Stop ahead
What does it mean?
A STOP sign controls traffic farther ahead. This advance warning helps you prepare when the stop control may be hard to see or needs extra emphasis.
What to do when you see it
- Begin slowing smoothly and look for the actual STOP sign.
- Watch for a queue of vehicles before the intersection.
- Make the required complete stop at the appropriate stopping point.
How to recognize it
- Yellow diamond.
- An upward arrow appears above a small red octagon.
On the road
A hill hides the stop sign at the next junction. The advance warning lets you slow before the crest and stop at the marked line once the junction comes into view.
Don’t confuse it with
Yield ahead
Yield Ahead contains a downward triangle instead of a red octagon.
Signal ahead
Signal Ahead shows a traffic-light symbol rather than a stop symbol.
Put the meaning into practice
The related quiz includes this sign and other study questions. State practice can also cover local rules; it is not an official DMV exam.
Common U.S. sign recognition, reviewed October 3, 2026. Actual sign values, additional plaques and local rules can change how you should respond.