North Carolina Stop Sign Laws

Stop signs are critical traffic control devices that help prevent accidents and keep traffic flowing safely. In North Carolina, drivers are required to follow specific laws regarding stop signs, and failure to obey these laws can result in significant penalties, fines, and even civil liability if an accident occurs. Understanding North Carolina’s stop sign laws is essential for maintaining safety on the road and avoiding legal consequences.

Here’s a breakdown of North Carolina’s stop sign laws and the penalties for violations.

North Carolina Stop Sign Laws

North Carolina General Statutes (NCGS) § 20-158 regulates stop signs and other traffic control devices. The law requires that drivers come to a complete stop at all stop signs and yield the right-of-way to other vehicles or pedestrians when necessary.

• NCGS § 20-158(b)(1): "When a stop sign has been erected at an intersection, the driver of any vehicle approaching the intersection shall stop in obedience to the sign and shall yield the right-of-way to any vehicle in the intersection or approaching on another highway so closely as to constitute an immediate hazard."

Requirements for Stopping at a Stop Sign

When approaching a stop sign, North Carolina safety law requires drivers to come to a complete stop at the designated stop line, crosswalk, or, if none is present, before entering the intersection.

• Complete stop: A complete stop means that the vehicle must come to a full halt with no forward movement. Rolling stops, where the vehicle slows down but does not fully stop, are illegal.
• Position of stop: If a stop line is marked on the road, you must stop before this line. If there is no stop line, you must stop before entering the crosswalk. If no crosswalk is present, you must stop before entering the intersection.

After stopping, drivers must yield the right-of-way to any other vehicle or pedestrian who has the legal right to proceed. Only when the intersection is clear and it is safe to proceed should the driver move forward.

Yielding the Right-of-Way at Stop Signs

North Carolina law also governs how drivers must yield the right-of-way at stop signs. The general rule is that the vehicle that arrives first at the stop sign has the right-of-way. However, when two vehicles arrive at the same time, the driver on the left must yield to the driver on the right.

Additionally, drivers must yield to pedestrians who are crossing the road in a marked or unmarked crosswalk at the intersection.

• NCGS § 20-158(b)(2): "The driver of a vehicle approaching an intersection controlled by a stop sign shall stop as required, and after having stopped, shall yield the right-of-way to pedestrians crossing the roadway and to vehicles that have entered the intersection from another street or highway."
  Penalties for Failing to Obey Stop Sign Laws in North Carolina

Failing to obey a stop sign can result in various penalties, including fines, points on your driver’s license, and potential civil liability if the violation results in an accident. North Carolina takes stop sign violations seriously, and drivers caught disobeying these laws may face the following consequences:

1. Fines

The typical fine for failing to stop at a stop sign in North Carolina ranges from $100 to $250, depending on the jurisdiction and the specific circumstances of the violation. In some cases, additional court costs may apply.

2. Driver’s License Points
North Carolina uses a point system to track traffic violations. If you fail to stop at a stop sign, three points will be added to your driving record. Accumulating too many points can result in the suspension or revocation of your driver’s license.

3. Increased Insurance Premiums
Traffic violations, including failure to obey a stop sign, can result in increased auto insurance premiums. Insurance companies consider these violations when calculating risk, and repeated violations can lead to significant rate hikes.

4. Civil Liability
If your failure to stop at a stop sign results in an accident, you may be held civilly liable for any damages caused. Victims of the accident can file a personal injury lawsuit to recover compensation for:

• Medical expenses
• Lost wages
• Pain and suffering
• Property damage

In cases where the accident results in death, the victim’s family may file a wrongful death lawsuit to recover damages for funeral expenses, loss of companionship, and other losses.

Stop Signs in Special Zones

In certain areas, such as school zones and construction zones, stop sign violations may carry enhanced penalties due to the increased risk to pedestrians and workers.

School Zones

In school zones, the safety of children is paramount, and North Carolina law imposes stricter enforcement of stop sign laws. If you fail to stop at a stop sign in a school zone, you may face additional fines and points on your license. School zone violations are particularly serious because children may be crossing the street or walking near traffic.

Construction Zones

Similarly, failure to stop at a stop sign in a construction zone can result in enhanced penalties. Construction workers are often working near active traffic, and stop signs are placed to ensure their safety. Violating stop sign laws in these areas can lead to doubled fines and increased legal consequences.

What to Do If You’re Involved in an Accident at a Stop Sign

Accidents at stop signs are common, particularly when one driver fails to stop or yield the right-of-way. If you are involved in an accident at a stop sign, here are the steps you should take:

• Check for injuries: Make sure everyone involved in the accident is safe and seek medical attention if needed.
• Call law enforcement: Report the accident to the police so they can create an official accident report. This report can be crucial if there are disputes over who was at fault.
• Exchange information: Collect the names, contact information, and insurance details of all drivers involved in the accident.
• Document the scene: Take photos of the vehicles, the stop sign, and the intersection. If possible, gather witness statements from anyone who saw the accident.
• Consult a car accident attorney: If the accident resulted in significant injury or property damage, it’s important to consult with a personal injury attorney to protect your rights and seek compensation for your losses.

How The Law Offices of John M. McCabe Can Help

If you’ve been involved in an accident caused by a driver failing to obey a stop sign or if you’ve been ticketed for a stop sign violation, The Law Offices of John M. McCabe can provide the legal guidance you need. Our experienced team is dedicated to protecting your rights and ensuring that negligent drivers are held accountable for their actions.

We can help you understand your options, whether you are seeking compensation for injuries or defending against a traffic violation. Contact us today for a free consultation to discuss your case and learn how we can assist you.