Most children learn what an octagon is because it is so often associated with a common traffic symbol: a stop sign. In New York, drivers can find stop signs at intersections, in parking areas, and throughout neighborhoods. A stop sign may be placed in front of a crosswalk, may be part of a four-way junction, or may be the only symbol that a driver must heed before continuing on their journey.

Under New York law, a driver must stop at a stop sign unless they are directed to travel through it by a police officer. If there is a stop line on the road, then the driver must stop before crossing it. If there is a crosswalk in front of the sign, then the driver may not stop in it. If a stop sign has neither a stop line nor a crosswalk, then the driver must stop where they have a view of the intersection without actually traveling into the intersection.

Based on this information, readers can see that there are many different ways that a person may be alleged to have violated the state’s stop sign law. If a person does not stop, then they may be accused of violating the law. If they stop in an intersection, past a stop line, or on a crosswalk then they also may be alleged to have broken the stop sign law.

Many alleged stop sign violations happen when drivers are unaware of hidden or obscured signs or when they must travel into intersections to see whether there is additional traffic. Individuals who wish to fight their stop sign violation allegations are encouraged to discuss their cases with traffic violation attorneys.