How long should you stop at a stop sign?

When you pull up to a stop sign, should you come to a complete halt and count to three?

Plenty of people might think the answer is yes, but the official road rules disagree.

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So, how long should drivers be stopped at a stop sign? 

In Australia, there is not stipulated length of time you need to be stationary at a stop sign, stop line, or intersection with no traffic lights or road markings. 

Every state and territory follows the same road rule, which states: You must come to a complete stop before the stop line (or intersection if there is no stop line) and follow the give-way rules for any vehicles or pedestrians on the road. 

So why is it that so many of us think you need to be stopped for exactly three seconds?

Some driving schools teach their students to count to three at a stop sign to prevent them from rolling through the stop sign, which constitutes an immediate fail on a driving test.

This could be where many of us have assumed that there is indeed a three-second rule when in fact, it’s just been over-cautious driving instructors wanting to ensure their students pass their driving exams.

Yes, the rule about coming to a complete stop at a stop sign is nationwide – and penalties for failing to do so will vary from state to state.

“Regulatory signs, like stop signs, are there for safety and to advise what you can and can’t do," a Victorian Department of Transport and Planning spokesperson told Drive.

“When approaching a stop sign or stop line – you must always come to a complete stop and give way to road users before proceeding when safe to do so. There is no specific time period.” 

In Victoria, the fine for not stopping at a stop sign is $384 and three demerit points, or a maximum court penalty of 10 units ($1293).

Meanwhile, on the lower end of the penalty scale, Tasmania gives out a fine of $195 with three demerit points for failing to come to a complete stop at a Stop sign.

On the upper end of the penalty spectrum, South Australia will serve you with three demerit points and hit you with a $499 fine.