WV Right of Way
You arrive at a four way stop in West Virginia 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. West Virginia 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.
West Virginia specific note
West Virginia tests heavily on narrow mountain road etiquette and switchback driving. For this question in particular, the West Virginia Division of Motor Vehicles aligns with the standard interpretation explained above. Always verify against the most recent West Virginia 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 West Virginia
- You are driving in West Virginia and you approach a red octagonal sign at an intersection. What is required of you?
- While driving on a rural road in West Virginia you see a yellow diamond shaped sign with a curved arrow and the number 35. What does it mean?
- You are driving on an interstate in West Virginia and see a large green sign overhead listing the next exit and a destination city. What kind of sign is this?
- What is the typical maximum posted speed limit on a rural interstate highway in West Virginia?
- In West Virginia how close are you allowed to park to a fire hydrant?
- What is the per se blood alcohol concentration limit for an adult driver of a passenger vehicle in West Virginia?