation for failure to yield, which may impose the following:
- Expensive fines
- Points on a driver’s license
- Increased insurance rates
When law enforcement investigates a collision at a four-way stop, they typically rely on witness statements, vehicle positions, and surveillance footage if available. These details can help them determine which driver failed to follow the proper right-of-way rules.
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Contact Our Columbia Personal Injury Law Firm Today for More Information About Who Had the Right of Way at a Four-Way Stop
At a four-way stop in South Carolina, the driver who arrives first gets to claim the right of way. However, it’s not always obvious who arrived there first, and it can be even more confusing if multiple cars arrive at the same time. As a result, four-way collisions can be complicated.
If you were in a car crash at a four way stop, a personal injury attorney in Columbia is the one to call. No matter the details of your case, we can help you make sense of what happened and how to move forward.
With The Thumbs Up Guys by your side, you can trust us to pursue Results that Matter. As Your South Carolian Injury Law Firm, we’ve recovered millions in compensation for victims just like you. We’re here to help.
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