You Don't Follow the Stop Sign Rules

How can I simplify the Stop Sign Rules. Aren't they already quite simple? Obviously not, as we see (almost) every day drivers violating them without even being conscious of the rules. The law says that you must come to a full cessation of movement. If the wheels continue to turn it is not a full cessation of movement.

Ever notice that white line across your lane where the stop sign is? The front bumper of your car is not supposed to cross it before you have full cessation. "Yes, but, I can't see the cross street well so I just roll through the stop sign and stop where I can see it better." New drivers have failed their driving test because of this error. A traumatic and embarrassing experience for a 16-year-old who already promised his new girlfriend that they would go for a ride the following weekend.

If you don't have a good view of the cross street you still must come to a full stop at the stop sign, then proceed slowly, stop, look and then proceed when it is safe. New drivers learned by watching their parents. If the parent is a bad driver the better chance his children will be killed in a car accident when he/she gets his/her license.

Now that we know how and where to stop, who has the right-of-way? It's NOT the car that jack-rabbits first. If you're the only one at the intersection - you already know that answer. As you come to a stop sign if you see a car stopped opposite you or to your left or right, they were there first, it's their turn, not yours. When cars get to an intersection, controlled by two or more stop signs, at the same time, the car on the right has the right-of-way. Period. No discussion.

But don't force the issue. When you encounter an aggressive or bad driver who is trying to take the right-of-way away from you; let him. It's not worth an accident or suffering physical injury. Drive Defensively. (Credit to Brian T. for suggesting this topic).

6 comments:

Anonymous said...

Stop signs are just plain STUPID ! Why not have yield signs/lines as they do ALL over europe and the UK. At a cross roads there is a simple white line at the intersection, on one of the roads,the other road has the right of way. This keeps things moving, your brakes don't get worn out, it saves gas,wear and tear on the vehicle. And just makes more sense. The stop sign in this country is simply way OVER done. I am a retired Miami police lieutenant. I travel to the UK and Europe each year,and I can tell you all they drive like pros over there,and hardly an accident is seen. Stop and think how much money is wasted on the production of these signs themselves,not to mention the latter issues,fuel wear and tear etc. Are we Americans so stupid as we cant see a white painted line at an intersection ? By the way, the line only means to yield to traffic coming the other way. Nothing coming, just keep going. GET RID OF THE AMERICAN STOP SIGN ONCE AND FOR ALL ! Dave Collis Retired Miami pd....

Nate said...

Thanks for your comment. It makes a lot of sense. That would be similar to rotaries/roundabouts that we used to have many of in the US. No traffic in the rotary, just keep on going.

Anonymous said...

i live in miami beach, fl. and can't find anything about the rules of stop signs other than a 4way stop. I got a ticket for a stop sign that was posted on the left for a merge street that would merge into mine, which was the through street with no sign on my right is this legal

Nate said...

Put in your browser, Florida motor vehicle law stop sign. There is something there about stops and yield signs and who has the right of way. Hope this helps as I'm not sure exactly what your situation was. If you haven't paid it, fight it in court. If paid, forget it. Good luck.

Anonymous said...

Thank you for this article! I failed my driving test yesterday because of a stop! I feel stupid now! But I'm 100% right I did the stop right but the instructor said I didn't!! Anyway I'm gonna have to drive stupid enough for them!!

csinate said...

Anonymous,
Print out this article. Bring it to MV and fight to have your driving test reconsidered. If, as you say, you did everything right.
Good Luck,
Nate

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