Stop Sign Installation Guidelines

Stop signs play an important role in assigning right-of-way and keeping intersections safe. However, their installation must follow engineering standards to ensure they are effective, appropriate, and legally enforceable.

The City follows guidance from the California Manual on Uniform Traffic Control Devices (CA MUTCD) and the California Vehicle Code (CVC) to determine where stop signs are warranted. This ensures stop signs are used consistently and safely across all jurisdictions in the state.

Stop signs tell drivers, pedestrians, and bicyclists at an intersection who has the right-of-way. Their primary purpose is to make intersections safer by assigning this right-of-way clearly and consistently.

Stop signs are not intended to slow down traffic, reduce speeding, or discourage cut-through traffic.  In fact, the use of stop signs as a traffic calming device can create safety risks and lead to poor compliance.  Further, overuse of stop signs can reduce their effectiveness when conflicting traffic on the side-street is low and drivers do not expect to have to yield right-of-way. 

The City follows state law and engineering standards from the California Manual on Uniform Traffic Control Devices (CA MUTCD) and the California Vehicle Code.

National guidelines, called warrants, are used to determine where stop signs are appropriate. These warrants are based on:

• The likelihood that vehicles, pedestrians, or cyclists will arrive at the same time
• Delays for side-street traffic trying to enter or cross a major street
• Whether people have enough visibility and time to cross or turn safely
• Crash history due to unclear right-of-way

Stop sign warrants are not based on speeding or driver complaints.

• Minor-Street Stop Signs (two-way stops) are used where a side street needs to yield to a busier or more important road.
• Multi-Way Stop Signs (four-way or three-way stops) may be used at intersections with similar traffic volumes on all approaches or where safety issues exist while waiting for a traffic signal.

“Warrants” are technical criteria established by the CA MUTCD. Stop signs may be recommended if one or more of the following conditions apply:

For Minor-Street Stop Signs:

• High Traffic Volumes on the main street (typically 6,000+ vehicles/day)
• Limited Visibility that prevents safe merging or crossing
• Crash History — 3+ crashes in 12 months or 5+ in 2 years due to right-of-way violations
• Location Factors, such as:
  • Close to schools, parks, or shopping areas
  • Steep grades or blind spots
  • Intersections with complex turning movements or high pedestrian activity

For Multi-Way Stop Signs:

• Equal Traffic Volumes approaching from all directions
• Signal Planned — used temporarily while a traffic signal is being designed/installed
• Crash History — 5+ preventable crashes in 12 months
• Traffic Delay — minor street vehicles experience significant wait times
• Visibility Issues that affect safe operations

Can Residents Request a Stop Sign?

Yes. Residents and business owners may submit a Transportation Action Request (TAR) form for City review. Engineering staff will evaluate the intersection based on traffic counts, visibility, crash history, and other safety factors.

If the intersection meets the technical criteria, staff may recommend installation. If not, other traffic management tools may be considered.

Note: Not all requests result in stop sign installation. Only intersections that meet engineering criteria will qualify. 

Further, denials of stop sign requests by the City’s Engineering Department are not subject to appeal to the Transportation and Circulation Commission.