4-Way Stop Rules in Texas: Who Goes First?
Pull up to a four-way stop in Houston and you can almost feel the tension. Drivers glance left, right, and straight ahead, wondering who should inch forward first.
Since 1996, the Law Office of Shane R. Kadlec has helped crash victims who learned the hard way that a simple intersection can turn chaotic in seconds. Our goal today is to walk through the rules that keep these crossroads safe so you can steer clear of trouble and, if the worst happens, know where to turn for help.
The Basic Right-of-Way Rule at a Four-Way Stop
Texas law keeps the first rule simple, yet many people forget it while juggling coffee and a morning playlist. The first vehicle to reach the stop line is the first to go after coming to a complete stop. Make eye contact if you can, then proceed at a calm pace.
If you arrive and notice another car already waiting, tap the brakes, give a quick nod or hand wave, and let them clear the intersection. This courtesy isn’t just polite; it prevents bumper-to-bumper repairs and steep insurance hikes later on.
Every driver must still stop for a full second and look in all directions. Rolling through because you “got there first” breaks the rule and opens the door to liability if a crash follows.
When Vehicles Arrive at the Same Time
Sometimes two, three, or even four cars come to a sudden stop together, leaving everyone guessing. The tie-breaker is location, not size, speed, or make of the vehicle. The driver on the right has the right-of-way; the others yield in clockwise order.
Think of the intersection as a clock face with you parked at noon. If another car stops at three o’clock, their spot on your right gives them the go-ahead. Once they move, you take your turn. This only applies when arrival times are truly close. If one driver coasted in five seconds earlier, they already held the right-of-way.
To cut down on honks and guesswork, keep these quick reminders handy:
- First to stop, first to roll.
- Otherwise, yield to the car on your right.
- Keep a steady order, don’t jump the line.
Yielding the Right-of-Way
Legal right-of-way never overrides plain common sense. If another driver misreads the order and surges forward, tap the brakes and let them pass. A slight delay beats a crumpled fender or, worse, a medical bill.
Yield every time an emergency vehicle flashes lights or sirens, even if you were about to go. Stop completely until it has cleared the intersection. The same courtesy covers people on foot, cyclists, and children darting after a stray soccer ball.
Defensive driving at four-way stops looks like this:
- Pause long enough to judge everyone’s intent.
- Check mirrors and blind spots, not just the front windshield.
- Keep your wheels pointed straight until it’s safe to turn, preventing a bump from shoving your car into oncoming traffic.
Turning at a Four-Way Stop
Straight moves are simple, but turn maneuvers add layers of risk. A left-turning driver must always yield to oncoming traffic heading straight or turning right. Wait for a clear gap, signal early, and ease through the turn without cutting the corner.
Use your signal for at least 100 feet before the stop line. This short heads-up lets other drivers plan their moves and reduces last-second swerves. After stopping, keep the signal flashing so cross-traffic still knows your plan.
For quick reference, follow these turn pointers:
- Left turn yields to oncoming traffic.
- Right turn yields only if someone already holds the right-of-way or a pedestrian is in the crosswalk.
- Complete a turn into the nearest lane; don’t swing wide into opposite lanes.
Penalties for Violating Right-of-Way Laws
Ignoring right-of-way rules can ding your wallet long before any personal injury claim surfaces. A routine ticket may look small, but when you add court fees and rising insurance premiums, the cost piles up quickly. More severe crashes carry higher fines, possible license suspension, and even misdemeanor charges if someone is hurt.
The table below sums up common penalties in Texas. Figures vary by county, but the ranges give a realistic snapshot.
| Offense | Typical Fine Range | Points on License | Extra Impact |
| Failure to yield, no crash | $50 – $200 | 2 | Insurance rate increase for three years |
| Failure to yield, causing property damage | $200 – $500 | 3 | Possible civil claim for repair costs |
| Failure to yield, causing injury | $500 – $2,000 | 3 | Misdemeanor charge, higher civil damages |
| Failure to yield caused serious injury | $1,000 – $4,000 | 3 | Class A misdemeanor, license suspension potential |
Beyond the ticket and legal action, consider the ripple effect: missed workdays, medical bills, and the emotional strain of a lengthy claim. Staying patient at the stop sign suddenly feels like a bargain.
Common Misconceptions About Four-Way Stops
Misunderstandings spread fast on the road, often passed down like urban legends. Let’s set the record straight on a few favorites.
“The bigger vehicle wins.” Wrong. Right-of-way depends on arrival order and position, never on size. An 18-wheeler must still wait if a compact car stops first or sits on the right.
“If I stop, I can go.” Not quite. Stopping is only the first step. You must also verify that it’s your turn based on arrival time and traffic flow. Rolling forward just because you’ve paused can spark a side impact crash in seconds.
“Flashing headlights give me priority.” Flashing signals may thank another driver for yielding, but they do not shift legal right-of-way. Courts look at state rules, not headlight etiquette.
Seeking Guidance After a Four-Way Stop Accident?
Even with careful driving, another person’s mistake can leave you facing doctor visits and car repairs. The Law Office of Shane R. Kadlec has stood beside Houston-area crash victims since 1996, working to gather the medical, financial, and emotional backing needed for real recovery. Feel free to call us at 281-643-2000 or visit our contact page for a no-cost case review. We’re committed to fresh starts, fair compensation, and clear answers when stop-sign confusion turns
