Q: Since it has been 36 years since I took my driving test, what is the protocol for a four-way flashing red intersection? Does the driver on the right get to go first? Is it first come, first served? My wife and I disagree as to what the rules are.
A: Lt. Mark Thomas with the Washington State Patrol said state law requires a driver to come to a full stop and then yield to any vehicles in the intersection before proceeding.
“When two vehicles approach or enter an intersection from different highways at approximately the same time, the driver of the vehicle on the left shall yield the right of way to the vehicle on the right,” Thomas said. “It is common courtesy that vehicles alternate proceeding from a four-way stop intersection.”
Red flashing lights are treated the same as a stop sign, he said.
“You must yield to a vehicle that has stopped and then entered the intersection before you. If two vehicles at a four-way stop have both stopped and both proceed at approximately the same time, the vehicle on the right would have the right of way.”
Have a question about traffic or street rules around Snohomish and Island counties? We can help find an answer. Send questions by fax to 425-339-3435; e-mail to newstips@heraldnet.com; or address to Street Smarts, P.O. Box 930, Everett, WA, 98206. Include your name and phone number.
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