Stop Sign
The stop sign is the most recognized traffic sign in the world. It's a red octagon with the word "STOP" in white letters. When you see a stop sign, you must bring your vehicle to a complete stop. The stop is required regardless of whether you see other traffic or not. You must stop at the stop line if one is painted on the road. If there's no stop line, stop before the crosswalk. If there's no crosswalk, stop at the point where you have a clear view of approaching traffic. After stopping, look left, right, and left again before proceeding when it's safe. At a four-way stop, the first driver to arrive has the right-of-way. If two drivers arrive at the same time, the driver on the right goes first. Many drivers make "rolling stops" where they slow down but don't completely stop — this is illegal and can result in a citation. A complete stop means your wheels are not moving at all. Stop signs are posted at intersections where traffic from different directions must take turns, providing an orderly way for drivers to share the road.
Rules & What to Do
Come to a complete stop — wheels not moving. Stop at the stop line, crosswalk, or where you can see cross traffic. Look left, right, and left again. Yield to vehicles and pedestrians already in the intersection. At four-way stops, go in order of arrival; if simultaneous, yield to the right.
Penalties
Running a stop sign carries fines of $100-$300 in most states and adds 2-3 points to your driving record. Red light cameras at some stop signs can issue automated tickets. If running a stop sign causes an accident, penalties are much more severe.
For Commercial Drivers
CDL drivers must make complete stops at all stop signs — no rolling stops. Remember that loaded commercial vehicles need significantly more stopping distance. Begin braking well in advance. At intersections, the front of your vehicle may be well into the intersection before you can see cross traffic due to the vehicle's length — pull forward carefully after stopping. CDL stop sign violations are serious and count toward disqualification thresholds.
Frequently Asked Questions
What shape is a stop sign?
A stop sign is an octagon — an eight-sided shape. It's the only octagonal road sign in the US. The unique shape means you can identify it even from the back or if it's covered in snow.
Who goes first at a 4-way stop?
At a four-way stop, the first driver to arrive and stop goes first. If two drivers arrive at the same time, the driver on the right has the right-of-way. If facing each other, the driver going straight goes before the driver turning left.
What is a rolling stop?
A rolling stop is when a driver slows down but doesn't come to a complete stop at a stop sign. This is illegal and can result in a traffic ticket. A legal stop requires your wheels to stop moving completely.