What do you need to do upon approaching a stop sign?

Upon approaching a stop sign, the correct action is to stop completely. This requirement is crucial for ensuring both your safety and the safety of others on the road. The law mandates that vehicles must come to a full stop at the stop line, crosswalk, or intersection to give drivers an opportunity to observe oncoming traffic, pedestrians, and any other potential hazards before proceeding.

Stopping completely allows you to assess the situation effectively. It gives you the chance to see if any vehicles or pedestrians have the right of way. While it can be tempting to roll through a stop sign if the road appears clear, doing so can lead to dangerous situations and might result in traffic violations.

It's important to understand that yielding or slowing down, while potentially helpful in some respects, does not satisfy the legal requirement at a stop sign. Therefore, ensuring a complete stop is a fundamental traffic rule designed to promote safety at intersections.