Blind intersection with a stop sign
Look at the picture, read the situation, and mark each of the three statements true (○) or false (✕). All three right scores 2 points.

On the road surface ahead is a large white 'STOP' marking, and there is a red inverted-triangle stop sign. Buildings and shrubbery make it hard to see to the left and right at the intersection, so visibility is poor. This is where a residential street joins a main road. Answer true or false for each of the following.
- (1)Visibility is poor, but you drive straight past the stop sign and enter the intersection.
- (2)You come to a full stop at the stop sign and look left and right before moving off.
- (3)You do not stop before the stop sign, but slow to a stop-ready speed (jokō) while looking left and right.
Show the answers and explanation
- (1) ✕ FalseVisibility is poor, but you drive straight past the stop sign and enter the intersection.
- (2) ○ TrueYou come to a full stop at the stop sign and look left and right before moving off.
- (3) ✕ FalseYou do not stop before the stop sign, but slow to a stop-ready speed (jokō) while looking left and right.
Explanation
At a stop sign you are required to come to a full stop and check for safety (Road Traffic Act, Art. 43). Slowing to a stop-ready speed (jokō) or driving straight through is a failure-to-stop violation; when visibility is poor, looking left and right with your own eyes is especially important (Rules of the Road (kyōsoku), Ch. 5, Sec. 7, 3(3)).
Source: Road Traffic Act, Art. 43 (obligation to stop) / Rules of the Road (kyōsoku), Ch. 5, Sec. 7, 3(3) (stopping)



