What must you do when you encounter a stop sign?

When you encounter a stop sign, it is essential to come to a complete stop at the stop line. This rule is in place to ensure the safety of all road users by giving drivers the opportunity to observe the intersection and assess any possible hazards before proceeding. The complete stop allows a driver to check for pedestrians, cyclists, and other vehicles that may not be visible at first glance.

By stopping at the marked line, you also adhere to traffic laws, which are designed to facilitate orderly flow at intersections and reduce the likelihood of accidents. Only after ensuring it is safe to proceed, the driver may then continue through the intersection. This practice is a foundational aspect of responsible driving and is crucial for maintaining road safety.

In contrast, simply slowing down or proceeding with caution can lead to accidents if visibility is compromised. Stopping only if there is oncoming traffic neglects the responsibility of assessing the entire intersection, which could lead to dangerous encounters with other vehicles or pedestrians. Yielding to the driver on the left is also not applicable at a stop sign, as it is the responsibility of the driver facing the stop sign to ensure that they yield to all other traffic as necessary before proceeding.