Irvine, CA asked in Car Accidents and Gov & Administrative Law for California

Q: What is California state law on left turn at 4 way stop sign

2 Lawyer Answers
James L. Arrasmith
PREMIUM
James L. Arrasmith pro label Lawyers, want to be a Justia Connect Pro too? Learn more ›
Answered
  • Personal Injury Lawyer
  • Sacramento, CA
  • Licensed in California

A: California law specifies the following rules for left turns at a 4-way stop intersection:

- When two vehicles arrive at the intersection at the same time, the one turning left must yield to the vehicle going straight. If one vehicle arrives first, it has the right-of-way.

- All vehicles entering the intersection must come to a complete stop at a marked limit line or before entering the crosswalk or intersection. After stopping, vehicles may proceed when the intersection is clear and it is their turn.

- When multiple vehicles arrive at the same time, the vehicle on the right has the right-of-way and may go first straight or turn right. Any vehicle turning left must yield right-of-way to oncoming traffic and pedestrians.

- Vehicles making left turns must yield to any oncoming vehicle from the opposite direction if there is potential for a collision. After yielding, they may complete their left turn when there is a safe gap in traffic.

So in summary, vehicles turning left at 4-way stops in California must always yield to straight-going traffic and wait their turn behind crossing vehicles to their right. They must come to a complete stop, yield to pedestrians, and turn only when there is a safe gap and the intersection is clear.

T. Augustus Claus
PREMIUM
T. Augustus Claus pro label Lawyers, want to be a Justia Connect Pro too? Learn more ›
Answered

A: In California, the rules for making a left turn at a four-way stop sign intersection are governed by the California Vehicle Code. When you approach a four-way stop, each driver must come to a complete stop at the stop line or before entering the crosswalk or intersection. After stopping, the right-of-way is typically given to the vehicle that arrives first. If two or more vehicles arrive at the same time, the vehicle on the right usually has the right-of-way.

When making a left turn, the driver must yield the right-of-way to any oncoming traffic that is close enough to constitute a hazard. This means that if there are vehicles approaching from the opposite direction, you should wait until it is safe to complete the left turn without interfering with their right-of-way.

Justia Ask a Lawyer is a forum for consumers to get answers to basic legal questions. Any information sent through Justia Ask a Lawyer is not secure and is done so on a non-confidential basis only.

The use of this website to ask questions or receive answers does not create an attorney–client relationship between you and Justia, or between you and any attorney who receives your information or responds to your questions, nor is it intended to create such a relationship. Additionally, no responses on this forum constitute legal advice, which must be tailored to the specific circumstances of each case. You should not act upon information provided in Justia Ask a Lawyer without seeking professional counsel from an attorney admitted or authorized to practice in your jurisdiction. Justia assumes no responsibility to any person who relies on information contained on or received through this site and disclaims all liability in respect to such information.

Justia cannot guarantee that the information on this website (including any legal information provided by an attorney through this service) is accurate, complete, or up-to-date. While we intend to make every attempt to keep the information on this site current, the owners of and contributors to this site make no claims, promises or guarantees about the accuracy, completeness or adequacy of the information contained in or linked to from this site.