What is the primary action to take at a four-way stop?

At a four-way stop, the primary action is to stop completely before proceeding. This ensures that all vehicles have an opportunity to assess the situation and safely navigate the intersection. After stopping, drivers should yield to any vehicles that arrived before them at the intersection or, if arriving simultaneously, to the vehicle on their right. This method of right-of-way maximizes safety and orderly passage at intersections where visibility may be limited and where multiple directions of traffic converge.

Moreover, it's important to note that proceeding without stopping if the road is clear can be dangerous, as other drivers may not have the same intentions or may have expected a full stop. Continuing to drive when the light is green is not applicable at a four-way stop, as the light is not the controlling factor in this situation; the stop signs dictate the rules. Lastly, yielding to heavy traffic only goes against the principle of the four-way stop, which requires equal treatment for all vehicles present, regardless of perceived traffic volume. This foundational rule is essential for maintaining safety and predictability on the roads.