Stop Bar Lines

I have a question about Stop Bar Lines. Basically, are they required for a Stop Sign to be legal?

Answer: In a word, no. For stop signs (and yield), the use of a stop (or yield) line is a may (optional) condition. If you decide to start using them, note that you will need to be able to maintain them in the future. That can be very helpful in locations with odd angles or where there is evidence of failures to stop at the correct location. They could also help delineate an intersection where drivers frequently fail to stop at the proper location.

One place a stop line is recommended is for a traffic control signal.

Resources: 

• NYSDOT MUTCD Page - https://www.dot.ny.gov/mutcd
• NYSLTAP-CLRP: Traffic Sign Handbook (2017)
• National MUTCD Section 3B.16 Stop and Yield Lines - https://mutcd.fhwa.dot.gov/htm/2009r1r2r3/part3/part3b.htm#section3B16

Vehicle and Traffic

     § 1172. Stop signs and yield signs. 

(a) Except when directed to proceed by a police officer, every driver of a vehicle approaching a stop sign

• shall stop at a clearly marked stop line, but if none,
• then shall stop before entering the crosswalk on the near side of the intersection, or in the event there is no crosswalk,
• at the point nearest the intersecting roadway where the driver has a view of the approaching traffic on the intersecting roadway before entering the intersection

and the right to proceed shall be subject to the provisions of section eleven hundred forty-two.