Q&A for How to Stop at a STOP Sign

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  • Question
    If there is a distance between stop sign and stop line, should I stop before the stop sign or the stop line?
    Community Answer
    Community Answer
    Before the stop line. If needed, you can slowly pull up a little and then stop again when you have a good view of traffic in all directions.
  • Question
    If I approach a stop sign with a large hedge blocking the view of traffic on the left and right, should I stop at the sign, or proceed forward until I can see?
    Community Answer
    Community Answer
    You should stop at the sign and then proceed to a point where you can see the traffic.
  • Question
    Where do you stop if the stop sign is before the white line?
    Community Answer
    Community Answer
    Stop before the white line. You should stop within two feet of it, so the bumper does not go over the line.
  • Question
    If I paused at a stop sign and then continued because there was no oncoming traffic, should the police charge me?
    Community Answer
    Community Answer
    If "pausing" means coming to a complete stop, then no, they shouldn't charge you because you didn't do anything wrong. If you slowed down without completely stopping though, the charge would be justified.
  • Question
    Do you have to stop before the sidewalk or be even with it?
    Community Answer
    Community Answer
    You should stop before the sidewalk, which is an extension of the imaginary crosswalk which lines up with the sidewalk on either side.
  • Question
    If I'm approaching a stop sign but a traffic control officer waves me to come, do I still have to stop at the stop sign, or do I proceed straight through?
    Community Answer
    Community Answer
    If a traffic control officer waves at you, he "overrules" the stop sign. You can proceed straight through.
  • Question
    How far from the stop sign should I stop?
    Community Answer
    Community Answer
    There should be a white line painted across the road. You have to come to a complete stop before you cross that line. Once you have come to a complete stop, you may inch forward a little bit in order to see whether or not it is safe for you to proceed.
  • Question
    If I'm in a line of cars approaching a stop sign, and the car in front of me stops, do I have to stop a second time after that car goes?
    Community Answer
    Community Answer
    Yes, every car in sequence must stop and check for oncoming traffic before proceeding. Some local laws make an exception for funeral processions.
  • Question
    When pulling up to a car in traffic or a stop light, how far do you have to stop behind them?
    Community Answer
    Community Answer
    You should stop far enough back to see the back wheels of the vehicle in front of you over your hood.
  • Question
    How close should you get to the stop sign before stopping completely?
    Community Answer
    Community Answer
    If there is a crosswalk at the intersection, you should stop before crossing it. If there is no crosswalk, stop short of the intersection with enough space that other cars can safely turn in without hitting you.
  • Question
    How many seconds do you wait after stopping at a stop sign?
    Community Answer
    Community Answer
    There is no specific amount of time you should wait before proceeding. Just make sure that the intersection is clear and there is no oncoming traffic so you can cross the intersection safely.
  • Question
    If I come to a stop sign and I am unable to see if there are any cars coming, what should I do?
    Community Answer
    Community Answer
    Edge out until you can scan the road for oncoming traffic, that is what my examiner instructed me to do when I took my road test.
  • Question
    Do I look right first before proceeding?
    Community Answer
    Community Answer
    If the traffic in your country drives on the right, you should look left, then right, and then left again. If the traffic is on the left side of the road in your country, then do the opposite.
  • Question
    When do I signal my intentions at a stop sign?
    Community Answer
    Community Answer
    You should signal your intentions before you starting braking at the stop sign.
  • Question
    If I am stopped at a stop sign, do I wait until I think it's safe to go, or do I go after all oncoming traffic has gone?
    Community Answer
    Community Answer
    You should wait until you have right of way. If you're pulling up to a stop sign and entering a busy roadway, then you should stop and proceed once the roadway is clear. If you're stopping at an intersection with other stop signs, you will need to yield to the other stopped cars as necessary. (Anyone who arrived before you or is sitting to your right goes ahead of you.) You do not need to wait for multiple cars to stop at a sign before it's your turn to proceed though.
  • Question
    How far do I need to stop from a stop sign?
    Community Answer
    Community Answer
    If there is a line on the road, you should pull up to the line. If there is not a line, then you should pull right up to the stop sign.
  • Question
    How hard should I brake and when should I start to brake before a stop sign?
    Community Answer
    Community Answer
    Slowly apply even pressure on the brake, more pressure the closer you get to the stop sign. Start braking a little before the stop sign - enough so you don't have to stomp on the brake when you get there.
  • Question
    If I have a stop sign, and oncoming traffic does not, how many cars do I have to let go before I go?
    Community Answer
    Community Answer
    You must continue to wait until it is safe to proceed. Sometimes this results in a several minute wait. Many accidents are caused by impatient drivers waiting at stop signs who "jump out" in front of oncoming traffic before it is really safe.
  • Question
    If there is a white line but there is a stop sign that says stop here in red, what do I do?
    Community Answer
    Community Answer
    You stop with the nose of your car behind the SIGN. This means that for some reason, a stop is necessary to be safe or allow for cross traffic of some sort.
  • Question
    Will using my brakes to slow down cause any damage to my engine?
    Community Answer
    Community Answer
    No, it won't cause any damage to your engine.
  • Question
    If there is no white line, where should I stop behind the stop sign?
    Community Answer
    Community Answer
    If there is no stop line, you should stop at a point from which you can see the traffic you need to give way to.
  • Question
    If I'm the second car stopped at a stop sign and the car in front goes and it's clear, does the second car have to stop again?
    Community Answer
    Community Answer
    Yes. Every single car has to stop at a stop sign, regardless of whether the way is clear or not.
  • Question
    If I stopped behind another car at a stop sign for any amount of time, do I need to stop again before I proceed past the sign?
    Community Answer
    Community Answer
    Yes, you need to come to a complete stop at the stop sign. Stopping behind another car does not count.
  • Question
    If there is a white line and I stop, but my view is obstructed, should I pull up and stop again, or should I inch my way up without stopping, and then go if it is all clear?
    Community Answer
    Community Answer
    If you have stopped at the line already, you are not required by law to stop again. You can work your way up to the intersection, and only need to stop if you have to.
  • Question
    How long do I have to stop before proceeding when there are no other cars at the intersection?
    Community Answer
    Community Answer
    There is no regulated amount of time you have to be stopped before you proceed, but you must come to a complete stop. A good rule of thumb is to wait until you feel the back end of your vehicle settle and "sit" down. After that, you are stopped completely and can proceed again.
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