Stop lineFrance

1. Stop line

A stop line is a transverse road marking that indicates the position where drivers must stop when required by a traffic sign, traffic light or other traffic control. It is usually placed before an intersection, pedestrian crossing, railway crossing or another location where traffic may need to stop.

When a stop is required, drivers should stop before the stop line and avoid allowing any part of the vehicle to obstruct the area beyond it. The appearance and exact legal meaning of stop lines can vary between countries.

Where should you stop when there is a stop line?

When stopping is required, you should normally stop before the line and avoid crossing or blocking it unless the applicable traffic rules allow you to proceed.

🔗 wetten.overheid.nl • Vienna Convention on Road Signs and Signals, Articles 25–29 and Annex 2, road markings; sign-system reference

🔗 wetten.overheid.nl • Vienna Convention on Road Traffic, Articles 18 and 21; international framework subject to national law

🔗 gov.uk • Great Britain Highway Code, Rules 174, 178 and 191–199; national guidance example