Regulatory signs · R1-1
Stop sign
Archive file: R01-01 Stop/R01-01 Stop 30x30.svg
FHWA public-use information
What it means
Come to a complete stop.
Source: FHWA MUTCD — MUTCD 11th Edition with Revision 1 (December 2025), Section 2B.04, paragraph 01, PDF page 115.
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Meaning
Stop means bring your vehicle to rest before entering the intersection. A slow roll does not satisfy the sign. Once stopped, you still need to check the crossing paths: finishing the stop does not by itself make it safe to go.
What to do
In Pennsylvania, keep the front of your vehicle behind the first crosswalk marking or stop line. If your view is blocked, complete that stop first. Let pedestrians pass, then ease forward until you can check traffic. Enter only after both vehicle and pedestrian paths are clear.
Where it is used
The stop controls the approach to the intersection where a full stop is required. Look for the pavement line or crosswalk as well as the sign; the stopping position comes before that first marking, rather than wherever you happen to be alongside the signpost.
A sign to tell apart
Yield also requires a safe opening, but it does not require every driver to stop on every approach. At a stop sign, you must stop even when there is no crossing traffic. At Yield, slow and stop if traffic or pedestrians make stopping necessary.
Practice with explanations
These are original learning questions based on the cited handbooks. Read each answer and its explanation below.
1. In Pennsylvania, a stop sign controls your approach and the intersection is empty. What is required?
- Bring your vehicle to a full stop before proceeding safely.
- Keep rolling if you can see both directions.
- Stop only if another road user arrives.
Answer: A. Bring your vehicle to a full stop before proceeding safely.
An empty intersection does not cancel the stop requirement. Check for crossing traffic and people before moving on.
2. You stop behind a crosswalk, but a building blocks your view of cross traffic. What should you do next in Pennsylvania?
- Drive into the intersection because you already stopped.
- Yield to pedestrians, then edge forward to see and check again.
- Sound your horn and keep moving without another traffic check.
Answer: B. Yield to pedestrians, then edge forward to see and check again.
The initial stop comes before the marking. After pedestrians are clear, move carefully to a position with a useful view and proceed when safe.
State source coverage
Handbook coverage and sample questions do not prove that a sign will appear on your exam. Even a published test scope cannot guarantee an individual exam question.
Pennsylvania
Handbook coverage
PennDOT explains this sign in its Pennsylvania Driver’s Manual. This is handbook coverage; it does not establish that this particular sign will appear on your Knowledge Test.
Pennsylvania permit sources · Practice with Pennsylvania questions
Federal sign and assembly options
An ALL-WAY plaque below Stop identifies an intersection where every approach is stop-controlled. The federal manual also allows an EXCEPT RIGHT TURN plaque in a specially studied layout. Read any companion plaque; the plain Stop practice questions here assume no exception plaque.
- Official source · MUTCD 11th Edition with Revision 1, Section 2B.04, paragraphs 04 and 08 · PDF page 115 · Checked
- Official source · MUTCD 11th Edition with Revision 1, Section 2B.04, paragraph 08 · PDF page 115 · Checked
State-specific variations have not been independently established for this study.
Verified question coverage
These free state-bank questions were independently verified. This does not establish complete state-bank readiness, app availability or what will appear on your permit exam.
California
1 free question uses this sign in Steerlet's verified question data.
California permit sources · General California permit practice (does not include this sign)
Kansas
1 free question uses this sign in Steerlet's verified question data.
Kansas permit sources · General Kansas permit practice (does not include this sign)
New York
1 free question uses this sign in Steerlet's verified question data.
New York permit sources · General New York permit practice (does not include this sign)
The linked 20-question permit quizzes do not currently include this sign.
Practice this sign in the federal 20-sign quiz. That tool uses MUTCD questions and is separate from the state-bank questions listed here.
This meaning is a federal MUTCD reference. Check your state's handbook for its rules and sign coverage; this page does not establish what appears on a state permit exam.
Try the free road sign quiz or find your state's handbook.
