Sometimes I come across solid white lines in the middle of streets (not parking exits,...) where there is no red STOP sign or written word STOP on the street. Moreover, there is either no traffic light, or it is off/flashing yellow.
I try to do a full-stop before them and then continue my way, but it looks very weird to me, especially when cars are behind. May I ask what is the most lawful thing to do under these circumstances? The resources I have look contradicting/vague...
If you mean solid white lines accross the lane it could for example mean, you have to stop there if there is a queue, in order not to block off people who come towards you and need to turn left = Leave a gap for them to be able to do that.
Without any further signs or traffic lights it's the point up to where you are allowed to go when letting others pass, there's no need to stop if the road is clear and you can just move on.
Solid white line means do not cross so stop whether it says so or not.
It means " stop here, if you have to stop" . Only with a sign telling you to do so you're forced to always stop.
I don't recall seeing what you describe. Maybe the SwissinUS will give you an answer when he returns from the week-end.
In Winterthur for example most bicycle paths are paved in red = very obvious, so those lines are not really necessary.
You must stop and look both sides in theory. But just like einspuren most cannot bother. Maybe just during the exam.
What would according to you be the difference with these stripes with or without a stop sign?
More recently, my wife is practicing for the driving test and this is one area she keeps getting wrong so we looked it up. It is probably something that could fail you.
https://www.admin.ch/opc/de/classifi...000/741.21.pdf
Art. 75
Like I mentioned, in our case, are the line before the tram crossing.
No need to stop, if you do not have to stop. EdwinNL said, and linked it correctly:
Here the actual law just for reference:
Art. 75 SSV https://www.admin.ch/opc/de/classifi...index.html#a75
You have to stop there in case:
- It is part of a Stop signal.
- The traffic light is red.
- You would block the "intersection"
- You have to give way to other traffic. (Priority from the right, trams, etc.)
"Intersection" because, it also includes railway and tram tracks, bus lines, and most importantly outlets.
Some Examples:
Railway: https://goo.gl/maps/NJAxFDyGdbA2
Tram: https://goo.gl/maps/9tHbDyvA5jQ2
Outlet: https://goo.gl/maps/YKFT1Rbfox32
Left turn lane: https://goo.gl/maps/nRtwJpiUtXw
Traffic light: https://goo.gl/maps/Ze6a4Jy1BNw
If an traffic light is blinking orange, than signals (Stop, Yield), street marking (shark teeth), priority from the right apply.
If there is stop signal AND a green traffic light, then the traffic light precedes the stop signal and no stop is needed!
If there is policeman controlling traffic then this preceded any traffic light, signals, and road markings.
If hell brakes lose,all street marking, signals, and traffic lights gone or non functioning, than we still have priory from the right to keep traffic going.
Be aware: If you do a full stop on such a line if not needed (intersections, outlets etc.) or mandated (stop, actual red lights, closed railway crossing) expect: Angry people, honking, and potential rear ends.
"Fun" thing is that we both refer to the same text, but completely contradict each other.
Where in this text do you find that we are demanded to always stop?
In other cases it is generally speaking: slow down, prepare to break (Bremsbereitschaft erstellen), asses situation, proceed if the way is clear.
If anything happens, it proves that the circumstances required a stop.
So my advice: Stop.
Take this picture which aSwissInTheUS linked to. The light is either green or red with all the space needed, there's no other traffic involved. Why would anyone want to stop for the line besides hoping that a hopefully properly insured car would slam into you from the behind.
Full stop meaning the car wheels have to be completely stationary. Everything else is a "Rollstop" and may get you fined (if the cop decides to be anal). The white line across your lane shows before what point you have to have condluded the manoeuvre. The signpost only gives you fair warning so you have enough time to break, prepare, etc. but what counts is the sign on the asphalt. Just because someone happens to have run over the signpost doesn't do away with your duty to stop fully.
With that said, not every solid white line across your lane is a STOP. A white line, or a blue line, or two lines (one white, one blue) running across the road, i.e. across all lanes in both directions, serves as demarcation for blue and white parking zone, respectively. You stop for neither of these as they have no meaning for the moving traffic.
OP, my suggestion:
Study the theory material for the drivers test. Even though it costs next to nothing it may save you hundreds or thougsands by keeping you from being held guilty of causing an accident. Money and time well spent indeed. And don't even mention the bad conscience you save yourself from having by causing a person (especially a child) to get seriously hurt.
