What is the difference between a stop line and a yield line at an intersection?

• A. A stop line marks where to stop; a yield line marks where to yield to other traffic.
• B. A stop line marks where to yield; a yield line marks where to stop.
• C. Both lines indicate stopping; they are the same.
• D. There is no difference.

Answer: (A)

The difference comes from what action the marking tells you to take as you approach an intersection. A stop line is a solid white line across your lane; when you reach it at a stop sign or red light, you must come to a complete stop behind the line, then look for cross traffic and pedestrians and proceed only when it’s safe. A yield line is a row of triangular pavement markings (often called shark teeth) across the approach; it tells you to slow down and yield the right of way to traffic on the cross street (and to pedestrians), entering the intersection only when there’s a safe gap. You don’t have to stop at a yield line if there’s no conflicting traffic.