Does Alto sign mean stop or pause?

Question

I don't see people really stop here in Nicaragua. It's more like yield.

In the U.S. stop means to stop or you get a ticket. There is no other way around. - Lucia00, Aug 2, 2010

Answer 1

I am just curious why some countries like Mexico use "Alto" while other countries use "Pare"

"pare" comes from the Latin (to stop). "alto" comes from the German "halt")

Gracias Samdie. - Nicole-B, Aug 2, 2010

Answer 2

It means "Stop," but "When necessary." It´s the same in Mexico.

Answer 3

Actually, it means "tall".

Just kidding!

Answer 4

In all seriousness, in Mexico City, there are stop signs in front of schools that are only to be obeyed when school is in session. During the summer vacation, if you stop at one of these stop signs, you will get hit from behind.

The stoplights really mean stop - well, most of the time. Optional at night.

The only real stop signal that must be obeyed at all times are 'topes'.

Answer 5

I am just curious why some countries like Mexico use "Alto" while other countries use "Pare" (Dominican Republic) on their stop signs?

Colombia too. - LuisaGomezBartle, Aug 2, 2010

Answer 6

I don't see people really stop here in Nicaragua. It's more like yield.

In Argentina is better. We believe it means: GO!

No surprise we have the highest car accident death rate in the whole world.

Jut to make it clear. It means STOP, but nobody really cares.

Hola, Debe ser "whole", "hole" es "hoyo" o "hueco". - LuisaGomezBartle, Aug 2, 2010

Right - 00e657d4, Aug 2, 2010

Answer 7

Alto is stop in Spain, but only in traffic signs.