When may you proceed through an intersection that has a stop sign but no stop line or crosswalk?
- After slowing down to verify that there is no cross traffic
- After coming to a complete stop and verifying that it is safe to proceed ✓
- After you have stopped at least 20 feet prior to the intersection
- After slowing down to a speed of 10 mph
Answer: B. After coming to a complete stop and verifying that it is safe to proceed
Come to a complete stop, then proceed only after you verify that it is safe to go.
Why this is the answer
The handbook ties a stop sign to a full stop, not just slowing down. It says to stop before the crosswalk, intersection, or stop sign, yield to pedestrians and other traffic, and then proceed carefully. Where there is no line or crosswalk, the stop still happens before you enter the intersection. Slowing down alone does not meet the rule. After stopping, you check that the way is clear and go only when it is safe.
Why the other answers are wrong
- A. After slowing down to verify that there is no cross traffic — Slowing down and checking traffic is not enough at a stop sign; the handbook says slowing down is not adequate and requires a complete stop.
- C. After you have stopped at least 20 feet prior to the intersection — The handbook directs you to stop before the crosswalk, intersection, or sign; it does not set a 20-foot stopping distance.
- D. After slowing down to a speed of 10 mph — There is no 10 mph rule here; a stop sign requires a complete stop, and slowing to a low speed does not satisfy it.
Remember it
A stop sign asks for a full stop first; rolling slowly past it does not count.
Official handbook: Texas Driver Handbook (DL-7), Chapter 5: Signals, Signs, and Markers , p. 30