3-Way Stop Sign: Rules, Right-of-Way, and How to Navigate Safely

How Does a 3-Way Stop Work?

At a 3-way stop, drivers follow these steps:

1. Stop Completely:
   • Halt at the white line or before entering the intersection.
   • Rolling stops are illegal and risk fines.
2. Identify Right-of-Way:
   • First to stop = first to go.
   • If two cars stop simultaneously, yield to the driver on your right.
3. Proceed with Caution:
   • Check for pedestrians and cyclists before moving.

Key Difference from 4-Way Stops:

• Only three directions have stop signs (one road is a through street at T-intersections).

Who Has Right-of-Way at a 3-Way Stop?

(Targets "right of way at 3-way stop")

1. Basic Rule:
   • The first vehicle to stop proceeds first.
2. Tiebreakers:
   • Simultaneous Arrival: Yield to the driver on your right.
   • Facing Each Other:
     • If both are going straight, proceed together.
     • If one is turning left, the driver going straight (or right) has priority.
3. Through Street Priority:
   • At T-intersections, the road without a stop sign has right-of-way.

Example Scenario:

You arrive at a 3-way stop with a car to your right. They arrived slightly earlier—let them go first. If you both stop at the same time, still yield to the right.