Stoppschild

Stoppschild is the common German name for the international traffic sign that requires drivers to come to a complete stop. It is typically used at intersections or junctions where visibility is limited or where it is necessary to enforce a controlled entry. The sign is octagonal, has a red background with a white border, and usually bears the letters STOP.

The Stoppschild is part of the regulatory signs in many countries and is standardized under international road-safety conventions, such as the Vienna Convention on Road Signs and Signals. In German-speaking countries it is commonly referred to as Stoppschild (also Stopp-Schild) and is recognized as an obligation sign. Road authorities may place it at approaches where stopping is mandatory before proceeding, such as near railway crossings, pedestrian-heavy areas, or where another road has priority but visibility is poor.

Rules of operation typically require drivers to come to a full stop at a marked stop line, crosswalk, or before entering the intersection. After stopping, drivers must yield to all other traffic and pedestrians with priority and proceed only when it is safe to do so. If multiple vehicles reach the stop at the same time, local traffic regulations determine the right-of-way.

Variations exist in signage language and exact placement, but the essential function remains consistent: to ensure safety by forcing a complete cessation of movement and careful assessment of cross-traffic and pedestrians before continuing. The Stoppschild is one of the most recognizable traffic signs worldwide due to its distinctive octagonal shape.