Stop bars should be used to indicate the point behind which vehicles are required to stop in compliance with a traffic control device. Stop bars should not be used without an accompanying traffic control device, i.e. a stop sign or a traffic signal.
Signalized intersections
The placement of stop bars at all signalized intersections requires coordination with the Signal Design Unit. The station of the stop bars and the quantity shall be shown in the Pavement Marking Plans.
Unsignalized intersections
The placement of stop bars at all unsignalized intersections shall be located per RSD 1205.04 and shown on the Pavement Marking plans. On all sheets with stop bars at unsignalized intersections include the note “ENGINEER TO APPROVE LOCATION OF ALL UNSIGNALIZED STOP BARS." on the plans.
The following list is intended to provide guidance on the use of stop bars for various unsignalized locations. The use or non-use of stop bars is pending NCDOT approval.
Required
- Intersection of SR routes (unless otherwise approved by NCDOT)
- Railroad Crossings
- Large Commercial Driveways
- Private Roads intersecting an NC Highway system road
Recommended
- Divided Multi-lane roadway crossover with >30' median
Typically not to be used - Super street left overs
- Left turn lanes
- Right Turn Lanes
- Multi-family Residential Driveways
- Single-family Driveways
- Small Commercial Driveways
Shall not be used
- Mid-block pedestrian crossings unless Stop Here for Pedestrians signs are used instead of Yield Here to Pedestrians signs (See Note MUTCD Fig3B-17)
- Roundabouts
- Divided Multi-lane roadway crossover with <30' median
Applicable Standards
1205.04 PAVEMENT MARKNGS – INTERSECTIONS
1205.07 PAVEMENT MARKNGS – PEDESTRIAN CROSSWALKS
1205.11 PAVEMENT MARKNGS – RAILROAD CROSSINGS
Additional Resources
MUTCD Section 3B.16 Stop and Yield Lines (Link)
ITS and Signals Unit Design Manual Part 1 - Signal Design – Std 9.1 Stop Lines (Link)
