Where must you stop at a crosswalk?

Stopping before the line at a crosswalk is essential for ensuring safety and compliance with traffic laws. This practice allows you to have an unobstructed view of pedestrians who may be crossing the street. Stopping before the line gives you the opportunity to see any approaching pedestrians, traffic signals, or potential hazards that would impact your ability to yield appropriately.

In many jurisdictions, including Massachusetts, the law requires drivers to stop at a marked stop line when approaching a crosswalk. The purpose of this line is to designate where vehicles should halt, thus providing adequate space for pedestrians to cross safely. By stopping before the line, you give pedestrians the right of way and help prevent accidents.

Other options, such as stopping at the stop sign or directly at the crosswalk, may not meet legal requirements and could impede pedestrian visibility or violate traffic statutes. Maintaining a safe distance also promotes more orderly traffic flow and encourages adherence to driving regulations.