Driving Theory
French Road Signs and Traffic Sign Meanings

Master the 'Stop, Give Way' Sign (AB4) for Safe French Driving

AB4 - Stop, give way French road sign meaning

The AB4 'Stop, Give Way' sign is crucial for understanding priority rules at French junctions and roundabouts. It clearly indicates that you must yield or come to a complete stop before proceeding, ensuring you don't impede other road users. Always interpret this sign in conjunction with road markings, and be prepared to stop even if visibility is limited or another driver seems uncertain.

Understanding the French 'Stop, Give Way' Sign (AB4)

Mastering the AB4 'Stop, Give Way' sign is crucial for navigating French junctions safely and is a common topic in French driving theory revision. Proper interpretation of this priority sign ensures you understand your obligations to stop or yield, directly impacting your exam preparation and real-world driving.

Definition of AB4

Priority signs are essential in France because priority can depend on the road type, the intersection layout, and whether priority-to-the-right still applies. This sign helps drivers identify who has right of way before entering the conflict area. A safe response means reading the sign with road markings, checking both directions, and committing only when the priority rule and traffic situation are clear. Official French sign code: AB4.

Meaning of AB4

"Stop, give way" explains the priority rule at or before a junction, roundabout, priority road, give-way point, or stop-controlled approach. It tells the driver whether to proceed with priority or prepare to yield or stop.

Allowed actions for AB4

Identify the priority rule before reaching the junction.Stop or give way where the sign and markings require it.Proceed only when the path is clear and other road users have understood your movement.Use extra caution where priority-to-the-right may apply.

Prohibited actions for AB4

Do not enter a junction assuming you have priority without checking the sign and markings.Do not roll through a stop-controlled approach without stopping fully.Do not force priority when another road user is already in the conflict area.Do not rely only on road width or traffic flow to decide who goes first.

AB4 - Stop, give way road sign FAQ

Get clear, practical answers to the most common questions about the AB4 - Stop, give way road sign. Learn how the sign works, what rules it represents, and how it affects real driving situations. This FAQ strengthens your understanding and supports accurate decision making for the French driving theory exam in France.

What does the AB4 'Stop, Give Way' sign mean in France?

The AB4 sign means you must stop and give way to other traffic. It's a crucial signal at junctions or where priority rules are not immediately clear, indicating that you do not have the right of way and must yield or come to a full stop before entering the intersection.

When should I prepare to stop for the AB4 sign?

You should prepare to stop or give way as soon as you see the AB4 sign, especially when approaching a junction, roundabout, or controlled intersection. Always check for associated road markings like stop lines or give way lines, as they reinforce the sign's instruction.

What is a common mistake with the AB4 sign during the theory test?

A common trap is assuming you have priority based on road width or traffic flow, or simply rolling through a stop-controlled approach without coming to a complete halt. Remember, the AB4 sign explicitly overrides any assumptions and mandates a stop or a yield.

Do I always need to stop completely when I see the AB4 sign?

Yes, the AB4 sign signifies a mandatory stop. You must bring your vehicle to a complete standstill before the stop line, or at the edge of the road if no line is present, and check for other traffic before proceeding when it is safe to do so and you have priority.

How does the AB4 sign interact with the 'priority to the right' rule in France?

The AB4 sign overrides the general 'priority to the right' rule. Where the AB4 sign is present, you must stop and yield, regardless of whether another vehicle might normally have priority due to being on your right. Always follow the instruction of the sign and markings.

AB4 - Stop, give way road sign image

A clear reference image of the AB4 - Stop, give way road sign used in France.

AB4 - Stop, give way road sign

Other names for the AB4 - Stop, give way

The AB4 - Stop, give way road sign may also be known by these alternative names or terms.

Stop, give wayAB4 priority signFrance priority signpriority signs

France Priority Signs road sign category

The AB4 - Stop, give way road sign is part of the France Priority Signs category, which groups together signs with similar rules and functions.

Reinforce Your Knowledge: Compare Similar French Road Signs

Understanding the nuances between similar French road signs, like different priority indications, is crucial for accurate recognition and fewer exam errors. Comparing 'Stop, Give Way' (AB4) with related priority signs aids theory test revision and builds confidence in real-world traffic situations.

AB1 - Crossroads with right of way from the right road sign

Crossroads with right of way from the right

Master the AB1 Sign: Priority from the Right at Crossroads

France Priority SignsAB1
AB2 - Crossroads with priority road sign

Crossroads with priority

Master the AB2 'Crossroads with Priority' Sign in France

France Priority SignsAB2
AB25 - Roundabout ahead road sign

Roundabout ahead

Prepare for roundabouts ahead with the AB25 priority sign.

France Priority SignsAB25
AB3a - Give way road sign

Give way

AB3a: Know when to Give Way with this essential French priority sign.

France Priority SignsAB3a
AB3b - Give Way sign 150 metres ahead road sign

Give Way sign 150 metres ahead

Prepare to Give Way: AB3b Sign Indicates a Junction Ahead

France Priority SignsAB3b
AB5 - Stop sign 150 metres ahead road sign

Stop sign 150 metres ahead

Prepare to Stop: You have 150 metres until the next Stop sign.

France Priority SignsAB5
AB6 - Priority road road sign

Priority road

Understand the AB6 Priority Road Sign and Know When You Have Right of Way

France Priority SignsAB6
AB7 - End of priority road road sign

End of priority road

AB7: Prepare to lose priority on this road ahead.

France Priority SignsAB7

Ready to Deep Dive into French Road Sign Categories and Meanings?

Now that you've reviewed the full list of French road signs, enhance your understanding. Explore signs grouped by specific categories for deeper insights, test your recognition with practice questions, and solidify your knowledge for the Code de la route exam.

Browse All French Road Signs
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Dive into French road sign knowledge

French HGV Theory courseAB3a Give way French road signFrench Motorcycle Theory courseFrench Category B Theory courseFrench D Category Theory courseCategory AM French Theory courseAB6 Priority road French road signAB4 Stop, give way French road signAB25 Roundabout ahead French road signAB7 End of priority road French road signAB2 Crossroads with priority French road signFrance Warning Signs French road sign categoryFrance Service Signs French road sign categoryFrance Extent Plates French road sign categoryFrance Priority Signs French road sign categoryFrance Location Signs French road sign categoryFrance Parking Plates French road sign categoryAB5 Stop sign 150 metres ahead French road signFrance Mandatory Signs French road sign categoryFrance Distance Plates French road sign categoryFrance Direction Plates French road sign categoryFrance Prohibitory Signs French road sign categoryFrance Information Signs French road sign categoryFrance Stop Ahead Plates French road sign categoryFrance Indication Plates French road sign categoryFrance Road Number Plates French road sign categoryFrance Lane Section Plates French road sign categoryAB3b Give Way sign 150 metres ahead French road signFrance Priority Route Plates French road sign categoryFrance Railway Crossing Signs French road sign categoryFrance Temporary Warning Signs French road sign categoryFrance Vehicle Category Plates French road sign categoryFrance Bicycle-Specific Plates French road sign categoryFrance End of Restriction Signs French road sign categoryFrance Zonal Prescription Signs French road sign categoryFrance Other Restriction Plates French road sign categoryFrance Temporary Information Signs French road sign categoryFrance Temporary Additional Plates French road sign categoryAB1 Crossroads with right of way from the right French road sign