STOP at a STOP SIGN
Traffic Safety Message #25-001
TITLE 75 §3323(b) - DUTIES at STOP SIGNS
Oxford defines the word "stop" as, "verb - (of an event, action, process) come to an end; cease to happen, and noun - a cessation of movement or operation."
The Pennsylvania Vehicle Code defines "stop" or "stopping" as, "...complete cessation from movement."
NBTPD would like to give a friendly reminder to drivers that when you are at a posted stop sign - STOP! Simple enough right? By stopping, a driver is bringing their vehicle to a "cessation of movement."
In reviewing NBTPD's crash stats from the first two months of 2025, the majority of violations, determined to have been the prime factor for the crash, have been Stop sign violations - whether it be running a Stop sign or failing to yield after stopping at a Stop sign. The law states, "...every driver of a vehicle approaching a stop sign shall stop at a clearly marked stop line or, if no stop line is present, before entering a crosswalk on the near side of the intersection or, if no crosswalk is present, then at the point nearest the intersecting roadway where the driver has a clear view of approaching traffic on the intersecting roadway before entering." As you have read, there are no exceptions, nor is there wording that allows for "California Rolls."
In addition, pulling out after a stop and getting hit or hitting someone else is a violation. The law states, "...the driver shall yield the right-of-way to any vehicle in the intersection or approaching on another roadway so closely as to constitute a hazard during the time when the driver is moving across or within the intersection or junction of roadways and enter the intersection when it is safe to do so." And as you may have noticed, some intersections have an additional advisory sign mounted under the Stop sign that says, "CROSS TRAFFIC DOES NOT STOP." I don't know about you but that's a great clue to be extra cautious.
So, NBTPD hopes that this reminder will inspire drivers to think twice when at a posted stop sign. If you fail to STOP (complete cessation of movement) or enter an intersection after stopping and encroach another vehicle (failing to yield the right-of-way), you may be cited. Please don't think this is outrageous or unfair, it's the law.
DRIVE SAFELY!
