When approaching a stop sign, what must a driver do?

When approaching a stop sign, a driver must come to a complete stop before entering the intersection. This rule is crucial for ensuring safety at intersections where drivers need to assess the situation and determine if it's clear to proceed. Stopping allows the driver to observe any other vehicles, pedestrians, or cyclists that may have the right of way. It's a fundamental traffic law designed to prevent accidents and promote safe driving practices.

While slowing down and proceeding with caution might seem reasonable, it does not fulfill the requirement to stop explicitly mandated by a stop sign. Similarly, yielding to oncoming traffic may apply in certain scenarios, but this is dependent on having already stopped to evaluate the situation at the intersection. Turning right if safe does not address the requirements at a stop sign either, as it assumes that the driver has already completed the necessary stop and assessment of the intersection. Hence, the requirement for a complete stop is key to ensuring that all road users can navigate the intersection safely.