Stop signs are regulatory traffic control devices requiring vehicles to come to a complete stop before proceeding. Municipalities install stop signs at intersections and other locations where traffic control is needed but traffic volumes don't warrant traffic signals. Stop sign installation follows traffic engineering standards considering factors like intersection geometry, sight lines, traffic volumes, collision history, and pedestrian activity. All-way stops (where all approaches have stop signs) are used where conditions warrant. Residents frequently request stop signs for traffic calming, though traffic engineers note that stop signs are not designed as speed control devices and may not effectively reduce speeds. Municipal traffic departments evaluate stop sign requests against established warrant criteria.