Eleanor Finch
In California, stop signs are placed at intersections, T-junctions, and pedestrian crossings to improve road safety. California Vehicle Code 22450 states that all vehicles must come to a complete stop at a stop sign. However, the law is ambiguous about what constitutes a stop, as terms like reasonable safety and immediate hazard are not clearly defined. This article will explore the specifics of stopping at a stop sign in California, including the rules, regulations, and potential consequences of non-compliance.
| Characteristics | Values |
|---|---|
| Vehicle code | 22450 CVC |
| Vehicle approaching a stop sign at an intersection | Must stop at a limit line or marked crosswalk |
| Vehicle approaching a stop sign at an intersection with no marked line or crosswalk | Must stop at the entrance of the intersecting roadway |
| Vehicle approaching a stop sign at a railroad grade crossing | Must stop at a limit line or before the first track |
| Vehicle approaching a stop sign at an intersection with oncoming traffic | Must yield the right-of-way to oncoming traffic until it can proceed with reasonable safety |
| Vehicle approaching an intersection with a yield sign | Must yield the right-of-way to vehicles already at the intersection |
| Vehicle approaching a red traffic light | Must stop at a marked limit line, or before entering the crosswalk or intersection |
| Vehicle turning right at a red light | Must come to a complete stop before proceeding |
| Vehicle approaching a flashing red signal light | Must stop, then proceed when safe |
| Vehicle approaching a yellow traffic signal light | Must stop if it is safe to do so; otherwise, cautiously cross the intersection |
| Vehicle turning left at a yellow light | Must yield to oncoming traffic and proceed with caution |
| Vehicle approaching a green traffic signal light | Must still stop for any vehicles, bicyclists, or pedestrians in the intersection |
| Vehicle approaching a green arrow | Must only proceed in the direction the arrow is pointing |
| Vehicle approaching a non-functioning traffic light | Must stop as if the intersection is controlled by stop signs in all directions, then proceed when safe |
| Vehicle at a railroad crossing | Must look, listen, slow down, and prepare to stop for any oncoming trains |
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What You'll Learn
California Vehicle Code 22450
When approaching a stop sign at an intersection, drivers are required to stop at a limit line if one is marked. If there is no limit line, drivers must stop before entering the crosswalk on the near side of the intersection. In the absence of a crosswalk, the driver should stop at the entrance to the intersecting roadway. This ensures that drivers have a clear view of approaching traffic before proceeding.
Similarly, when approaching a railroad grade crossing, drivers must stop at the limit line if there is one. If no limit line is present, they must stop before crossing the first track or entering the railroad grade crossing.
The code also allows local authorities to place stop signs at any location on a highway within their jurisdiction to enhance traffic safety. Failing to comply with these rules can result in a fine and points on your driving record. If you receive a citation for violating this code, you have the option to pay the fine, attend traffic school, or fight the ticket in court with the help of an attorney.
There are several legal defences that drivers can raise if accused of violating California Vehicle Code 22450. These include arguing that there was no stop sign present, the stop sign or limit line was obscured or not clearly visible, the officer was mistaken about the stop, or that there was an emergency or crash avoidance situation. It is recommended to have photo or video evidence, witness statements, or other supporting documentation when raising these defences.
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Yielding to oncoming traffic
In California, motorists must yield to oncoming traffic when approaching a stop sign at an intersection. This is outlined in California Vehicle Code 22450, which states that drivers must stop at the limit line or marked crosswalk before entering the intersection. If there is no limit line or crosswalk, the driver must stop at the entrance to the intersecting roadway.
After coming to a complete stop, drivers must yield the right-of-way to any vehicles approaching so closely as to constitute an immediate hazard. The terms "reasonable safety" and "immediate hazard" are not clearly defined in the law and are determined based on the specific situation. However, drivers must continue to yield to oncoming traffic until they can proceed with reasonable safety.
At four-way stop intersections, vehicles proceed in the order they arrive. If multiple vehicles arrive simultaneously, the vehicle on the right has the right-of-way. At T-intersections, drivers on the road that ends must yield to vehicles, cyclists, and pedestrians travelling on the through road.
When approaching a railroad crossing marked by a stop sign, drivers must stop completely before the limit line or before entering the tracks. They should then look and listen for oncoming trains and only proceed when it is safe to do so. It is crucial to avoid stopping on the tracks, as trains cannot stop quickly, and vehicles stalled or delayed on the tracks are at high risk of being hit.
In addition to yielding to oncoming traffic, drivers must also yield to pedestrians and cyclists at stop sign intersections. Failing to yield properly can result in a citation, fine, and other penalties.
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Stopping at intersections
California Vehicle Code 21802 states that when you see a stop sign at an intersection (except for a four-way stop), you must stop and let any vehicles on the other road or approaching very closely go first. You have to wait until it’s safe to go without causing any danger to them. After you’ve properly yielded, you can enter the intersection, and then other vehicles need to yield to you.
The terms "reasonable safety" and "immediate hazard" are not clearly defined in the law and are determined based on the specific situation. These terms can also provide grounds for contesting a traffic ticket.
In addition, drivers must always yield to pedestrians crossing at stop sign intersections. At T-intersections, drivers on the road that ends must yield to vehicles, cyclists, and pedestrians traveling on the through road. At four-way stop intersections, vehicles proceed in the order they arrive. If more than one vehicle arrives at the same time, the vehicle on the right has priority.
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Stopping at railway crossings
In California, motorists must obey all vehicle laws related to rails, trains, and railroad crossings. This is because railways and roads intertwine in the state, creating unique logistical challenges.
When approaching a railway crossing, drivers must stop at least 15 feet away from the nearest rail if:
- A signalling device or flagman gives a warning
- An approaching train or on-track equipment is visible
- A school bus or certain commercial vehicles are present
Drivers and passengers are prohibited from attempting to circumvent crossing gates or other warning devices when they are engaged.
Drivers must look and listen carefully in both directions to ensure no trains are approaching. Only after doing so may the driver proceed across the tracks.
California Stop Law
California Stop Law requires all vehicles to come to a complete stop at stop signs. This is covered by Vehicle Code 22450, which also applies to railway crossings.
Drivers must stop at a limit line if marked, or before entering a crosswalk or the nearest roadway. This law helps prevent dangerous accidents, such as T-bone and side-swipe collisions, which can cause severe injuries and fatalities.
Drivers must yield the right-of-way to vehicles approaching so closely as to constitute an immediate hazard. The terms "reasonable safety" and "immediate hazard" are ambiguous, depending on the situation.
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Right of way
In California, right-of-way rules are critical for navigating stop sign intersections safely. These rules dictate which vehicles or road users have the right to proceed first through an intersection or other road obstacle. Understanding and following these rules is essential for maintaining a safe driving experience for everyone on the road.
When approaching a stop sign at an intersection, California Vehicle Code 22450 requires drivers to come to a complete stop. This means stopping at a marked limit line or crosswalk if there is one. If there is no marked line or crosswalk, drivers must stop fully at the entrance of the intersecting roadway before proceeding. This law also applies at railway crossings, where drivers must stop at a limit line if marked or before entering the railroad tracks.
After stopping at a stop sign, drivers must yield the right-of-way to any oncoming vehicles that pose an immediate hazard or are approaching so closely as to constitute an immediate hazard. This typically means letting other vehicles on the road go first until the driver can proceed with reasonable safety. The terms "reasonable safety" and "immediate hazard" are not clearly defined in the law and are determined based on the specific situation.
At four-way stop intersections, vehicles proceed in the order they arrive. If multiple vehicles arrive simultaneously, the vehicle on the right has the right-of-way. At T-intersections, drivers on the road that ends must yield to vehicles, cyclists, and pedestrians travelling on the through road.
It is important to note that failing to follow right-of-way rules and stop sign laws in California can result in various accidents, including T-bone and sideswipe collisions, which can cause severe injuries or even fatalities. Additionally, violating these rules can lead to legal consequences such as traffic citations, fines, and points on a driver's record.
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Frequently asked questions
California Vehicle Code 22450 states that all vehicles must come to a complete stop at a stop sign. This includes stopping at specific points before intersections and railway crossings.
Yielding means to let other road users go first. This includes vehicles, bicyclists, and pedestrians.
Failing to stop at a stop sign can lead to a traffic violation, fines, traffic school, and points on a driver’s record.
