Stop, yield and no entry signs explained

What are control signs?

Control signs tell you to stop, to yield (give way), to stay out, or which way a one-way road runs. Most of them stand at intersections.

Each sign has its own entry below. This page gives you the rules they share.

Where must you stop at a stop sign?

Bring your vehicle to a standstill at the stop line. If there is no stop line, come to a standstill at the stop sign.

The purpose of a stop sign is to bring traffic to a stop. So your vehicle must come to a standstill. After that, proceed only when it is safe.

Who goes first at a 3-way or 4-way stop?

The vehicle that stopped first moves off first.

At a 3-way stop, traffic from all three directions must stop. At a 4-way stop, traffic from all four directions must stop.

You may not move off before all the other vehicles that stopped before you have moved off. So as you arrive, notice who is already waiting.

What is the difference between a stop sign and a yield sign?

A stop sign brings you to a stop. A yield sign tells you to give way to other traffic, and you stop if that is necessary.

To yield means to let the other traffic go first. If other traffic is approaching the intersection, reduce speed and, if necessary, stop.

Who must you yield to?

It depends on the sign. The yield signs in this group tell you to give way to:

• other traffic at an intersection
• pedestrians who are crossing the road
• vehicles that are already in a traffic circle
• vehicles that are already in a single carriageway (roadway) used from both directions

What do no entry and one-way signs mean?

A no entry sign means no traffic may proceed past the sign. Do not enter the carriageway where it is displayed.

A one-way roadway sign tells you there is a one-way carriageway to the left, to the right or ahead. If you want to use that carriageway, proceed in the direction of the arrow.

How fast may you drive in a pedestrian priority area?

At most 15 km/h, and only if your vehicle is allowed there at all. The area is limited to emergency vehicles, vehicles loading and off loading goods, and maintenance vehicles.

Numbers to remember

• 15 km/h maximum speed in a pedestrian priority area, for the vehicles that are allowed there

Mistakes learners make

• Slowing down and rolling past a stop sign. You must bring your vehicle to a standstill at the stop line.
• Stopping anywhere when there is no stop line. Your vehicle must come to a standstill at the stop sign.
• Moving off at a 4-way stop as soon as you have stopped. You may not move off before all the vehicles that stopped before you have moved off.
• Thinking a stop/yield sign lets everyone go without stopping. Only traffic turning left may do so, and only if it does not interfere with cross traffic.
• Watching only the roadway at a yield to pedestrians sign. Look out for pedestrians crossing the road or near the road, and be ready to stop.

Signs in this chapter

Stop signYou must bring your vehicle to a stop. The purpose of this sign is to bring traffic to a stop.

Stop/yield signTraffic turning left may turn without stopping, but only if this can be done without interfering with cross traffic. Traffic going…

3-way stopTraffic from all three directions at this intersection must come to a stop.

4-way stopTraffic from all four directions at this intersection must come to a stop.

STOP/RY-GO signIt indicates whether you must stop or may proceed. It is two different signs mounted back to back, a STOP sign and a GO sign.

Yield signYou must yield (give way) to other traffic.

Yield to pedestriansYou must give priority to pedestrians who are crossing the road.

Yield at traffic circleThere is a traffic circle, and you must expect to yield (give way) at it.

No entryNo traffic may proceed past this sign on that road, carriageway (roadway) or lane.

One-way roadwayThere is a one-way carriageway (roadway) to the left, to the right or ahead. The arrow shows the direction in which you may proceed on it.

Pedestrian priorityYou are at the entrance to an area intended for pedestrians, and pedestrians have priority there. Other traffic is limited to emergency…

Yield to oncoming trafficThere is a single carriageway (roadway) ahead that is used by vehicles from both directions.

Test yourself

1. Question 1

   

   You approach a Stop sign (R1.1) at an intersection where a stop line is marked on the road surface. Where must you bring your vehicle to a stop?

   • A With the front wheels on the stop line
   • B Behind the stop line
   • C Just beyond the stop line
   Show answer

   Answer: B: Behind the stop line

   At a Stop sign you must stop behind the stop line.

2. Question 2

   

   You stop at a Stop sign (R1.1) where no stop line is marked. Where must the front of your vehicle come to a standstill?

   • A In line with the stop sign
   • B At the edge of the intersecting roadway
   • C One vehicle length before the stop sign
   Show answer

   Answer: A: In line with the stop sign

   With no stop line, the front of your vehicle must stop in line with the stop sign.

3. Question 3

   You stop at a four-way stop. Two other vehicles had stopped at the intersection before you. When are you permitted to move off?

   • A Before the others, if you are travelling straight on
   • B As soon as your vehicle has come to a standstill
   • C After all vehicles which stopped before you have moved off
   Show answer

   Answer: C: After all vehicles which stopped before you have moved off

   You may not move off before all the vehicles that stopped before you have moved off.

4. Question 4

   

   At a Stop/yield sign (R1.2), on what condition may traffic turning left do so without stopping?

   • A If it can be done without interfering with cross traffic
   • B If the driver sounds the hooter before turning
   • C If no traffic officer is present at the intersection
   Show answer

   Answer: A: If it can be done without interfering with cross traffic

   You may turn left without stopping only if you do not get in the way of cross traffic.

5. Question 5

   Which of these signs indicates that you must yield to other traffic?

   

   

   

   Show answer

   Answer: Picture B

   The Yield sign tells you that you must yield (give way) to other traffic.

6. Question 6

   

   You have reduced speed at a Yield sign (R2), but the approaching traffic is too close for you to enter the intersection. What must you do?

   • A Stop
   • B Proceed, because a yield sign never requires a stop
   • C Sound your hooter and enter the intersection
   Show answer

   Answer: A: Stop

   At a Yield sign you must stop if it is necessary because other traffic is coming.