A “No stopping” sign means that, unless directed to do so by a police officer, you may stop only:
Long enough to unload packages.
To avoid conflict with other traffic.
To discharge passengers.
For less than five minutes.
The Correct Answer and Explanation is :
The correct answer is: To discharge passengers.
Explanation:
A “No stopping” sign is a traffic control sign that indicates drivers are prohibited from stopping their vehicles in that area, unless there are specific exceptions. This means that stopping is not allowed unless it’s necessary for a particular purpose, like unloading passengers, as long as it does not obstruct traffic or violate other traffic rules.
The key exception to this rule is when stopping is required to discharge passengers. In this case, stopping briefly is allowed so that passengers can safely enter or exit the vehicle. However, it’s important to note that the vehicle cannot remain stationary beyond what is necessary for this action. The purpose of allowing this is to accommodate public transport, taxi services, and private vehicles that need to drop off passengers, especially in areas where no other safe stopping or parking is available.
The other options are not valid under “No stopping” signs for the following reasons:
- Long enough to unload packages: This exception typically applies to “loading zones” or specific areas designated for commercial or personal loading/unloading. In contrast, a “No stopping” sign does not allow for unloading packages.
- To avoid conflict with other traffic: Stopping to avoid a potential conflict with other traffic may be necessary in some situations, but this is not an exemption under “No stopping” signs. Drivers must rely on other legal means, such as yielding or maneuvering to avoid accidents, rather than stopping.
- For less than five minutes: The “No stopping” sign does not allow stopping for any duration, including for brief periods like five minutes. It is absolute unless directed otherwise by law enforcement.
Therefore, the correct exception is to discharge passengers, as this aligns with the purpose of the “No stopping” sign, ensuring traffic flow while accommodating brief stops for passenger safety.