Is it mandatory that a stop line be used with all STOP signs and traffic signals?
The 2009 MUTCD, in Section 3B.16, states the following Guidance: “stop lines should be used to indicate the point behind which vehicles are required to stop in compliance with a traffic control signal.” As Guidance, this is a recommended but not mandatory condition. The 2009 MUTCD also states in Section 3B.16 that stop lines may be used to indicate the point behind which vehicles are required to stop in compliance with a Stop sign, a Stop Here For Pedestrians sign, or some other traffic control device that requires vehicles to stop. States can adopt policies or supplements to the MUTCD that are more restrictive than the national MUTCD. Most States require stop lines on all signalized approaches, and some States do make the use of a stop line mandatory with all STOP signs in their State.
