Distance to STOP line sign: what it means
The STOP 100 yds sign warns that there is a STOP sign and stop line ahead, at the distance shown. Be ready to stop.
What does the distance to STOP line sign mean?
Know your traffic signs lists it as “distance to STOP line”. It gives you early warning where the junction may be hard to see.
At the line itself you must stop, whatever the traffic.
Quick quiz
What does the sign at the top of this page mean?
- Stop completely at the line, then give way.
- A STOP sign and line are this far ahead.
- A give way line is this far ahead.
Show answer
B. A STOP sign and line are this far ahead. It shows the distance to a STOP line ahead (Know your traffic signs). Source: Know your traffic signs: warning signs, GOV.UK; The Highway Code: traffic signs, GOV.UK; Traffic sign images, Department for Transport, GOV.UK
Where will you see it?
On the approach to junctions with a STOP sign, often where a bend or hill hides the junction.
What should you do?
Slow down in good time so you can stop at the line, then go only when it is safe.
What do people get wrong?
Treating it like a give way. At a STOP line you must stop completely, even if the road looks clear.
Common questions
Do I have to stop at this sign?
No. You stop at the STOP sign and line further on. This sign tells you how far away they are.
What is the difference from the GIVE WAY 50 yds sign?
That one warns of a give way line, where you must give way but need not stop if the road is clear.
Compare with
Stop signStop completely at the line, then give way.
Distance to GIVE WAY line signA give way line is this far ahead.
Want to test someone else? Play a road-sign quiz with friends and family.
Sources
Checked on 4 November 2026 against Know your traffic signs (warning signs) and The Highway Code (traffic signs).
- Know your traffic signs: warning signs, GOV.UK
- The Highway Code: traffic signs, GOV.UK
- Traffic sign images, Department for Transport, GOV.UK
Contains public sector information licensed under the Open Government Licence v3.0. Traffic sign images are Crown copyright, from the Department for Transport. Sources and image credits.