Stop Sign or Rolling Stop

[JayR]

Being a Boston driver, many times I have had the car in front of me come to that almost-complete stop a full car length ahead of the line or sign. So, as they stop, I am actually coming to my complete stop at the proper line. We both start speeding up again at the same time (not going out of turn or cutting anyone off, just us going through.) I feel weirdly guilty as though I should stop longer or something...though, if the other guy hadn't been there, I would be doing things exactly right and lawfully.

Jay's Driving Note #1...there will be more...

[Biggd]

Originally Posted by JayR

Being a Boston driver, many times I have had the car in front of me come to that almost-complete stop a full car length ahead of the line or sign. So, as they stop, I am actually coming to my complete stop at the proper line. We both start speeding up again at the same time (not going out of turn or cutting anyone off, just us going through.) I feel weirdly guilty as though I should stop longer or something...though, if the other guy hadn't been there, I would be doing things exactly right and lawfully.

Jay's Driving Note #1...there will be more...

I believe the law is, if you stop at a stop sign behind another vehicle, you can continue on through with the first vehicle without stopping again, If I remember correctly from my driving test 53 years ago.

[TiltonBB]

Originally Posted by Biggd

I believe the law is, if you stop at a stop sign behind another vehicle, you can continue on through with the first vehicle without stopping again, If I remember correctly from my driving test 53 years ago.

That is incorrect. Even if you have stopped already with a vehicle in front of you, you must stop when you get to the stop line or intersection. The reason is so you can look to see the intersection is clear before you enter it.

Chapter 89 Section 9 Mass General Laws.
"Except when directed to proceed by a police officer, every driver of a vehicle approaching a stop sign or a flashing red signal indication shall stop at a clearly marked stop line, but if none, before entering the crosswalk on the near side of the intersection"

NH 265:31
II. Except when directed to proceed by a police officer or traffic control signal, every driver of a vehicle approaching a stop intersection indicated by a stop sign shall stop before entering the crosswalk on the near side of the intersection or, in the event there is no crosswalk, shall stop at a clearly marked stop line, but if none, then at a point nearest the intersecting roadway where the driver has a view of approaching traffic on the intersecting roadway before entering the intersection

[Descant]

Originally Posted by Biggd

I believe the law is, if you stop at a stop sign behind another vehicle, you can continue on through with the first vehicle without stopping again, If I remember correctly from my driving test 53 years ago.

I think you're right in NH. Three in MA?

[tis]

Originally Posted by Biggd

I believe the law is, if you stop at a stop sign behind another vehicle, you can continue on through with the first vehicle without stopping again, If I remember correctly from my driving test 53 years ago.

I had a friend from Mass who got a ticket in NH for continuing on through which you can't do in NH. She argued that she could do that in Mass and got off. I should add that was a long time ago.

[TiltonBB]

You cannot do it legally in either state.

Every vehicle must stop at the stop line. Stopping behind another vehicle does not satisfy the law. Stopping then doesn't count. A lot of police officers will look the other way, or let someone off with a warning, but the law is that every vehicle must stop at the stop line.

[TheTimeTraveler]

Here's a strange MA traffic law currently in effect for the last 35 years or so:

If you are driving on a one way street, and you come to another one way street which runs to the left, you are allowed to take a left turn after a full stop at a red traffic signal (and looking to your right to be sure no one is approaching).
Basically, a legal left turn on red if the correct circumstances exist.

Most folks have never heard of it and there are very few intersections where this would actually ever be applicable.

[tis]

Originally Posted by TiltonBB

You cannot do it legally in either state.

Every vehicle must stop at the stop line. Stopping behind another vehicle does not satisfy the law. Stopping then doesn't count. A lot of police officers will look the other way, or let someone off with a warning, but the law is that every vehicle must stop at the stop line.

Mass. must have changed the law at some point then.

[Biggd]

Originally Posted by TiltonBB

You cannot do it legally in either state.

Every vehicle must stop at the stop line. Stopping behind another vehicle does not satisfy the law. Stopping then doesn't count. A lot of police officers will look the other way, or let someone off with a warning, but the law is that every vehicle must stop at the stop line.

It was over 50 years ago when I got my license, that was the law then, not sure about now.

[camp guy]

It seems to me that the answer to this question is blatantly obvious within the question - STOP means stop, not moving, period.

[upthesaukee]

Simple answer: STOP = Spin Tires On Pavement.

Dave

[BroadHopper]

I got pulled over either by New Durham or Alton police once heading west on Rte 11. There was an emergency vehicle with flashing lights and siren heading east. (Ambulance). I pulled over and slowly drove on the shoulder. Shortly I was pulled over and warned that there should be a complete stop when an emergency vehicle passed. First I heard of this on decades of driving.

[TiltonBB]

Originally Posted by BroadHopper

I got pulled over either by New Durham or Alton police once heading west on Rte 11. There was an emergency vehicle with flashing lights and siren heading east. (Ambulance). I pulled over and slowly drove on the shoulder. Shortly I was pulled over and warned that there should be a complete stop when an emergency vehicle passed. First I heard of this on decades of driving.

It has always been the law.

New Hampshire 265:33 Driving of Vehicles on Approach of Authorized Emergency Vehicles. – Upon the immediate approach of an authorized emergency vehicle making use of audible or visual signals or of a police vehicle properly and lawfully making use of an audible or visual signal, the driver of every other vehicle shall yield the right of way and shall immediately drive to a position parallel to, and as close as possible to, the right-hand edge or curb of the roadway clear of any intersection and shall stop and remain in such position until the authorized emergency vehicle has passed, except when otherwise directed by a police officer.

[TheProfessor]

Originally Posted by BroadHopper

I got pulled over either by New Durham or Alton police once heading west on Rte 11. There was an emergency vehicle with flashing lights and siren heading east. (Ambulance). I pulled over and slowly drove on the shoulder. Shortly I was pulled over and warned that there should be a complete stop when an emergency vehicle passed. First I heard of this on decades of driving.

That was one of the questions got wrong on written test many decades ago.
The key word is STOP.