Four-Way Stop

Four-way stops, also known as all-way stops, are a very common road way feature.

A Typical Four-Way Stop

Here are some common elements of these traffic control devices.

Typical Four-Way Stop Sign

4-way intersections are always marked as such, and you are always required to come to a complete stop.

'STOP' painted on the road way

Lettering will frequently be applied to the area directly in front of the intersection to further indicate to the driver that a complete stop is required.

Blinking Lights

Blinking lights will sometimes be used to further draw attention to the driver that they must come to a complete stop.

Typical Layout of a 4-Way Stop

A 4-way stop will typically have the above geometry.

A Crosswalk

4-way stops will sometimes incorporate a cross-walk.

Cross walk sign

Additional cross walk signage is sometimes used.

Cross walk signal

Pedestrians will sometimes be signaled to cross with a cross walk signal at busier intersections.

Multi-Lane 4-way Stop

A four-way stop may have more than two lanes coming from each direction.

Crowded Intersection

Sometimes a simple 4-way stop is not sufficient to handle traffic volumes.

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