How far from the intersection should you stop for a red light?

Stopping at the stop line or crosswalk when a red light is active is crucial for ensuring both safety and proper adherence to traffic laws. The stop line indicates the point where drivers must halt their vehicles, promoting an orderly flow of traffic and allowing pedestrians to cross safely. If there is no stop line but a crosswalk is present, vehicles should stop before entering the crosswalk to ensure that pedestrians can move through the intersection uninhibited.

This rule is important because stopping too far away from the intersection can create confusion for other drivers and may lead to unsafe situations, such as obstructing the view of the light or making it difficult for following vehicles. Additionally, stopping in the middle of the intersection or according to personal judgment of safety disregards the structured approach to traffic control, potentially compromising safety for yourself and others on the road. Familiarity with the correct stopping procedure contributes to safer driving practices overall.