Stop Signs and Visual Obstructions

[QuestionPoster]

I live in a county where, it seems, half the stop sign "catch bars" (the white lines painted on the road where cars should stop at a stop sign -- is that the name of those lines? That's my term...) were painted over 20 years ago -- when the trees and shrubs were all fresh out of one-gallon pots. I can't figure out how some local fences are approved, either -- they clearly block a driver's view at these intersections.

Now, the shrubs are grown up, tree trunks are thuck, fences are in the way, and it seems that when I pull up to some local stop signs (and stop at the designated catch bar), I can't see too far down the street left or right -- especially left. Is it legal for me to make a complete stop at a stop sign bar, then slowly and safely edge up to where I can see a block or two down the road for safety, or is that, technically, an act of "running a stop sign"? I read on here a long time ago that to edge up beyond a traffic light, when the light is red, is legally "running a red light." Any thoughts on the stop sign scenario?

Thanks for any insight.

[Citicop]

Obviously, you would be left with three choices:

1.) Stop somewhere other than the designated place (e.g. further up).

2.) Stop at the designated place and then just go and hope there is nothing coming.

3.) Stop at the designated area and then edge up to make sure it is safe.

I'll let you answer your own question. Which one do YOU think you should do?

-Citicop.

[QuestionPoster]

#3 seems to be the common-sense choice; I guess I am just overthinking this one a bit. Thanks

[Citicop]

No problem.

You can't really go wrong with #3.

[manahmanah]

They're called "limit lines". Stop at the limit line, then inch your way forward to check for traffic. You'll be fine.

[Roger Dat]

Call your local town or city public works department and report any overgrown signs. Most of the time they will take a look at themand if there is a problem trim the trees or shrubs.

[pac201]

Call your local town or city public works department and report any overgrown signs. Most of the time they will take a look at themand if there is a problem trim the trees or shrubs.

better yet, if you have a camera you could send photos of the intersections; just be sure to identify where they are...

[Kimble]

You can't really go wrong with #3.

Or common sense in general, for that matter.

[QuestionPoster]

Great idea about taking photos of the overgrown shrubs, etc. I think I need to, because there are a couple intersections I am thinking about right now that just seem like absolute hazards due to the overgrowth.

Thanks for your advice, everyone.

[phantasm]

If there's a stop line, stop at it.
If there's no stop line, then stop at the sign/curb line.
If you stop at the stop line, and don't have a clear view of the intersection, than inch up slowly until you do have a clear view, and proceed when its safe to do so.

Common sense.