Road signs
STOP and give way: what is the difference?
At a STOP sign you must bring the vehicle to a complete halt. At a give-way sign, slow down and stop only if necessary to let traffic with priority pass.
A STOP sign always requires you to stop at the line or, if there is no line, at a point where you can see without entering the junction. A give-way sign requires you to slow down and stop when needed to let traffic with priority pass.
The obligation to stop at a STOP sign
The STOP sign requires you to stop at the transverse stop line, if there is one. If there is no line, stop before entering the junction, at a point where you can see the road without entering it. Merely slowing down or almost stopping is not enough: the wheels must come to a complete stop and the driver must assess the situation before moving off.
After stopping, look in both directions and check that no vehicle or other road user has priority. If your view is obstructed, you may move forward carefully to a point with a better view, without entering the path of traffic with priority. A STOP sign does not let you pull out ‘in turn’ when the road is not clear. Move off only when you can do so without forcing others to brake or change direction.
The sign is a red octagon bearing the word STOP, whereas the give-way sign is an inverted triangle. Their shape and position help you recognise them even if the text is hard to read. As you approach the line, slow down so you can stop in time, and do not cross it while checking the traffic.
- STOP: a complete stop is compulsory.
- With a line, stop before it; without one, stop before the junction where you have a useful view.
- After stopping, let traffic with priority pass and move off only when it is safe.
- Give way: slow down and stop if necessary; you do not have to stop if the road is clear.
What changes at a give-way sign
A give-way sign requires you to reduce your speed and let vehicles on the road you are approaching pass. If nothing is coming and visibility is good, you may continue without coming to a complete stop. If visibility or traffic makes it necessary, stop before entering another road user’s path. In either case, do not force traffic with priority to brake sharply.
A road sign does not cancel other rules: obey traffic lights, police officers and temporary signs according to their priority. Also watch for pedestrians and cyclists crossing or on the carriageway.
To learn the difference between STOP and give way,Quiz Patente Ufficiale offers chapter-by-chapter explanations, timed quizzes and a review of mistakes.
Frequently asked questions
Do I always have to stop at a give-way sign?
No. You must slow down and give way. Stop if traffic or visibility makes it necessary to comply with the priority rule.
At a STOP sign, may I stop beyond the line if I can see better?
No. Stop before the line. If visibility is inadequate, you may then move forward carefully only as far as needed, without entering the path of traffic with priority.