What is the required action when you see a stop sign?

When you encounter a stop sign, the required action is to make a complete stop. This means bringing your vehicle to a full halt at the white line, crosswalk, or intersection where the stop sign is posted. The reason for this rule is to ensure safety by allowing drivers the time to assess their surroundings and check for oncoming traffic, pedestrians, and cyclists before proceeding. Making a complete stop helps prevent accidents by enabling drivers to make informed decisions about when it is safe to go.

Other actions, such as yielding to other vehicles, slowing down, or only stopping if there are other cars present, do not meet the legal requirement established for stop signs. These alternatives may lead to unsafe situations, as they do not guarantee that a driver has fully checked for potential hazards prior to entering the intersection. Thus, making a complete stop is both a legal obligation and a critical safety practice on the road.