Extra Credit for Stopping Twice?

Posted by Steve Roos in on 4:55 PM

[At least two out of three got it right]   
If there is a cross walk at a stop sign, be prepared to stop twice.  The law requires drivers to stop before a clearly marked stop line and/or crosswalk and yield to pedestrians.  But you may not be able to see oncoming traffic until you drive forward, which may require a second stop.

Here’s how the code reads:
79-807 (2) Except when directed to proceed by a peace officer or traffic-control signal, every driver of a vehicle approaching a stop sign shall stop:
(a) at a clearly marked stop line, or
(b) before entering the crosswalk on the near side of the intersection, or
(c) at the point nearest the intersecting highway where the driver has a view of approaching traffic on the intersecting highway before entering it.
It doesn’t matter whether the crosswalk is occupied any more than it matters if cars are coming.  A stop sign isn’t a yield sign.
So do you get extra credit for stopping twice?  No, but you may save yourself a ticket.  I remember my driver’s education instructor being caught by my fellow students for not coming to a complete stop at a stop sign.  He responded with a joking smile, “I’ll stop twice next time.” 
Try that excuse next time and see how it works out for you.