I’ve seen them called “Stop Lines”, “Balk Line”, etc. The thick line painted on the road at a Stop Sign.
You’re supposed to stop before the line, but a lot of the time there’s a bush or other obstruction so you can’t see any crossing traffic. You have to creep forward until you can see anything.
Is there a reason for this? Is it done on purpose? It makes sense if there’s a crosswalk or something, but I see it a lot where there shouldn’t be any pedestrian activity.
They are set that far back so that you don’t obstruct traffic on your right from making a left turn to your oncoming lane. You would be able to see such traffic from the stop bar.
Once you see that area is clear, you can pull forward.
It is particularly important for bikes and motorcycles to obey these stop bars. When stopped just past the bar, on the left side of the lane, a moyorcyclist is hidden behind the fat A-pillar and/or side mirror of most modern cars.
It’s also for semi trucks. They make massively wide turns to the point I’ve even had to back up to give them more room despite stopping before the line.