What is the proper use of a stop sign?
A stop sign is one of our most valuable and effective control devices when used at the right place and under the right conditions. It is intended to help drivers and pedestrians at an intersection decide who has the right-of-way.

One common misuse of stop signs is to arbitrarily interrupt through traffic, either by causing it to stop, or by causing such an inconvenience as to force the traffic to use other routes. Where stop signs are installed as "nuisances" or "speed breakers," there is high incidence of intentional violation. In those locations where vehicles do stop, the speed reduction is effective only in the immediate vicinity of the stop sign and, frequently, speeds are actually higher between intersections. For these reasons, it should not be used as a speed control device.

Well-developed, nationally recognized guidelines help to indicate when such controls become necessary. "Because the stop sign causes a substantial inconvenience to motorists, it should be used only when warranted" - Manual on Uniform Traffic Control Devices (MUTCD).

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1. Who handles dead animals on the roadway/roadkill?
2. Why doesn’t Whatcom County install "Children at Play" signs?
3. Why aren't speed bumps put in place to slow down the traffic?
4. How are crosswalks defined and used?
5. What is the proper use of a stop sign?
6. What is the Federal Functional Classification of this road?