Stop at Customs
The sign indicates the obligation to stop at the customs station.
When You See This Sign
When you see the sign you must slow down and stop at the marked customs station or stop line. Wait until customs staff or another authorized authority has checked you and given clearance to proceed, and follow their instructions in the meantime.
Rules & Regulations
- The 'Stop at customs' sign indicates an explicit obligation to stop at the marked customs station or stop line.
- Applies to vehicles passing the location — you may not drive past the customs station without clearance from customs officers or another authorized authority.
- You must follow the instructions of customs staff while waiting at the station, for example when ordered to open luggage or move your vehicle.
- If a customs inspection is carried out you must show requested documents and provide information about goods or travelers as required by the customs authority.
Tips for Drivers
- Reduce speed in good time and stop at the marked place or stop line — be prepared for queues and waiting times.
- Keep passports, driving license and vehicle papers readily accessible, as well as documents for any cargo or customs clearance.
- Choose the correct lane for cars, trucks, or buses according to the signage and follow customs staff instructions regarding lane changes.
- If the wait becomes long, turn off the engine and keep the vehicle orderly so you can quickly show documents or open luggage on request.
Common Mistakes
- Believing the sign is optional if no customs officer is visible — the sign always requires a stop until the controlling authority states otherwise.
- Confusing the sign with a normal stop sign and thinking a brief stop is sufficient without being prepared for inspection or questions.
- Thinking the sign applies only to foreign vehicles — it applies to all vehicles passing the customs station.
Test Yourself
Road Sign: Stop at Customs
How should you act when you see this sign?
- A You must stop for customs control when required (stop at customs).
- B It is mandatory to pay a road toll here.
- C You must yield to customs authority vehicles.
- D Parking prohibited for customs vehicles.
Exam Tip
In the theory test you may get a question that tests whether the sign requires a stop even if no customs officer is visible – the correct answer is that you must stop and wait for clearance. Learn to distinguish this from a normal stop sign by noting that it is associated with customs control.
Did You Know?
The sign is used mainly at border crossings, ports and certain terminal areas; historically the signage was more common when border controls were more frequent, but it still exists where customs checks are carried out for security reasons or for cargo inspections.
Frequently Asked Questions
Does the sign always apply at a border crossing?
The sign is used where customs controls are actually established, such as certain border crossings, ferry terminals and ports. If there is no customs station or checkpoint at the location, the sign is normally not used.
Can I drive past if no customs officer is at the station?
No. The sign requires you to stop at the marked place and wait for clearance — from the customs authority or responsible staff — before proceeding. Driving on without permission can have legal consequences.
What happens if I do not stop at 'Stop at customs'?
Failing to stop can lead to fines, enforcement measures or, in the worst case, detention depending on the seriousness of the situation. Customs or police authorities may also conduct searches and seize goods.
Does the sign also apply within the EU's internal borders?
Although identity checks between many EU countries have been abolished, customs controls for goods still exist. The sign can therefore appear at ports, terminals and other locations where the customs authority may inspect goods even within the EU.
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