What’s the Difference Between Stop, Yield, and Go?
Think of these three actions as the ABCs of driving. Every vehicle sign has its own meaning, and once you understand them, you’ll find it much easier to follow the road safely.
STOP
A red vehicle sign that means you must stop completely. No rolling stops, no “I slowed down small.” Your wheels must stop moving entirely, even if no car is coming.
Think of it like when your mother tells you to stop talking during prayer, you don’t just talk quieter, you stop completely.
YIELD (or Give Way)
The yield or give way signs are upside-down triangles with a red border and white background, boldly showing the word “YIELD.”
They simply mean you should slow down and let other vehicles or pedestrians go first if they’re already there. Think of it like queuing at the bank, the person who arrived first goes before you.
The yield sign is clear: be ready to stop if needed, but you can keep moving if the road is free.
GO
This means it’s safe to move. But don’t just rush forward; first check that the road is clear, no one is on the pedestrian walk, and no other vehicle has the right of way. Think of it like waiting your turn in a game; once the road is free, you can move.
Where are STOP signs and YIELD Signs Located?
You'll usually find these 'stop and yield' traffic signs at places where safety is most important, in several locations across Nigeria. Some common spots include:
- Road Junctions: At a two-way road or two-way intersection sign, you’ll often see a STOP or YIELD sign to guide who moves first.
- Roundabouts: Yield signs are common here. They remind you to give way to traffic already inside the roundabout.
- School Areas: STOP signs are common near schools to protect children crossing at a pedestrian crossing light or pedestrian walk.
- Estate Gates: Many estates place STOP signs at their gates to control cars entering or leaving.
- Main Roads: When joining a busy main road from a smaller street, you may see a yield right-of-way sign telling you to allow the main traffic to pass first.
Knowing where to expect these signs makes it easier to obey Nigerian traffic law and stay safe on the road.
Understanding when to Stop, Yield, and Go
Knowing when to stop, yield, or go keeps you out of accidents, helps you obey Nigeria traffic law, and makes road junctions less confusing.
When You Must Stop
You must make a complete stop in these situations:
- At a STOP sign: Always stop fully at the straight white line or where the sign is placed. Take a moment to check left, right, and left again before moving.
- Pedestrian Crossings: Whether it’s a pedestrian crossing light or zebra stripes, stop when people are crossing. Don’t try to squeeze through, it’s risky and against Nigerian traffic law.
- At Red Traffic Lights: When the light is red, stop and wait until it turns green, no rushing.
- When a Traffic Officer Signals: If an FRSC officer or traffic warden asks you to stop, you must obey. Their hand signals override any stop-and-go traffic signs.
- Behind School Buses: If a school bus stops to pick up or drop off children, you must stop too. Safety comes first.
When to Yield (Give Way)
Learning when to yield helps you avoid accidents and follow road rules the right way. Here are common times you must slow down or stop:
- At Yield Signs: When you see a yield right-of-way sign, slow down and let vehicles that got there first go ahead. Think of it like letting elders enter a room before you.
- Entering Roundabouts: Always give way to cars already inside the roundabout. Forcing your way in is dangerous and can cause accidents.
- At Uncontrolled Intersections: If there are no signs, the vehicle on your right usually has the right of way. If you’re unsure, it’s safer to yield and wave the other driver to go first.
- Turning Left from a Side Road: When entering a main road from a smaller street, let the cars on the main road pass first; they have priority.
- To Pedestrians: Always allow people to cross at a pedestrian walk, even if there’s no traffic light.
- To Emergency Vehicles: Ambulances, fire trucks, and police cars with sirens and flashing lights always come first. Pull aside and let them pass.
When It’s Safe to Go
Knowing when to move is just as important as knowing when to stop. Here’s how to decide:
- After a Full Stop: Once you’ve stopped at a stop sign, check left, right, and left again. If no cars or pedestrians are coming, you can go.
- When the Road is Clear: Don’t just look for cars, check for okadas, bicycles, and pedestrians too. Nigerian roads are busy, and okadas, especially, can appear from nowhere.
- <After Yielding: If you’ve given way and the other vehicle has passed, check again before moving. Sometimes more than one car could be coming.
- At Green Lights: Even with a green light, take a quick look to ensure no one is running the red light from the other direction.
- In Roundabouts: Once you're inside a roundabout, you have the right of way over vehicles trying to enter. Signal when you’re leaving and proceed to your desired road.
Penalties for Ignoring Stop Signs
In Nigeria, failing to obey stop or yield signs is a serious traffic offence, and the FRSC doesn’t take it lightly. Here’s what can happen if you ignore them:
- Fines: You can be fined for not stopping at a stop sign or pedestrian crossing light, and the amount can hit your pocket hard, especially if you’re a commercial driver.
- License Points: Repeated offences can add points to your driving record, which may affect your license in the long run.
- Arrest or Delay: An FRSC officer may stop you, wasting your time and causing you stress.
Tips for Staying Safe and Legal
Remember, every stop sign and yield sign exists for a reason, often because an accident once happened there. Obeying these traffic laws isn’t just about avoiding FRSC fines; it’s about making sure you get home safely to your family every day.
Here are a few simple tips to keep in mind:
- Always stop fully at stop signs, no “I slowed down small.”
- At yield signs, slow down and let others go first if they were there before you.
- Never block a pedestrian walk; wait until people have crossed completely.
- When in doubt at a road junction, stop and look before moving.
Even if you’re a new driver in driving school or a commercial driver who’s been on the road for years, these rules apply to everyone. Stay safe, drive smart, and remember: when in doubt, stop and look.