Which situation requires a driver to stop for an intersection?

A driver is required to stop at an intersection when there is a stop sign present. This regulatory signage indicates to the driver that they must come to a complete stop before proceeding. The purpose of the stop sign is to ensure safety at intersections, where visibility may be limited or where there could be conflicting traffic flows. Stopping allows the driver to assess the intersection for oncoming traffic, pedestrians, and any other hazards before safely continuing their journey.

While the presence of other conditions, such as bad weather or the absence of other traffic, may influence a driver's decision to stop or proceed with caution, the legal requirement dictated by a stop sign necessitates a complete halt. At intersections without any signs, a driver may not be obliged to stop unless there are other rules in place, such as yielding to oncoming traffic. Therefore, the unmistakable directive of a stop sign makes it the definitive requirement for a driver to stop at that intersection.