Stoppschilder

Stoppschilder are red, octagonal traffic signs that indicate a mandatory stop for approaching vehicles. They are placed at intersections, junctions with limited visibility, or other points where traffic flow requires careful assessment of cross traffic and pedestrians. The driver must come to a complete stop, check for other vehicles and pedestrians, and proceed only when it is safe.

Design and language vary slightly by country, but the distinctive eight-sided shape is widely recognized internationally. Most signs display the word STOP in white letters on a red background. In some German-speaking regions, the official form uses the same red octagon with the word STOP; in others, local regulations may use different wording. The shape’s prominence is intended to convey the required action even for drivers with limited literacy.

Legal status and standards are governed by national traffic laws and international agreements. The Vienna Convention on Road Signs and Signals (1968) helped standardize the STOP sign as an octagonal red sign with white lettering, contributing to universal recognition across many countries. While the exact wording and accompanying markings can vary, the basic command to halt remains consistent.

Operation at a Stop sign generally requires stopping at the designated line or before entering the intersection, yielding to traffic with priority and to pedestrians, and only continuing when it is safe to do so. Some jurisdictions supplement STOP signs with additional signals, markings, or advanced warnings to improve compliance and safety.

History and usage developed from early 20th-century efforts to reduce vehicle collisions. The octagonal stop sign was designed to be highly visible and widely legible, a standard that has become a familiar feature of modern road networks.