STOP: come to a complete halt and give way

STOP imposes two duties: stop completely at the stop line, or at a position from which the junction can be entered safely, and then give way to traffic on the priority road from both directions. The duty to stop applies even when no other vehicle is visible. The sign is used where the road being joined has priority, often at a dangerous junction or where visibility is poor. It remains effective with a flashing amber traffic signal and, outside built-up areas, is normally preceded by an advance warning. It is not a police checkpoint, customs post or prohibition on all passage.