What must you do at a stop sign in Ontario?
Come to a complete stop, then go when the way is clear
This red octagon is a stop sign. You must come to a complete stop, then proceed only when the way is clear. Slowing down without fully stopping is not enough. It is against the law.
Why the other answers are wrong
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Slow down and continue if no one is coming
A stop sign asks for a full stop every time, even when nothing is coming. Slowing down is what a yield sign asks for, and this red eight-sided sign is not that.
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Stop only if another vehicle is already waiting
The sign does not depend on other traffic. You stop first at the stop line, crosswalk or edge of the intersection, then look. Other vehicles only decide who goes next, not whether you stop.
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Merge with cross traffic without stopping
Merging without stopping belongs to the merge sign, where two roads going the same way join into one. A stop sign controls an intersection, so you must already be stopped before you enter it.
Quick way to remember
A red eight-sided sign means one specific action, every time.
Based on the official Ontario MTO Driver's Handbook.
Reading it once is not enough
Drill this question in a scored round and find out what else you are shaky on.
Practise Road Signs: The Basics
