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Regulatory 3-way stop sign at a T-intersection

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

Regulatory Signs

A 3-way stop sign regulates traffic at T-intersections where three roads meet. All drivers must come to a complete stop, but right-of-way rules differ slightly from 4-way stops.

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.

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