What Washington Drivers Need To Know About Blue Stop Signs

Occasionally, you'll see a blue stop sign in Washington State. Do you know what to do when you see one?

What Washington Drivers Need To Know About Blue Stop Signs

First, it might surprise you to learn that a blue stop sign isn't an official control sign, but you still have to stop at one.

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Why You Should Never Ignore a Blue Stop Sign in Washington State

Why a blue stop sign?

You'll find blue stop signs on private property, such as ranch roads, business lots, or in Hawaii, where they are more common.

In other countries, such as Japan and Mexico, blue stop signs may function as no-entry or restricted area warnings.

Blue stop signs are often seen in residential communities, such as HOAs or enclosed private properties.

What's interesting is that a blue stop sign works just like a regular stop sign. You are required to come to a complete stop when you encounter one.

Since the 1950s, all official stop signs have been red, so the blue stop sign is for private property owners who want drivers to stop within their property.

You might even find them in gated communities around Washington State.

So if you encounter a blue stop sign in Washington State, now you know what they are used for and why they exist.

Just remember, you still need to stop when you see one, and you can still get a ticket if you run a blue stop sign.