SD Right of Way
You arrive at a four way stop in South Dakota at the same time as another vehicle on your right. Who has the right of way?
- You do, because vehicles on the left always go first
- The vehicle on the right has the right of way and goes first ✓
- Whoever signals first has the right of way
- Both vehicles must wait for a third car to clear the intersection
The answer explained
At a four way stop the order is simple. Whoever arrives first goes first. If two vehicles arrive at the same time, the one on the right proceeds first. If three or four vehicles arrive at the same time, drivers should yield to the right and proceed in order, often with brief eye contact and a hand wave to confirm. South Dakota expects you to come to a full stop before entering the intersection, then yield based on this rule.
Why this rule exists
The right hand rule resolves ties without requiring a separate traffic control device. It also matches the natural sight line of most drivers, who can more easily see vehicles to their right than vehicles approaching from across the intersection.
The most common mistake
Many drivers wave another vehicle through to be polite, which can confuse oncoming traffic and cause a crash. Following the rule predictably is safer than improvising courtesy.
South Dakota specific note
South Dakota allows learner permits at age 14 and tests on prairie wildlife collisions. For this question in particular, the South Dakota Driver Licensing Program aligns with the standard interpretation explained above. Always verify against the most recent South Dakota driver handbook before relying on these details for the live exam.
Study tip
If the question describes a tie at a four way stop, the answer is yield to the vehicle on the right. If only one direction has a stop sign, traffic without a stop sign always has right of way.
Related questions for South Dakota
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