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Stop Sign: What It Means & What To Do

Stop Sign (R1-1) - octagon red with white regulatory sign: Come to a complete stop before the stop line or crosswalk
MUTCD CodeR1-1
CategoryRegulatory Signs
ShapeOctagon
ColorRed with white

What Does the Stop Sign Mean?

Come to a complete stop before the stop line or crosswalk. Yield to pedestrians and cross traffic before proceeding.

About This Sign

The octagonal red stop sign is one of the most recognized signs in the world. It requires drivers to make a full stop and check for traffic and pedestrians before continuing.

Commonly Confused With

Yield Sign (R1-2) - triangle (inverted) red and white regulatory sign: Slow down and be prepared to stop

Yield Sign

R1-2

Stop Ahead (W3-1) - diamond yellow with black warning sign: A stop sign is ahead

Stop Ahead

W3-1

Other Regulatory Signs

Yield Sign (R1-2) - triangle (inverted) red and white regulatory sign: Slow down and be prepared to stop

Yield Sign

R1-2

Stop for Pedestrians in Crosswalk (R1-5b) - rectangle (vertical) white with black/red regulatory sign: Stop for pedestrians within the crosswalk

Stop for Pedestrians in Crosswalk

R1-5b

In-Street Pedestrian Crossing (R1-6) - rectangle (vertical) white with black/red regulatory sign: Yield to pedestrians crossing the road at this marked location

In-Street Pedestrian Crossing

R1-6

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