Stop line: what it means
The stop line at a Stop sign means you must stop behind it. Wait for a safe gap in traffic before moving off.
What does the stop line mean?
At a junction with a Stop sign, the solid white line marks where you must stop. Rule 171 says to stop behind it and wait for a safe gap in traffic before moving off.
The Highway Code also shows a stop line at traffic lights. There, you must stop behind it unless the light is green. If the amber light comes on, you may go on only if you have already crossed the line or are so close that stopping might cause a collision (rule 175).
Quick quiz
What does the picture at the top of this page show?
- Stop completely behind the line.
- Double broken white lines across a junction.
- A STOP sign and line are this far ahead.
Show answer
A. Stop completely behind the line. You must stop behind the line at a junction with a Stop sign, then wait for a safe gap before moving off (The Highway Code, rule 171). Source: The Highway Code, rule 171, GOV.UK; The Highway Code, rule 175, GOV.UK; The Highway Code: road markings, GOV.UK
Where will you see it?
Across the road on the approach to a junction with a Stop sign.
What should you do?
Stop completely behind the line. Wait for a safe gap in traffic before moving off.
What do people get wrong?
Slowing down is not enough. You must stop behind the line.
Common questions
Do I have to stop at a stop line if the road is clear?
Yes, at a junction with a Stop sign. Rule 171 requires you to stop behind the line before moving off into a safe gap.
Should I stop before or after the white line?
Stop behind the solid white line at the Stop sign, as rule 171 requires.
Compare with
Stop signStop completely at the line, then give way.
Give way linesDouble broken white lines across a junction.
Want to test someone else? Play a road-sign quiz with friends and family.
Sources
Checked on 5 November 2026 against The Highway Code (rules 171 and 175; road markings).
- The Highway Code, rule 171, GOV.UK
- The Highway Code, rule 175, GOV.UK
- The Highway Code: road markings, GOV.UK
Contains public sector information licensed under the Open Government Licence v3.0. The diagram is our own simplified drawing, not to scale. Sources and image credits.