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How-to guide · Michigan City Ford · Michigan City, IN
All-Way Stop Rules: Who Goes First
All-way stops, often called four-way stops, work best when every driver follows the same order. Here is what the Indiana BMV Driver's Manual says about who goes first, ties, where to stop, flashing red signals and pedestrians.
First to stopis the first to proceed (Indiana BMV)
Left yieldswhen two vehicles arrive at the same time (Indiana BMV)
Flashing redis equivalent to a stop sign (Indiana BMV)
4 pointsfor disregarding a stop or yield sign (Indiana BMV)
The short answer
Come to a complete stop, then go in the order vehicles arrived: the first to stop is the first to proceed. If you arrive at the same time as another driver, the vehicle on the left yields. When in doubt, yield to the other driver.
Who goes first at an all-way stop
The Indiana BMV Driver's Manual says the rules for an all-way stop are like those for a two-way stop: stop and look for oncoming traffic, then proceed when it is safe to do so. At an all-way stop, the first vehicle to stop at the intersection is the first to proceed through the intersection.
You may occasionally arrive at the same time as another driver. The manual says the vehicle on the left shall yield the right of way. If there is any doubt which driver has the right of way, or if there is a chance of a crash, it is better to yield to the other driver.
From the Indiana Driver's Manual, Chapter 7: Safe Vehicle Operation (all-way stops), read November 3, 2026.
All-way stop rules at a glance
Common situations and what the BMV manual says to do:
| Situation | Rule |
|---|---|
| You arrive first | Stop completely, then proceed first when it is safe. |
| Another vehicle stopped before you | Let it go first; the first vehicle to stop is the first to proceed. |
| Two vehicles arrive at the same time | The vehicle on the left yields the right of way. |
| Any doubt, or a chance of a crash | Yield the right of way to the other driver. |
| Pedestrians are crossing | Always yield the right of way to pedestrians. |
From the Indiana Driver's Manual, Chapter 7: Safe Vehicle Operation, read November 3, 2026.
How to spot an all-way stop
The BMV manual says supplemental plaques are sometimes added to the bottom of stop signs to indicate the directions in which the intersection must stop. Examples shown in the manual are an ALL WAY plaque and a CROSS TRAFFIC DOES NOT STOP plaque. Read the plaque before you go.
From the Indiana Driver's Manual, Chapter 6: Traffic Signs and Signals, read November 3, 2026.
Where to stop
The BMV manual says that when approaching a red light or a stop sign:
Stop line
You must stop at the solid white stop line.
No stop line
Come to a complete stop perpendicular to the stop sign or before entering the crosswalk on your side of the intersection.
No crosswalk
Come to a complete stop before entering the intersection.
From the Indiana Driver's Manual, Chapter 6: Traffic Signs and Signals, read November 3, 2026.
Flashing red lights work the same way
A red flashing light at an intersection is equivalent to a stop sign: come to a complete stop before proceeding with caution. If cross-traffic is not required to stop, proceed only when the intersection is clear and you will not interfere with the right of way of cross-traffic.
If all traffic is required to stop, proceed only after you have stopped and yielded to any vehicle already in the intersection and any vehicle that stopped before entering it. If you arrive at the same time as another driver, the vehicle on the left yields.
From the Indiana Driver's Manual, Chapter 6: Traffic Signs and Signals (red flashing lights), read November 3, 2026.
Pedestrians come first
The BMV manual says to always yield the right of way to pedestrians and not to make a turn that causes a pedestrian to stop, slow down or make some other special effort to avoid a collision. Drivers must always yield to people who are visually impaired, who often travel with a white cane or a trained guide dog.
Disregarding a stop sign or yield sign is a 4-point violation on an Indiana driver record, and points stay active for two years from the conviction date.
From the Indiana Driver's Manual, Chapter 7: Safe Vehicle Operation and Indiana Driver's Manual, Chapter 5: Points, Suspension, and Insurance Requirements, read November 3, 2026.
Keep your brakes ready for every stop
The Works® at Michigan City Ford includes a synthetic blend oil change, tire rotation and pressure check, brake inspection, Multi-Point Inspection, fluid top-off, battery test, and a filter, belts and hoses check.
Schedule service online and see our service specials first. Michigan City Ford is at 3930 Franklin St. in Michigan City. Get directions.
Michigan City Ford service hours
| Days | Hours |
|---|---|
| Mon-Fri | 7:30 a.m.-5:30 p.m. |
| Sat | 8 a.m.-3 p.m. |
| Sun | closed |
From Michigan City Ford's website, November 3, 2026. Holiday hours can differ.
All-way stop FAQ
Who goes first at an all-way stop?
The Indiana BMV Driver's Manual says the first vehicle to stop at the intersection is the first to proceed through it.
Who has the right of way if two cars stop at the same time?
The BMV manual says that when you arrive at an all-way stop at the same time as another driver, the vehicle on the left shall yield the right of way.
What if I am not sure who has the right of way?
The BMV manual says that if there is any doubt which driver has the right of way, or if there is a chance of a crash, it is better to yield the right of way to the other driver.
How do I know a stop is all-way?
The BMV manual says supplemental plaques are sometimes added to the bottom of stop signs to show which directions must stop. Examples include an ALL WAY plaque and a CROSS TRAFFIC DOES NOT STOP plaque.
Where exactly should I stop?
At the solid white stop line. If there is no stop line, come to a complete stop perpendicular to the stop sign or before entering the crosswalk on your side of the intersection. If there is no crosswalk, stop before entering the intersection.
Is a flashing red light the same as a stop sign?
Yes. The BMV manual says a red flashing light at an intersection is equivalent to a stop sign. Where all traffic must stop, yield to any vehicle already in the intersection and any vehicle that stopped first; if you arrive at the same time, the vehicle on the left yields.
How many points is running a stop sign in Indiana?
The BMV manual lists disregarding a stop sign or yield sign at 4 points. Points stay active on your driver record for two years from the conviction date.
What does The Works at Michigan City Ford include?
The Works® at Michigan City Ford includes a synthetic blend oil change, tire rotation and pressure check, brake inspection, Multi-Point Inspection, fluid top-off, battery test, and a filter, belts and hoses check.
Book a routine checkup
Book The Works, which includes a brake inspection, tire rotation and pressure check, and battery test, at Michigan City Ford.
Sources
Intersection rules and point values are from the Indiana Bureau of Motor Vehicles Driver's Manual, read November 3, 2026. Laws change; this page is a plain-language summary, not legal advice. Service details, address and hours are from Michigan City Ford's own website, checked the same day. Photo is illustrative.
- Indiana Driver's Manual, Chapter 7: Safe Vehicle Operation (all-way stops, pedestrian safety), Indiana Bureau of Motor Vehicles, PDF modified July 7, 2026, read November 3, 2026
- Indiana Driver's Manual, Chapter 6: Traffic Signs and Signals (supplemental plaques, red flashing lights, approaching a stop sign), Indiana Bureau of Motor Vehicles, PDF modified July 7, 2026, read November 3, 2026
- Indiana Driver's Manual, Chapter 5: Points, Suspension, and Insurance Requirements (point values), Indiana Bureau of Motor Vehicles, PDF modified July 7, 2026, read November 3, 2026
- General service: The Works, Michigan City Ford, November 3, 2026
- Address and service hours (structured data), Michigan City Ford, November 3, 2026