How long should you stop at a STOP sign ? Few drivers know the rule

Many drivers are unaware of the stopping time that must be observed at STOP, although the Highway Code is very clear.

It's hard to get on the road without seeing a STOP sign. It's one of the most common signs, much to the chagrin of many drivers. It must be said that, compared to its little brother, the “Give Way”, the STOP is more restrictive. It requires every driver to stop regardless of traffic conditions. Even on a small deserted road very early in the morning or in the middle of the night, it is mandatory to stop your vehicle, check on both sides, and then drive off. But these signs are never put there by chance, most of the time posted at dangerous intersections where the risk of collision between vehicles is high.

In everyday life, it is not uncommon, if not quite common, to see motorists not respecting the STOP sign. Some deliberately run them, others brake but do not stop on the wide horizontal white stripe drawn on the road, which is just as much considered an offence. And among the many drivers who stop, not all of them know exactly what the rule says. How long exactly should you stop? ? 1 second ? 3 seconds ? 5 seconds ?

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In France, the Highway Code is very clear on this subject. At a STOP sign, the vehicle must come to a complete stop, but there is no specific mandatory duration. What is crucial is that the vehicle is completely stopped, that is, that the wheels are motionless. The maneuver actually takes several seconds, especially since it is important to check carefully on each side that the way is clear before leaving, but no law imposes a minimum stopping time.

In the presence of the police, if you prefer to be sure, nothing prevents you from counting to 3 before checking left and right. This can be useful when dealing with overzealous police officers with whom it can be difficult to argue. Failure to comply with a STOP sign is punishable in France by a fine of 135 euros – reduced to 90 – and the withdrawal of 4 points from the driving license. This is a serious offense given the danger posed by motorists who do not stop in front of this sign, recognizable by its hexagonal shape and its red and white colors.