As spring approaches and road conditions improve, police are reminding motorists to follow traffic laws—particularly when it comes to making complete stops at stop signs and traffic lights.
"Even though an intersection is controlled by traffic lights, you are required to make a full and complete stop and proceed only when it’s safe to do so," said Officer Craig Bird. "Rolling stops are illegal. Disobeying a stop sign or red light can cost you $250."
Bird emphasized that drivers must stop fully at stop signs before proceeding. If visibility is limited, they may move forward slightly for a better view—but only after stopping at the designated line.
"Some people roll forward a little bit to get a better look before entering the intersection, but you are still required to stop first," Bird explained.
A common mistake at stop signs, he noted, is when two vehicles arrive simultaneously, and both assume they can go at the same time.
“The first vehicle must stop and then go. The second vehicle must advance to the stop sign, stop again, and then proceed,” he said.
Bird also reminded drivers to stop at crosswalks, not in them, to ensure pedestrian safety.
Addressing another common traffic violation, he pointed to the entrance and exit near Beefeater Plaza and Great Canadian Oil Change.
"When you're coming onto King Street from any parking lot, you must stop and make sure it’s safe before entering traffic," he said.
He also cautioned drivers exiting the Boston Pizza and Great Canadian Oil Change parking lots to obey the posted signs requiring a right turn. Some motorists, he said, ignore the restriction and cross the solid yellow line to turn left, creating safety hazards.
“The sign was put there for a reason—to keep people safe and prevent accidents,” Bird said. “Failing to obey the signs and crossing over the yellow line can start to cost the motorist money.”
With more vehicles on the road as the weather warms up, police are urging all drivers to stay cautious and follow the rules to help keep everyone safe.