Signs, signals and pavement markings
You reach a STOP sign at an intersection where neither a stop line nor a crosswalk is painted on the road. Where must you stop?
- Before entering the intersection, at the point closest to it where you can see traffic on the cross road. Correct answer
- Right next to the STOP sign post, even if buildings block your view of the cross road.
- Just inside the intersection, where your view of the cross road in both directions is clearest.
Why
The STOP sign rule works like a ladder. If a stop line is painted, you stop before it. If there is no stop line but there is a crosswalk, you stop before the crosswalk. Only when neither exists do you choose the spot, and the manual tells you how: stop short of the intersection, at the nearest point that lets you see traffic on the road you are crossing. The sign post is not the reference; the view of cross traffic is, so stopping beside the post with your view blocked does not meet the rule. Rolling into the intersection for a better look does not either, because the rule requires you to stop before you enter it. After stopping, yield to vehicles and pedestrians in or heading toward the intersection, and go when it is safe.
Where this comes from
New York State Driver's Manual (MV-21), April 2026 version. The correct answer is Before entering the intersection, at the point closest to it where you can see traffic on the cross road.
More on signs, signals and pavement markings
- You are approaching a YIELD sign at an intersection. When must you come to a full stop there?
- You enter a work zone marked with orange signs, but no special work area speed limit is posted. What must you do?
- You approach an intersection where the traffic lights are not working, and no traffic officer is directing traffic. What does state law require?
- You are driving in New York City and stop at a steady red light. No sign about turning on red is posted. May you turn right?