Traffic engineers and law enforcement track rolling stops as a major factor in intersection collisions. It occurs when a vehicle drops to a very low speed, allowing the driver to check for cross traffic, but the wheels never entirely cease rotating. This violates the statutory requirement of a complete cessation of movement behind the yield line.
Heard on the job
We're seeing too many rolling stops at this junction, so we might need to upgrade it to a signal.
Also heard as
- California stop
- Hollywood stop
Do not mix it up with
- California roll: California roll is the regional slang for the exact same maneuver as a rolling stop.
Related terms
Stop sign
A regulatory traffic control device that requires drivers to bring their vehicles to a complete halt.
California roll
A driving maneuver where a vehicle slows but does not completely stop at a stop sign or red light.
Yield line
A pavement marking showing drivers exactly where to wait when giving way to conflicting traffic.