Stop sign Facts for Kids

A stop sign in Australia

A stop sign is a very important road sign. You often see them at places where roads meet, especially if there are no traffic lights. This sign tells drivers to stop their vehicle completely when they reach the crossroad. They can only go forward when the road is clear and it's safe to do so. If other cars are coming, they must wait for those vehicles to pass first. Once the way is clear, the driver can continue. The stop sign is one of the most well-known and important signs for road traffic safety.

Stop Signs Around the World
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Stop Signs Around the World

Stop signs are used in many countries, but they don't always look exactly the same. In some places, the word "STOP" is written in the local language. For example, in Quebec (Canada), the sign might say "ARRÊT". Other countries like Japan also use their own language on the sign. Years ago, some countries used different symbols or designs for their stop signs.

Different Stop Signs You Might See

Argentina
Canada (English-speaking areas)
Canada (Quebec and French-speaking areas)
Canada (Nunavut, Inuit language)
Canada (Abenaki language)
Canada (Cree language)
Canada (Mi'Kmaq language)
Canada (Mohawk language)
Canada (Wendat language)
China
Cuba
Ethiopia
Hong Kong
Iran
Ireland (English)
Ireland (Irish)
Israel
Italy
Japan
Jordan
Laos
Libya
Mexico
Mongolia
Morocco
Morocco (Berber language)
Nepal
Netherlands
Northern Cyprus
Pakistan
Poland
Singapore
South Korea
Taiwan
Thailand
Tonga
Turkey
United Arab Emirates
United States
United States (Puerto Rico)
United States (Cherokee language)
Zimbabwe

Older Stop Signs

Former UK stop sign until 1975 (still used in the Bahamas)
Old version of the STOP sign in the United Arab Emirates
Old Italian stop sign until 1992
Old Finnish stop sign (1957-1971)
Old Swedish stop sign
Stop sign used in South Vietnam
First German stop sign
German stop sign (1938-1953 BRD; 1938-1956 DDR)
German stop sign (1953-1956 BRD)
German stop sign (1956-1970 BRD)
German stop sign (1956-1977 DDR)
Old American stop sign

"Stop Ahead" Warning Signs

Sometimes, before you reach a stop sign, you'll see a warning sign that says "Stop Ahead." This sign tells drivers that a stop sign is coming up soon. It gives them time to slow down and get ready to stop safely. These warning signs also look different in various countries.