Who Has the Right of Way at a 4-Way Stop in California?

Quick Answer

Four-way stop intersections in California are governed by California Vehicle Code Section 21800, which establishes clear right-of-way priority rules. Violations of these rules are among the most common causes of intersection collisions. A driver who fails to yield the right of way at a 4-way stop in violation of CVC Section 21800 is liable under negligence per se for any resulting accident. Attorney Damoun Yazdi handles California intersection accident cases throughout Southern California.

Key Takeaways

• California Vehicle Code Section 21800(b)(1): At a 4-way stop, the driver who reaches the intersection first has the right of way
• California Vehicle Code Section 21800(b)(2): When two vehicles arrive at the same time, the driver on the LEFT must yield to the driver on the RIGHT
• California Vehicle Code Section 21800(b)(2): When three or more vehicles arrive at the same time, all drivers must exercise reasonable judgment
• A driver who enters a 4-way stop out of turn and causes a collision violates CVC Section 21800 — creating negligence per se under California Evidence Code Section 669
• California two-year statute of limitations (CCP Section 335.1) applies to 4-way stop accident injury claims

California 4-Way Stop Rules: CVC Section 21800

First to arrive goes first (CVC Section 21800(b)(1)): The driver who reaches the intersection and stops first has the right of way. If a driver is still approaching while another is already stopped, the already-stopped driver goes first.\n\nTie-breaker: yield to the right (CVC Section 21800(b)(2)): When two vehicles arrive at the same time at different legs of the 4-way stop, the driver on the left must yield to the driver on the right. In practical terms: if you and another driver stop simultaneously and the other driver is to your right, the other driver goes first.\n\nOpposite directions: When vehicles approach from opposite directions and both turn left, they may do so simultaneously if it can be done safely.\n\nPedestrians always have priority: Regardless of which driver has the vehicle right-of-way, pedestrians in crosswalks must be yielded to under CVC Section 21950.

How 4-Way Stop Violations Create Accident Liability

A driver who fails to stop, proceeds out of turn, or fails to yield to the driver on the right creates negligence per se liability under Evidence Code Section 669 — the Vehicle Code violation establishes breach of duty. Attorney Yazdi obtains intersection surveillance footage, dashcam video, police reports, and witness statements to establish precisely who violated the right-of-way rules.

Contact Accident Network Law Group

Attorney Damoun Yazdi handles personal injury and accident claims throughout Southern California. His team serves Costa Mesa, Riverside, Rancho Cucamonga, Apple Valley, Victorville, and surrounding areas. Free consultations, contingency fee. Se habla espanol.

This content is for informational purposes only and does not constitute legal advice. The outcome of any case depends on its specific facts and circumstances. Past results do not guarantee future outcomes. Contact The Accident Network Law Group for advice about your individual situation.