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Stop line
The line indicates where vehicles must stop when a public traffic sign or traffic light signal requires them to stop.
When you see the sign
Stop the vehicle before the stop line when a traffic signal or official road sign requires you to stop. Position the car so that no part of it passes the line, and continue driving only when the signal or traffic conditions allow it.
Rules
- The stop line indicates the specific place where the vehicle must stop when an official road sign or traffic light signal requires you to stop.
- At sign 204 «Stopp», you must come to a complete stop at the stop line, even if the road appears to be clear.
- At a red traffic light, you must stop before the stop line and wait until the signal allows you to continue.
- You must not stop with the front or any other part of the vehicle over the stop line.
- The stop line does not by itself require you to stop if the associated sign or signal does not require a stop.
Tips
- Reduce your speed early so that you can stop smoothly and accurately before the line.
- Use permanent road markings and the position of the traffic light to help you spot the stop line in good time.
- Stop in a position where you can still see the relevant traffic lights without having to lean far forward.
- If visibility is poor after stopping at the stop sign, you may then move forward carefully to get a better view, without obstructing or endangering others.
Common misconceptions
- Thinking that slowing down at a stop sign is enough; the vehicle must come to a complete stop at the stop line.
- Confusing the stop line with a solid line. The stop line runs across the direction of travel and shows where you must stop, while a solid line normally separates lanes.
- Thinking that a stop line always requires you to stop. The requirement arises when a sign or traffic light signal requires it.
Test yourself
Easy
What does this road marking indicate?
- AIt indicates where vehicles must stop when a sign or light signal requires stopping.
- BIt indicates that forward visibility is too short for ordinary overtaking.
- CIt indicates where vehicles must reduce speed before an intersection.
- DIt indicates where traffic lanes are separated and changing lanes is prohibited.
Medium
You encounter sign 204 «Stopp» together with this road marking, but the road appears completely clear. What should you do?
- AStop completely at the line before proceeding when it is clear.
- BReduce speed at the line before proceeding when it is clear.
- CStop completely after the line before proceeding when it is clear.
- DDrive over the line without stopping when no other traffic is approaching.
Hard
The traffic light is green, and no signs or other signals require you to stop. What applies at this road marking?
- AI must always stop completely before the line, even when the traffic light is green.
- BI must avoid crossing the line because it has the same effect as a barrier line.
- CI may continue without stopping if this is otherwise safe and lawful.
- DI must change lanes before the line because it warns of danger when changing lanes.
Theory test tip
Look for the combination of the stop line and the traffic control. A common trap is to answer that the line always requires you to stop; the regulations state that it indicates where you must stop when an official road sign or traffic light signal requires you to stop.
Did you know
The stop line is used, among other places, in front of traffic lights, stop signs and some level crossings. It is a transverse road marking, unlike lane lines, warning lines and solid lines, which mainly follow the direction of travel.
Frequently asked questions
Do I always have to stop when I see a stop line?
No. The stop line shows where you must stop when an official road sign or traffic light signal requires you to stop; the line alone is not an independent stop requirement.
Where should the car stop at a red light?
The entire vehicle must stop before the stop line. You should position the car close enough to the line for any vehicle detectors to register you, but without driving over it.
What should I do if I do not have good visibility from the stop line at a stop sign?
First come to a complete stop at the stop line. You may then drive very carefully forward to a place with better visibility, while complying with the duty to give way and not creating a hazard.
What is the difference between a stop line and a give-way line?
A stop line is a continuous transverse line that shows where you must stop when stopping is required. A give-way line consists of triangles, often called “shark teeth”, and marks where the duty to give way applies without necessarily requiring you to stop.
Practise for the theory test
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