What are the Rules to a four way stop?
Who ever reaches the stop first, has the right of way.
If 2 Cars reach the intersection at the same time, you must first wave to each other to let the other car go first, this could be very quick if one driver is impatient, but it could last quite a long time if both drivers are feeling generous and wait for the other to go first.
Source
When one driver gives in and starts to drive through, that is usually the breaking point for the other driver too, and both cars start to enter the intersection. A panic brake for both drivers and then proceed with the waving the other car through routine again.
The above #2 rule is obviously sarcasm, but it happens to me quite often in Canada. Does this happen elsewhere?
I have 3 intersections on my way to work that have a 4 way stop and I am increasingly frustrated with the politeness of other drivers waving the other car through. But truly, if we all just followed the rules it would be so much faster, easier, and safer!
I assume four way stops are pretty much the same in most countries except for maybe some over crowded places like Thailand for example, where if you followed the same driving standards as in Canada, you would never get anywhere, But that's a post for another time. Also if you drive on the left side of the road instead of the right it will be slightly different.
So the rules are as follows
The first car to reach the intersection has the right of way! First there, first to go.
Two cars reach the intersection at the same time if you have a car to your right that car will go first! The car on the left must yield.
If 2 cars are across from each other reach at the same time the driver going straight has the right of way and a car turning left must yield to the other driver.
2 cars turning right, even 3 or 4 cars all turning right, proceed, none of you will interfere with the other. Just watch for pedestrians and cyclists.
2 cars turning left and are across from each other you can go at the same time as well, just be sure to go slow and give each other enough room as to not collide in the middle of the intersection. If you feel there is not enough room, this is an appropriate time to wave the other car through.
Always watch for pedestrians and cyclists or any other potential hazards.
These are my interpretations of the rules of Canadian traffic laws in regards to a four way stop intersection which you can find here