Buzz
STOP signs are used to control traffic and are commonly placed at intersections. They instruct drivers to yield and ensure that road users have enough time to observe their surroundings, reducing the risk of accidents. The standard STOP sign is an octagon with a red background and white letters spelling 'STOP'. When you see this sign at a corner or intersection, it means you must stop and only proceed when the road ahead is clear and after yielding to others.
Steps
Stop
Anticipate the need to stop. Sometimes, you can spot a STOP sign from a distance while driving. However, there are moments when, such as on a downhill or sharp turn, you may not see the sign early enough as you approach. In such cases, you might encounter another warning sign before the STOP sign. Regardless of the situation, be prepared to reduce your speed as soon as you see the STOP sign.
Allow sufficient time and distance before stopping. The exact time or distance needed to stop your vehicle depends on several factors, including your speed, weather conditions, and the actual road conditions. However, you should begin to reduce speed at least 450 meters before reaching the stop sign. If you're driving fast, if the weather is bad, or if the road is hazardous (for example, a stop sign at the end of a very steep hill), you'll need more time and distance to slow down.
- If you're driving at the posted speed limit, you need to factor in enough time to slow down and stop before reaching the stop sign, even if you have ample time to see the sign ahead.
Come to a complete stop. As you approach the stop sign, bring your vehicle to a full stop to eliminate the momentum of the vehicle. Don't just slow down or pause briefly.
- Aim to gradually reduce speed until you stop, instead of applying the brakes suddenly.
- If there is a solid white line or a crosswalk at the intersection, you must stop before it to avoid obstructing the path.
- If there is no stop line, stop just before the stop sign so you can observe all directions at the intersection.
- If your view is obstructed at the intersection, move forward slightly until you have a clear view, then come to a full stop.
- If another vehicle is stopped at the stop sign ahead of you, you must stop behind it and wait until it moves before proceeding.
Recognize different types of intersections. Stop signs may be used at various types of intersections, each with different traffic regulations. It's important to understand what type of stop sign you're approaching to follow the appropriate traffic rules.
- A two-way stop sign is used when two roads intersect, but only vehicles traveling in one direction must stop at the intersection.
- A four-way stop sign is used when two roads intersect and vehicles traveling in all directions must stop at the intersection.
- A T-intersection is where a dead-end road meets another road, forming a 'T'. T-intersections may have a stop sign for either direction of travel, or only for vehicles on the dead-end road heading toward the intersection.
- Many stop signs have smaller signs underneath to clarify whether they are for a T-junction, crossroad, etc.
Observe traffic in both directions. After stopping, you must yield to vehicles crossing your path. If there are no other vehicles, you can proceed through the intersection (or make a U-turn) once you have stopped completely. If another vehicle is approaching but is still far from the intersection, you may proceed. However, always drive at a moderate speed and avoid dangerous passing when vehicles are too close to the intersection.
- Only proceed through the intersection when other vehicles are at a safe distance. The exact distance will depend on the approaching vehicles' speed and other factors, so always calculate carefully and prioritize safety.
- Remember that road traffic includes not only cars but also bicycles, motorcycles, and other vehicles.
Watch for pedestrians. If pedestrians are crossing the intersection (such as walkers, joggers, cyclists, skaters, etc.), you must allow them to pass before you proceed, even if there are no other motor vehicles at the intersection. Unless otherwise stipulated by law, you must yield to pedestrians even if there are no marked crosswalks.
Follow the right-of-way rule. If another vehicle (such as a car, motorcycle, bicycle, etc.) is already stopped at the stop sign on the opposite side of the intersection while you're approaching, you must yield to them. That vehicle could be turning left or right (meaning either to your left or right), or going straight through the intersection. In any case, you must allow that vehicle to go first before you proceed through the intersection.
- If both vehicles stop at the intersection simultaneously, the vehicle turning left must yield to vehicles going straight or turning right.
- In all situations, safety is the priority. Do whatever you can to avoid an accident. For example, if another vehicle begins to move before turning, yield to that vehicle and only proceed when the road is clear.
Crossing the intersection. When there are no other vehicles or pedestrians crossing, and you've yielded to vehicles already stopped at the intersection, you can proceed through the intersection. Drive at a moderate, steady pace on the road.
Comply with special situation regulations
Follow the right-of-way rules at T-intersections or crossroads. When approaching such intersections, the right-of-way rule may vary slightly. Vehicles moving through the intersection must ensure they yield to pedestrians first, regardless of the direction from which the vehicle is coming. If two vehicles approach a four-way stop at the same time, the vehicle on the right has the right of way.
Stop at school bus stop signs. A school bus will activate its stop sign when stopping to pick up or drop off children. When you see such a sign, stop your vehicle at a safe distance (about 45 meters) from the bus. Remain stopped until all students have boarded or exited the bus. Even after the stop sign is retracted and the bus begins to move, check again to ensure there are no children standing in or near the road. Only proceed once the road is completely clear.
Stop to observe pedestrians, whether there's a stop sign or not. You should always stop to allow pedestrians to cross the marked pedestrian lane, even if the stop is between two buildings instead of at an intersection. In some cases, you might see a STOP sign, a small STOP symbol, or a message like 'Yield to Pedestrians.' Regardless of whether you see these or not, you should always come to a complete stop and let pedestrians cross.
Do not cross an intersection if traffic is backed up. If you're approaching a stop sign at an intersection where vehicles on the other side are not moving, do not attempt to cross. Wait until the road clears and it's safe to proceed. If you try to move through a congested intersection, you could block traffic, increase the likelihood of accidents, and cause further delays.
Always yield to emergency vehicles. If you stop at a stop sign and it's your turn to go, wait if you see or hear an emergency vehicle (such as an ambulance, fire truck, police car, etc.) approaching. Yield the right of way to the emergency vehicle before proceeding through the intersection.
Follow the traffic officer's directions. If a traffic officer or other official is directing traffic at the intersection, you must comply with their instructions. Follow the officer's guidance when it's your turn to cross the intersection, regardless of the usual traffic rules.
Request the installation of a stop sign if necessary. If you believe a stop sign is needed at a particular intersection, contact the Department of Transportation, the road board, or the local city council to propose it. However, you must present convincing evidence for why a stop sign is required and understand that:
- A stop sign is not meant to control speed. Studies show that many drivers tend to speed between stop signs.
- Too many stop signs can increase environmental pollution and contribute to traffic congestion.
- The decision to install a stop sign is typically based on factors such as the number of accidents at the intersection, traffic volume, and visibility at the crossing.
Advice
- If a flashing red light is present at an intersection, you must treat it as if there were a stop sign there and follow the same rules.
Warning
- Driving is an extremely dangerous activity. Never drive if you are under the influence of medication or alcohol. Always stay alert and watch for other vehicles, pedestrians, and cyclists.
- Traffic laws may vary depending on your location, so always follow the traffic rules enforced where you live.
- If you violate stop sign regulations and are caught, you may face fines, penalties, and other legal consequences.
