Prepare to stop sign
What the Prepare to stop sign means: Traffic ahead is being held, so slow down now and expect to stop for a controller or a light.
- Group
- Roadwork signs
- Does this group carry the law
- Enforceable, and it overrides the permanent signs underneath it.
- In the sign deck
- 3 questions ask about this sign
What to do when you see it
- Come off the accelerator as soon as you see it and begin slowing.
- Look for a traffic controller with a stop or slow bat, or a temporary signal.
- Stop where directed and wait, even when you can see clear road ahead.
- Move off only when the controller or the signal tells you to, at low speed.
Where you see it
On the approach to a work zone where traffic is being held for single lane operation, at temporary signals, and where heavy plant is crossing the road.
Across the states and territories
The sign and the controller system are used nationally. What differs is the penalty regime and, in some jurisdictions, the requirement to slow to a stated speed when passing a controller or a work vehicle, so read the temporary signs in front of you rather than assuming the rules from home.
Tell it apart from these
- Prepare to stopthis pageTraffic signals ahead
The yellow diamond warns of permanent lights. The orange sign warns of a temporary hold that may have no lights at all.
Traffic signals ahead: Traffic lights are ahead, often where you cannot see them from far away, so be ready to stop.
- Prepare to stopthis pageStop ahead
Stop ahead points to a permanent stop sign. Prepare to stop points to a person or a temporary signal that decides when you go.
Stop ahead: There is a stop sign just ahead, so slow down and prepare to stop completely.
How the knowledge tests use it
The tested point is that a traffic controller's direction overrides the signs and the signals around them.
What does this sign mean?
This orange sign is used before a work zone where a traffic controller or a temporary signal holds traffic. You may or may not have to stop, but you must be ready to.
State and territory driver handbooks, roadworks
Common questions
- What does the Prepare to stop sign mean?
- Traffic ahead is being held, so slow down now and expect to stop for a controller or a light.
- What should you do when you see a Prepare to stop sign?
- Come off the accelerator as soon as you see it and begin slowing. Look for a traffic controller with a stop or slow bat, or a temporary signal. Stop where directed and wait, even when you can see clear road ahead. Move off only when the controller or the signal tells you to, at low speed.
- Where is the Prepare to stop sign used?
- On the approach to a work zone where traffic is being held for single lane operation, at temporary signals, and where heavy plant is crossing the road.
- What is the Prepare to stop sign confused with?
- Traffic signals ahead: The yellow diamond warns of permanent lights. The orange sign warns of a temporary hold that may have no lights at all. Stop ahead: Stop ahead points to a permanent stop sign. Prepare to stop points to a person or a temporary signal that decides when you go.
- How do the knowledge tests ask about the Prepare to stop sign?
- The tested point is that a traffic controller's direction overrides the signs and the signals around them.
Try it in a question
Original practice questions, not the official bank. How we write and check them.
More roadwork signs
Orange plate with a black legend or symbol.