Stop Sign

Updated July 9, 2026

Stop · MUTCD R1-1 · Regulatory sign

What the Stop sign means

The red octagon is the only sign shaped this way, so you can recognize it even when snow, dirt, or glare hides the letters. It means a full stop is required every single time. Bring the vehicle to a complete halt at the stop line, before the crosswalk, or before entering the intersection if no line is painted. After stopping, yield to pedestrians and cross traffic, then proceed only when the way is clear. You will see it at intersections without signals, at the end of on-ramps, and where side streets meet a through road.

What to do when you see it

Come to a complete stop at the line, yield to pedestrians and cross traffic, then go only when it is safe — a rolling stop is a violation.

On the CA permit test

A red octagon always means a full, complete stop — never just slow down.

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