What Exactly Is a Rolling Stop?

A rolling stop is when a driver only slows down when they’re supposed to stop, such as at a stop sign or a red stoplight. The driver typically slows to a speed below 5 miles per hour (mph), with their vehicle’s wheels not fully stopping. It’s an illegal maneuver, and one of the main causes of intersection accidents. In this article, we’ll be looking at the formal definition of a rolling stop, the legal repercussions for performing one, and why it’s so dangerous to do so.

What Is a Rolling Stop in Driving?

Also known as a “California Stop,” a rolling stop is an illegal driving maneuver that many drivers and other motorists perform in the interest of saving time. As we’ve mentioned, to come to a rolling stop, the driver slows their vehicle down significantly before a stop sign or a red traffic light but doesn’t completely stop before proceeding. The term “rolling stop” comes from the fact that the vehicle’s wheels don’t stop rolling despite the slow down.

When faced with a stop sign or a red light, drivers need to perform a full stop, legally referred to as a “complete cessation” from movement, if they want to comply with country-wide traffic laws. A full stop is when a vehicle has no forward velocity and the speedometer reads 0 mph. When performing a full stop at a stop sign, it’s usually best to stop long enough to be noticeable. Of course, drivers should also wait until they have the right of way before starting again from a full stop.

Rolling Stop Dangers

Rolling stops occur most often at intersections, which is dangerous for pedestrians and other drivers. This is due to the amount of nonverbal miscommunication that happens when a driver decides to come to a rolling stop. Other motorists and pedestrians see a stop sign or a red light and assume that all vehicles at the intersection will obey traffic laws and come to a full stop. If drivers decide to come to a rolling stop instead, the risk of collisions and other accidents increases. It’s especially risky because all the vehicles at the intersection have blind spots and won’t always see when a vehicle comes to a rolling stop instead of a full stop.

As per the US Department of Transportation (DOT), of all the crashes that lead to injury or death, more than half occur either at or near intersections.

Rolling Stop Penalties

Rolling stop penalties differ from state to state, but for the most part, you can expect to face at least a ticket and a fine. The reason you came to a rolling stop can also affect your penalty. You’ll face distracted driving charges if you came to a rolling stop because you were on the phone or eating. If you were in a hurry, then you’ll likely also receive a moving violation.

If coming to a rolling stop leads to a bad accident or injuries to another party, you’ll likely face criminal charges and civil suits

Performing a rolling stop while driving might seem tempting at first, especially if you’re pressed for time. But considering how much harm it can do, it’s best to sacrifice the extra few seconds in favor of driving safely.