What does a stop sign require you to do?

A stop sign requires you to come to a complete stop before proceeding. This rule is foundational to ensuring safety at intersections. When you encounter a stop sign, the first action is to halt your vehicle fully, which provides you the opportunity to check for pedestrians, cyclists, and other vehicles. This is essential because it helps you assess the situation at the intersection to determine whether it is safe to proceed.

While other maneuvers involve yielding to traffic or approaching the intersection with caution, they do not fulfill the primary requirement of stopping. The requirement to check for pedestrians is especially crucial, as it helps prevent accidents and ensures that all road users can navigate safely. The necessity of coming to a complete stop distinguishes this rule from other traffic controls, making it clear that a stop sign commands total compliance to maximize safety at intersections.