Stop sign

What it means

At the junction ahead you must come to a complete stop before the solid white line across the road, then wait for a safe gap in the traffic before you pull out.

Its eight-sided shape is one of a few exceptions to the usual shape rules, used to give the sign extra prominence. No other sign has this shape.

A Stop sign goes with a solid white stop line across the road. Unlike Give way, you must stop at the line every time, even if you can see the road is clear.

What the symbol shows

Memory tip: Solid line, full stop. Broken lines, give way.

Where you'll see it

At junctions where you join a major road, together with a solid white line across your side of the road.

Rules to know

• You must stop behind the line at a junction with a 'Stop' sign and a solid white line across the road. Wait for a safe gap in the traffic before you move off.

  The Highway Code, Rule 171

• You must stop before crossing the line on the road and make sure the way is clear before entering the major road.

  Know Your Traffic Signs, p. 16

What happens if you ignore it

• Failing to comply with a Stop sign can lead to 3 penalty points (endorsement code TS30).

  Penalty points (endorsements): endorsement codes and penalty points, Endorsement code TS30

General information, not legal advice. Enforcement can differ between areas.

Spot the difference

Stop vs Give way

The key difference: At a Stop sign you must always stop at the line. At Give way you only stop if traffic on the main road means you have to wait.

Differences between the Stop and Give way signs

	Stop	Give way
Shape	Red octagon	Upside-down triangle
Line across the road	Solid white line	Broken white lines
Must you stop?	Yes, every time	Only if you need to wait for traffic

The Highway Code, Rules 171 and 172

Common mistakes

• Mistake: Rolling slowly over the line without stopping because the road looks clear.

  Instead: Bring the vehicle to a complete stop at the line every time, then look properly before moving off.

• Mistake: Treating Stop and Give way as the same.

  Instead: At Give way you only stop if you need to wait for traffic. At Stop you must always stop.

Test yourself

Recalling the answer helps it stick. Pick an answer to see how you did.

Question 1 of 2

What does this sign mean?

• AYou must stop at the white line, then go only when it's safe.
• BYou must give way to traffic on the major road ahead.
• CYou must not wait or park here during the times shown.
• DA 20 mph speed limit applies throughout the zone.

Full road sign quizzes are coming soon. See what's planned