Stop Ahead sign
Required where a STOP sign ahead cannot be seen far enough in advance for drivers to react.
What to do
Slow down and prepare to stop at the STOP sign ahead.
Start slowing as soon as you see it so you can stop smoothly at the STOP sign, which may be hidden by a curve or hill.
Where it's used
Section 2C.35 requires a Stop Ahead (W3-1) sign where the STOP sign is not visible far enough ahead for drivers to react, for example because of a curve, a hill or a structure, and allows it for extra emphasis even when visibility is fine. It is a yellow diamond with a small red octagon symbol and a black arrow. A warning beacon or yellow LEDs in the border may be added, and an advance street name plaque may name the cross street.
Don't confuse it with
- Stop: The red octagon STOP sign is where you must stop; the yellow Stop Ahead diamond only warns that one is coming.
- Yield Ahead: Yield Ahead shows a red-and-white triangle symbol and warns of a YIELD sign, not a STOP sign.
- Signal Ahead: Signal Ahead shows a traffic signal symbol and warns of a signal rather than a STOP sign.
- Type
- Warning signs
- Shape
- Diamond
- Colors
- yellow, black, red
- MUTCD code
- W3-1
- MUTCD section
- 2C.35
On state permit tests
Our questions for 9 states ask about this sign, including California, Florida, Maryland, New Jersey and North Carolina.
Test yourself
A yellow sign shows a red octagon with an arrow pointing up. It means: (California practice test)
- Road closed
- A stop sign is ahead
- Stop here for inspection
- Do not enter
Show answer
A stop sign is ahead. The Stop Ahead sign warns that a STOP sign is coming up, so prepare to stop.
You see a STOP AHEAD warning sign. What should you do? (Florida practice test)
- Slow down and be ready to stop at the stop sign
- Stop immediately at the warning sign
- Speed up before the stop sign
- Change lanes
Show answer
Slow down and be ready to stop at the stop sign. A Stop Sign Ahead sign means slow down and be ready to stop at the stop sign.
More warning signs
Turn
Curve
Reverse Turn
Reverse Curve
Winding Road
One-Direction Large Arrow
Two-Direction Large Arrow
Chevron AlignmentFrom the Manual on Uniform Traffic Control Devices (MUTCD), 11th edition, section 2C.35. Sign image: public domain, source.