Rules of the road guide

How a Four-Way Stop Works in Ontario

At an all-way stop, complete stops and careful observation matter before deciding whose turn it is.

By the DriveTest Pro editorial team · Published · Reviewed · 5 min read

Key takeaways

  • The first vehicle to stop proceeds first when it is safe.
  • If two vehicles stop at the same time, the vehicle on the left yields to the vehicle on the right.
  • Pedestrians and conflicting traffic can still require a driver to wait.

The basic sequence

Come to a complete stop at the required position, scan every approach and crosswalk, identify which vehicle stopped first, then proceed only when your path is clear.

  • First complete stop: first opportunity to proceed.
  • Same-time stop: left yields to right.
  • Turning traffic yields to road users in its path.

When the order is unclear

Do not compete for position. Make eye contact where possible, wait for a clear movement, and avoid entering beside another vehicle if the paths may conflict. Courtesy does not replace the need to confirm that the intersection is safe.

  • Never assume another driver's signal guarantees a turn.
  • Watch for cyclists filtering into view.
  • Recheck crosswalks immediately before moving.

Why practice scenarios help

Draw the intersection, number vehicles by their complete-stop time, and trace each intended path. This turns a memorized rule into a repeatable decision process.

Practise intersection questionsExplore more guides

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