[{"@context":"https:\/\/schema.org\/","@type":"BlogPosting","@id":"https:\/\/www.mtllawfirm.com\/blog\/who-has-the-right-of-way-at-a-4-way-stop-in-south-carolina\/#BlogPosting","mainEntityOfPage":"https:\/\/www.mtllawfirm.com\/blog\/who-has-the-right-of-way-at-a-4-way-stop-in-south-carolina\/","headline":"Who Has the Right of Way at a Four-Way Stop in South Carolina?","name":"Who Has the Right of Way at a Four-Way Stop in South Carolina?","description":"In South Carolina, the right-of-way at a four-way stop goes to the driver who arrives and stops first. If two vehicles stop simultaneously, the one on the right has the right-of-way. If multiple vehicles arrive at the same time, the right-of-way goes to the first vehicle to arrive...","datePublished":"2026-02-13","dateModified":"2026-02-18","author":{"@type":"Person","@id":"https:\/\/www.mtllawfirm.com\/blog\/author\/georgeanderson-user\/#Person","name":"Ed Anderson","url":"https:\/\/www.mtllawfirm.com\/blog\/author\/georgeanderson-user\/","identifier":12,"image":{"@type":"ImageObject","@id":"https:\/\/secure.gravatar.com\/avatar\/4813a6c9a06d77cd7f752e6ebc163fb49945556ef8aee5b331c692f4b206a872?s=96&d=mm&r=g","url":"https:\/\/secure.gravatar.com\/avatar\/4813a6c9a06d77cd7f752e6ebc163fb49945556ef8aee5b331c692f4b206a872?s=96&d=mm&r=g","height":96,"width":96}},"publisher":{"@type":"Organization","name":"McKinney, Tucker & Lemel","logo":{"@type":"ImageObject","@id":"https:\/\/www.mtllawfirm.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2023\/07\/MTLLaw-logo.png","url":"https:\/\/www.mtllawfirm.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2023\/07\/MTLLaw-logo.png","width":387,"height":95}},"image":{"@type":"ImageObject","@id":"https:\/\/www.mtllawfirm.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2026\/02\/sedan-collision.jpg","url":"https:\/\/www.mtllawfirm.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2026\/02\/sedan-collision.jpg","height":534,"width":800},"url":"https:\/\/www.mtllawfirm.com\/blog\/who-has-the-right-of-way-at-a-4-way-stop-in-south-carolina\/","video":{"@context":"http:\/\/schema.org\/","@type":"VideoObject","@id":"https:\/\/www.youtube.com\/watch?v=OBjWgSUC-p0#VideoObject","contentUrl":"https:\/\/www.youtube.com\/watch?v=OBjWgSUC-p0","name":"How an Attorney Can Help You After an Accident in South Carolina - McKinney, Tucker & Lemel LLC","description":"For more information, please visit our website: https:\/\/www.mtllawfirm.com\/blog\/how-attorney-can-help-after-an-accident-in-south-carolina\/\n\nMcKinney, Tucker & Lemel LLC - Rock Hill Personal Injury Attorneys\n215 Hampton Street\nRock Hill, SC 29730\nPhone: 803-328-1848","thumbnailUrl":["https:\/\/i.ytimg.com\/vi\/OBjWgSUC-p0\/default.jpg","https:\/\/i.ytimg.com\/vi\/OBjWgSUC-p0\/mqdefault.jpg","https:\/\/i.ytimg.com\/vi\/OBjWgSUC-p0\/hqdefault.jpg","https:\/\/i.ytimg.com\/vi\/OBjWgSUC-p0\/sddefault.jpg","https:\/\/i.ytimg.com\/vi\/OBjWgSUC-p0\/maxresdefault.jpg"],"uploadDate":"2025-07-08T01:52:46+00:00","duration":"PT3M5S","embedUrl":"https:\/\/www.youtube.com\/embed\/OBjWgSUC-p0","publisher":{"@type":"Organization","@id":"https:\/\/www.youtube.com\/channel\/UCSJQ_AJ7kCfv43tFOzt2OCA#Organization","url":"https:\/\/www.youtube.com\/channel\/UCSJQ_AJ7kCfv43tFOzt2OCA","name":"MTL Law","description":"Here at McKinney, Tucker, & Lemel, LLC we are all about people. You are entrusting your lawyer with important and personal details about yourself and your life. You should feel comfortable as you work with your lawyer throughout a case. We respect this relationship and we are ready to be on your side because no one should have to handle a serious legal issue alone. We are here to help with a wide variety of cases including, personal injury, criminal defense, and family law.\n\nWe understand the stress of trying to keep your life on track while handling a serious case. Let us take up the legal burden so you can concentrate on recovering and moving forward. We have been helping the people of York & Lancaster counties since 1977 so you can count on us to have the experience and skill that you need.\n\nWe\u2019re ready to work for you.\n\nMcKinney, Tucker & Lemel LLC\nhttps:\/\/www.mtllawfirm.com\/\n215 Hampton Street\nRock Hill, SC 29730\nPhone: 803-328-1848\n","logo":{"url":"https:\/\/yt3.ggpht.com\/fZ07nD6E0DI9r7Qgz3pwXXUaTWT3568T7H_3_d4P_QDAFhGpvP-h1jXuKIdZu29412BDVm5mu6c=s800-c-k-c0x00ffffff-no-rj","width":800,"height":800,"@type":"ImageObject","@id":"https:\/\/www.youtube.com\/watch?v=OBjWgSUC-p0#VideoObject_publisher_logo_ImageObject"}},"potentialAction":{"@type":"SeekToAction","@id":"https:\/\/www.youtube.com\/watch?v=OBjWgSUC-p0#VideoObject_potentialAction","target":"https:\/\/www.youtube.com\/watch?v=OBjWgSUC-p0&t={seek_to_second_number}","startOffset-input":"required name=seek_to_second_number"},"interactionStatistic":[[{"@type":"InteractionCounter","@id":"https:\/\/www.youtube.com\/watch?v=OBjWgSUC-p0#VideoObject_interactionStatistic_WatchAction","interactionType":{"@type":"WatchAction"},"userInteractionCount":17}],{"@type":"InteractionCounter","@id":"https:\/\/www.youtube.com\/watch?v=OBjWgSUC-p0#VideoObject_interactionStatistic_LikeAction","interactionType":{"@type":"LikeAction"},"userInteractionCount":1}]},"about":["Car Accident"],"wordCount":1108,"articleBody":"In South Carolina, the right-of-way at a four-way stop goes to the driver who arrives and stops first. If two vehicles stop simultaneously, the one on the right has the right-of-way. If multiple vehicles arrive at the same time, the right-of-way goes to the first vehicle to arrive and come to a complete stop. Then, it would go, in order, to any car on the right, any vehicle driving straight, and, lastly, any turning vehicle.A driver\u2019s failure to understand who has the right-of-way and other traffic laws at a four-way stop and follow basic rules, especially when two or more vehicles are involved, can result in severe accidents and legal action. To protect yourself and your rights, look at this quick guide from the experienced car accident lawyers at McKinney, Tucker & Lemel, LLC.Who Has the Right of Way If Two Cars Arrive at the 4-Way Stop Simultaneously?If two cars reach a four-way stop at the same time, South Carolina law gives right of way to the car on the right. Although this rule may seem straightforward, it can become complicated in practice.If you’re unsure whether you or the other car arrived first, your safest option is to yield right of way to any vehicle on your right. Failure to yield in this scenario can not only cause a collision, but it may also constitute negligence in an intersection accident claim.Who Has the Right of Way If Three Cars Arrive at the Four-Way Stop at the Same Time?Situations involving three vehicles arriving simultaneously can be even more confusing. So, who goes first? As in the two-car scenario, South Carolina drivers must yield to the car on their right. However, you may also want to communicate with other drivers using hand signals or eye contact to determine who goes first.When Do Pedestrians Have the Right of Way at a 4-Way Stop in South Carolina?Pedestrians, whether in marked or unmarked crosswalks, generally have the right of way. That means drivers must yield even if they have technically arrived at the intersection first. If a driver fails to yield to a pedestrian and causes them harm, they may be liable in a lawsuit or claim arising from an intersection accident.However, sometimes, a pedestrian may be considered the negligent party in a car accident claim. Situations in which a pedestrian\u2019s negligence can lead to injuries include the following:Crossing outside of a crosswalkCrossing against a traffic signalEntering traffic suddenlyWalking while intoxicated or impairedDisobeying a law or local ordinance.What Happens If More than One Party Shares Fault for the Four-Way Stop Accident?Multi-vehicle accidents can become complicated when determining liability. Imagine one car failing to yield while another was speeding, and a third car that wasn’t paying attention to the road ahead. These drivers all potentially contributed to the accident. So, how could that affect liability and compensation?If multiple parties contributed to the accident, they may all bear partial responsibility for the crash. South Carolina follows a modified comparative negligence rule. Under the rule, any party that\u2019s less than 51 percent responsible for an accident can recover compensation. However, their recovery will be reduced by the percentage of fault attributed to them.What Do You Do If an Emergency Vehicle is Approaching the Four-Way Stop?When an emergency motor vehicle with lights or sirens on approaches a four-way stop, all standard right-of-way rules go out the window. You should stop immediately, regardless of your position in the right-of-way hierarchy, and wait for the emergency vehicle to pass safely.Failure to yield to an emergency vehicle can prevent emergency workers from providing critical services. It can also result in traffic citations, fines, and increased liability if any accident occurs.What Should You Do After an Accident at a Four-Way Stop?If you’re involved in an accident at a four-way stop, you may feel overwhelmed and unsure what to do next. However, acting swiftly is essential for protecting your safety and rights. Here’s what you should do:Seek prompt medical attention \u2013 Adrenaline can mask pain. Specific injuries like whiplash, traumatic brain injury (TBI), or internal damage don\u2019t necessarily show symptoms until hours or even days after an accident. Seeing a doctor right away, regardless of how you feel, can help protect your safety and create crucial documentation for pursuing an intersection accident claim.Report the accident to the police \u2013 Call the police and report the accident so they can send an officer to create an accident report. This document contains key details about the collision, including the date, time, location, statements from the involved parties, witness information, and an initial assessment of fault. Obtain a copy of the police report for your files.Collect contact information \u2013 Gather the names, contact information, license and plate numbers, and auto insurance details of all involved parties. If anyone witnessed the accident, please get their names and contact information as well. Witness testimony can lend credibility to your claim.Maintain organized records \u2013 To recover maximum compensation, you\u2019ll need proof of the harm the accident caused you. Keep a careful record of all medical bills, invoices, receipts, pay stubs, and out-of-pocket expenses. Maintain a journal in which you record all the ways your injuries affect your daily life.Be careful when talking to insurers \u2013 Insurance companies often attempt to weaken or outright deny car accident claims. They may call and ask leading questions to get information they can use against you later. Your safest option is to refer the insurance company to your attorney. If you speak with them, never admit fault, accept a settlement, or offer a recorded statement until you speak with a lawyer first.Contact an attorney at McKinney, Tucker & Lemel, LLC \u2013 An experienced intersection accident lawyer at our law firm can explain your legal rights and options after a collision at a four-way stop. We\u2019ll guide you through the legal process and help you avoid critical errors along the way.\ufeffGet Help from an Experienced South Carolina Car Accident LawyerThe experienced personal injury attorneys at McKinney, Tucker & Lemel LLC have maintained a tradition of protecting the rights of people in York & Lancaster since 1977. Our reputation for open communication, compassion, and attention to detail is backed by the kind words of our former clients.If you\u2019ve suffered injuries in a car accident caused by someone else, our team can help. We offer critical support and tenacious representation as you seek the accountability you deserve. Contact us today for your consultation.Visit Our South Carolina Car Accident Law Offices"},{"@context":"https:\/\/schema.org\/","@type":"BreadcrumbList","itemListElement":[{"@type":"ListItem","position":1,"name":"Blog","item":"https:\/\/www.mtllawfirm.com\/blog\/#breadcrumbitem"},{"@type":"ListItem","position":2,"name":"Who Has the Right of Way at a Four-Way Stop in South Carolina?","item":"https:\/\/www.mtllawfirm.com\/blog\/who-has-the-right-of-way-at-a-4-way-stop-in-south-carolina\/#breadcrumbitem"}]}]