Rules and conditions
At an all-way stop, the first vehicle to arrive and stop goes first when the movement is safe. Arrival order resolves this case; arrival at the same time requires a different tie rule. At an uncontrolled intersection, simultaneous arrivals yield to the road user on the right. The rule breaks a simultaneous-arrival tie; it does not cancel pedestrians or obvious collision risks. At an uncontrolled T intersection, traffic on the through road has priority over traffic from the terminating road. Joining the through movement creates the conflict that must be yielded to. An unprotected left turn yields to pedestrians and dangerously close approaching traffic. A turn signal announces intention; it does not reserve a gap through opposing traffic.
Worked comparison
For example, at a four-way stop, another vehicle has stopped before the driver arrives. The defensible response is: Yield to the road user that stopped before you. Compare this with the mistaken proposal: Go first because vehicles on the right always outrank earlier arrivals. Arrival order resolves this case; arrival at the same time requires a different tie rule. For example, two vehicles reach an uncontrolled intersection at the same time, one on the driver's right. The defensible response is: Yield to the road user on the right. Compare this with the mistaken proposal: Accelerate to turn the simultaneous arrival into a race. The rule breaks a simultaneous-arrival tie; it does not cancel pedestrians or obvious collision risks.
Transfer and self-check
Sketch two paths and mark where they intersect. Decide which road user must wait and why. Change one fact, such as arrival time or the presence of a through road, and explain whether the decision changes. A right-of-way rule never excuses deliberately entering an obvious collision.
At a four-way stop, another vehicle has stopped before the driver arrives. Which response follows the applicable California handbook rule?
- Identify the relevant condition: At a four-way stop, another vehicle has stopped before the driver arrives.
- At an all-way stop, the first vehicle to arrive and stop goes first when the movement is safe.
- Arrival order resolves this case; arrival at the same time requires a different tie rule.
Compare the other answer choices
The proposal "Go first because vehicles on the right always outrank earlier arrivals." conflicts with this applicable condition: At an all-way stop, the first vehicle to arrive and stop goes first when the movement is safe. It does not resolve the stated risk: Arrival order resolves this case; arrival at the same time requires a different tie rule.
The proposal "Go first because a larger vehicle has priority." conflicts with this applicable condition: At an all-way stop, the first vehicle to arrive and stop goes first when the movement is safe. It does not resolve the stated risk: Arrival order resolves this case; arrival at the same time requires a different tie rule.
The proposal "Treat a wave from a following driver as official traffic control." conflicts with this applicable condition: At an all-way stop, the first vehicle to arrive and stop goes first when the movement is safe. It does not resolve the stated risk: Arrival order resolves this case; arrival at the same time requires a different tie rule.
Try it, then explain it.
Complete a short set without looking at the example. After each answer, explain which evidence or rule supports your decision and why the alternatives do not fit.
Sources & authorship
Original Slope explanations and examples. References support the concepts; they are not the source of copied questions. Independent educator review is pending.
California DMV laws and rules of the road