Upon approaching a stop sign, what does the law require you to do before entering an intersection?
- Stop, and when it is safe to do so, proceed ✓
- Stop, sound horn, then proceed
- Slow down, sound horn and proceed
- Slow down and if way is clear, proceed
Answer: A. Stop, and when it is safe to do so, proceed
The correct action is to come to a complete stop, then proceed only when it is safe to do so.
Why this is the answer
The handbook's signs section says a stop sign means a complete stop, not a rolling slow-down. It also explains where to stop: at the marked stop line, otherwise at the crosswalk, sidewalk edge, or intersection edge. After stopping, you wait until the way is clear before moving into the intersection. The flashing red passage makes the same point: stop completely and go only when safe. That matches stopping first and proceeding only when conditions allow.
Why the other answers are wrong
- B. Stop, sound horn, then proceed — The handbook does not require sounding the horn at a stop sign; the requirement is a complete stop followed by proceeding when safe.
- C. Slow down, sound horn and proceed — Slowing down and sounding the horn is not enough, because a stop sign requires a complete stop before you enter.
- D. Slow down and if way is clear, proceed — Slowing down only if the way is clear skips the complete stop that the stop sign requires.
Remember it
Treat a stop sign as a full stop first; the go part waits until your view and path are clear.
Official handbook: Official MTO Driver's Handbook, Signs