Stop Sign
Shape: Circular (octagonal for Stop, inverted triangle for Give Way) · Colour: White with red border (prohibitory); blue with white symbol (positive mandatory, e.g. compulsory turn, keep left)
You must bring your vehicle to a complete halt at the stop line.
What It Means
The Stop sign is the only octagonal road sign in India — its unique shape means drivers can recognise it even from behind or in poor visibility. When you see this sign, you are legally required to stop your vehicle completely before the marked stop line (or if no line is present, before the edge of the intersection). A rolling stop (slowing without fully stopping) is a traffic violation.
📍 Where You'll See It
At intersections, railway crossings, school exits, and entry points to major roads where traffic from another direction has priority.
✅ What You Must Do
Bring the vehicle to a complete stop. Look both ways. Proceed only when completely safe — there is no right-of-way assumption at a Stop sign.
⚠️ Common Mistake
Treating it as a "slow down" sign. Rolling stops are illegal. You must stop fully, even if no other traffic is visible.
⚖️ Legal Note
Violation: Sec. 119 / 177 MV Act. Fine: ₹500 (first offence), ₹1,500 (repeat).
Frequently Asked Questions
What does the Stop sign mean?
Where will I see a Stop sign?
What should I do when I see a Stop sign?
Know a Driver Who Ignores This Sign?
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Other Mandatory Signs
Give Way
Yield to all vehicles and pedestrians on the road you are entering.
No Entry
Entry of all vehicles is strictly prohibited in this direction.
Speed Limit 50
The maximum permitted speed on this stretch is 50 km/h.
No Parking
Parking of any vehicle is not permitted in this area.
No Stopping
Neither stopping nor parking is allowed at any time, for any reason.
No U-Turn
Making a U-turn to reverse your direction of travel is prohibited here.