Is it considered a rolling stop? Understanding Florida law on the matter

ORLANDO, Fla. – Ah, the great debate—what exactly does “STOP” mean at a stop sign?

For some drivers, stopping at a stop sign may sometimes feel like just a friendly suggestion rather than a strict rule. You may have seen it before: the slow approach, a light tap on the brakes, and the mindset of “I glanced, so it’s all good.”

But here’s the shocking truth — STOP actually means STOP.

Not “kind of stop.”

Not “slow down and hope for the best.”

Not “I didn’t see anyone, so it doesn’t count.”

Nope. It means your vehicle must come to a complete and total rest with zero forward movement. Wild concept, right?

When you come across an intersection with a red octagonal sign, it’s not hinting at yielding, but commanding you to stop. Surprisingly, Florida law has clear regulations regarding stop signs, consisting of two key parts.

1. First, you must actually stop. (Revolutionary, I know.)

2. Second, you must yield the right of way to any vehicles (or pedestrians) you’re supposed to be stopping for.

Therefore, let’s be clear: Stop means stop. Go means proceed. Avoid any rolling stops, guesswork, or considering it as a choice. It’s time to bring back the trend of making complete stops!

If you have a traffic question for Trooper Steve, submit it here.