What is the proper way to stop at crosswalks with stop lines?

• A. Stop behind the stop line or crosswalk, and proceed only when the intersection is clear.
• B. Stop behind the crosswalk to keep pedestrians from crossing.
• C. Stop two car lengths before the line.
• D. Stop in the middle of the intersection.

Answer: (A)

When you reach a crosswalk with a stop line, stop at the line itself, with the front of your vehicle behind it. This positions you to clearly see the intersection and any pedestrians, and it keeps the crosswalk open for them. You can proceed only when the intersection is clear and it’s safe to do so.

Blocking the crosswalk or stopping in front of it to deter pedestrians is unsafe and illegal. Stopping well before the line or halfway through the intersection also creates confusion or blocks traffic, rather than ensuring a safe, orderly move through the intersection.