A stop sign is a regulatory sign – a traffic control device that warns drivers to slow down and prepare to stop. It’s used when there are no other cars around, or at the end of a line of traffic.Drivers must stop at the stop line, crosswalk, or intersection, whichever they encounter first. The driver must yield the right-of-way to pedestrians and approaching vehicles before proceeding. The driver should only proceed when it’s safe to do so.
Shape: octagonal (eight sided)
Stop signs are the only traffic signs that are octagonal (eight sided).
Location: intersections
This regulatory traffic sign is often found at intersections where a road doesn’t have traffic lights.
Color: red and white
Things To Remember
This sign is one of the most important and significant road traffic signs.
Similar to most countries, the US version of this sign has the word “STOP” printed in white on a red background.
Some drivers fail to come to a complete stop at stop signs; instead, they crawl forward at under 5 mph. This is commonly known as a “rolling stop” – but it’s illegal. State laws require you to come to a complete stop.
You can be cited for failing to come to a complete stop at a stop sign.
