What is the purpose of hold-short points in taxi clearances?

• A. They specify the exact altitude for the aircraft
• B. They indicate where to stop before crossing a runway or entering an important intersection
• C. They indicate the pilot’s duty time
• D. They identify the color of taxiway lighting

Answer: (B)

Hold-short points are the places on the taxiway where you must stop when taxiing until cleared to proceed. They mark the boundary where you would risk crossing a runway or entering a critical intersection, so you don’t interfere with other traffic or crossing aircraft. This keeps runway operations safe by ensuring separation between taxiing and active movement areas. Altitude, pilot duty time, and taxiway lighting color aren’t related to where you stop while taxiing, so those aren’t the purpose of hold-short points.