What is the purpose of a stop line at intersections?

The purpose of a stop line at intersections is to indicate where vehicles must stop. This marking is essential for maintaining orderly traffic flow and ensuring the safety of all road users, including pedestrians and cyclists. The stop line is usually painted as a solid white line and is positioned at a safe distance from the intersection, allowing vehicles to stop without blocking cross traffic or obstructing pedestrians crossing the road.

When drivers see a stop line, they know to bring their vehicle to a complete stop before proceeding, especially at traffic signals or stop signs. This helps to prevent accidents and collisions by clearly defining the stopping point, thus minimizing the risk of vehicles encroaching into the intersection when it is not safe to do so.