If drivers reach 4-way stop at same time, who goes first? Here’s what Georgia law says

Four-way stops can cause confusion for seasoned and novice drivers alike.

Generally, road rules dictate that the car that arrives at the intersection first has the right of way. But what if multiple vehicles arrive at the same time?

“It can get messy when things aren’t so clear-cut at a busy four-way stop,” attorney Todd W. Burris said. “One car may be turning left while the other is turning right. A pedestrian crossing the crosswalk may disrupt the flow of right of way. An impatient motorist may attempt to rush through the intersection before another driver has a chance to go.”

So who has the right of way?

Here’s what Georgia law says about navigating a four-way stop:

Who goes first at a four-way stop in Georgia?

In the Peach State, the driver of the car to the right has the right-of-way when he or she simultaneously reaches a four-way stop with another driver, according to state Code 40-6-70.

The law adds that when a driver comes up on an intersection without a stop sign or traffic signal, that driver should yield to the other driver, “whether the latter vehicle be on such driver’s right or left.”

The same rules apply when two drivers approach an intersection with “dark” or malfunctioning traffic signals, excluding pedestrian beacons and ramp meters.

In this case, Georgia law says both motorists should treat the intersection like a four-way stop.

“When a flashing indication is given, the driver shall stop for the flashing red signal and exhibit caution while passing through a flashing yellow indication,” the law says.

What’s the penalty for a right-of-way violation?

Ignoring right-of-way rules can lead to a myriad of consequences.

“At a baseline level, failing to yield the right-of-way when required will usually add three points to a driver’s license,” according to the Butler Kahn law firm. They “may also face a fine, the amount of which will depend on where the alleged violation occurred.”

Drivers may face more serious penalties if their failure to yield causes a crash. These include costlier fines, jail time or getting their driver’s license revoked, the law firm said.

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