Alaska Road Signs: DMV Written Test Signs, Signals & Pavement Markings

What happens if you drive through a Traffic Safety Corridor in Alaska? What is the school zone speed limit at a marked school or playground crosswalk? How far from the nearest rail must you stop at an Alaska railroad crossing when a stop is required? The Alaska Division of Motor Vehicles written test covers traffic laws, safe driving practices, and highway sign recognition. Alaska Traffic Safety Corridors carry doubled traffic fines, marked school and playground crosswalk zones may require 20 mph, and a required railroad stop must be made 15-50 feet from the nearest rail.

1. Driving Alaska Roads: Why Sign Recognition Is Critical Here

Alaska roads serve communities from Anchorage and Fairbanks to the Kenai Peninsula, while many Southcoast communities, including Juneau, are not connected to the continental highway system. The Alaska DMV written test covers traffic laws, safe driving practices, and highway sign recognition, all drawn from the official Alaska Driver Manual. Take it online at ak.knowtodrive.com anytime. Failing the test means you may retake it the following day. If your license has been expired for over one year or revoked, the written test is required.

2. Decode Any Sign Before You Read It: Shapes & Colors on the Alaska DMV Test

On Alaska roads, sign shape and color can identify the type of traffic control before the wording is readable. The Alaska Driver Manual includes sign recognition by shape, color, symbol, and message as part of the material used to prepare for the DMV written test.

Shape	Diagram	Meaning	Example Sign
Octagon (8-sided)		STOP. come to a complete stop, wheels fully stopped, check all directions, then proceed when clear
Triangle (inverted)		Yield slow down, check traffic; if clear proceed, if not stop and wait until safe to go
Diamond		Hazard ahead; slow down, stay alert, and be ready to stop or steer
Rectangle (vertical)		Legal requirement; obey this sign or face fines and points on your record
Rectangle (horizontal)		Informational sign; read it and use it to navigate or plan your route
Pentagon (5-sided)		School zone ahead; reduce speed and watch for children crossing
Round (circle)		Railroad crossing ahead; slow down, look both ways, and prepare to stop
Pennant		No passing zone; do not attempt to overtake any vehicle ahead
Orange (any shape)		Construction or work zone ahead; slow down, stay alert, and obey all posted signs
Blue (any shape)		Motorist services nearby; exit if you need fuel, food, or medical care
Brown (any shape)		Park or scenic area ahead; follow directional signs to reach it

3. Alaska Regulatory Signs: Traffic Laws You Must Obey on Every Road

Regulatory signs state traffic laws or regulations that drivers must obey. Some violations of official traffic-control devices carry Alaska demerit points, depending on the offense. White rectangular signs, prohibitory signs, and lane-use controls are covered in the Alaska Driver Manual.

STOP Sign

Come to a full stop and yield before proceeding

YIELD Sign

Slow down and give right-of-way; stop if needed before proceeding

Speed Limit Sign

Do not exceed this speed; adjust for road and weather conditions

Do Not Enter Sign

Entry prohibited; turn around or find an alternate route

Wrong Way Sign

You have entered a one-way road against traffic

No U-Turn Sign

U-turns are prohibited at this location

No Left Turn Sign

Do not turn left here; continue straight or turn right

No Right Turn Sign

Do not turn right here; continue straight or turn left

One Way Sign

All traffic flows one direction; do not enter going the wrong way

Keep Right Sign

Move to the right side of the island or obstruction

No Passing Zone Sign

Do not pass here; wait until the no-passing zone ends

Do Not Pass Sign

Do not overtake any vehicle ahead until passing is permitted again

No Turn on Red Sign

Wait for a green signal before turning; do not turn on red

No Left Turn on Red Sign

Wait for green before turning left; no turn on red permitted

No Right Turn on Red Sign

Wait for green before turning right; no turn on red permitted

Turn Left Only Sign

You must turn left from this lane; going straight is not allowed

Turn Right Only Sign

You must turn right from this lane; going straight is not allowed

Straight or Turn Right Sign

From this lane you may only go straight or turn right

Minimum Speed Limit Sign

You must drive at least this speed; move right if driving slower

Slower Traffic Keep Right Sign

Move to the right lane if you are driving slower than traffic

No Parking Sign

Parking prohibited here; find a legal parking area nearby

No Trucks Sign

Trucks prohibited on this road; use an alternate truck route

No Bicycles Sign

Cyclists must not enter; use an alternate route

No Pedestrian Crossing Sign

Pedestrians must not cross here; use the nearest crosswalk

Reserved Parking Sign

Park here only if you qualify; others must find a different spot

Four Way Stop Sign

Stop completely, then take turns in order of arrival

Stop Except Right Turn Sign

Stop fully before proceeding; right turns may go after stopping

Left Turn Yield on Green Sign

Yield to all oncoming traffic before completing your left turn

Lane Use Control Sign

Follow the sign; only the shown movement is permitted from this lane

Restricted Lane Ahead Sign

Check eligibility before entering; unauthorized use is a violation

4. Alaska Warning Signs: Hazards from the Kenai Peninsula to the Alaska Range

Black-and-yellow diamond warning signs warn of hazards ahead. The Alaska Driver Manual notes that animal encounters are common and identifies moose, caribou, deer, and other large animals across the state, with caribou common on the Kenai Peninsula and mountain goats and deer common in Southeast Alaska.

Left Curve

A curve to the left is ahead; reduce speed

Right Curve

A curve to the right is ahead; reduce speed

Sharp Left Turn

A very sharp left turn is ahead; slow down

Sharp Right Turn

A very sharp right turn is ahead; slow down

Winding Road

Multiple curves ahead; reduce speed and stay in your lane throughout

Set of Curves (Left-Right)

Multiple curves ahead curving left then right; reduce speed

Set of Curves (Right-Left)

Multiple curves ahead curving right then left; reduce speed

Sharp Turns (Left-Right)

Successive sharp turns ahead; slow down significantly

Slippery When Wet

Wet road is slippery; reduce speed and increase following distance

Deer Crossing

Animals frequently cross here; slow down and scan both sides of the road

Pedestrian Crossing

Crosswalk ahead; yield to any pedestrian in or entering the crosswalk

Bicycle Crossing

Cyclists cross here; slow down and yield before proceeding

School Zone / Crossing

Children may be present; slow to posted speed

School Crossing Ahead

School crosswalk ahead; yield to crossing guard and children

Divided Highway Begins

Road splits ahead; keep right and stay in your lane

Divided Highway Ends

Two-way traffic resumes ahead; stay right and watch oncoming traffic

Merging Traffic

Traffic is merging from another lane; adjust speed to allow safe entry

Added Lane

A new lane is added ahead; stay in your lane and let merging traffic in

Lane Ends Ahead

Your lane ends soon; check mirrors, signal, and merge now

Lane Ends Merge Left

Your lane ends; signal and move left before the lane disappears

Left Lane Ends

Left lane ends ahead; signal and move right before it closes

Road Narrows

Road gets narrower ahead; stay centered and reduce speed

Narrow Bridge Ahead

Bridge is narrower than the road; slow down and stay centered

Low Clearance

Overhead clearance is restricted; do not proceed if your vehicle is too tall

Railroad Crossing (RR)

Tracks ahead; slow down, look both ways, and stop if a train is coming

Hill / Steep Grade (Downgrade)

Steep hill ahead; reduce speed now and use a lower gear if needed

Bump

Speed bump ahead; slow down before reaching it

Dip

Dip in the road ahead; reduce speed to avoid bottoming out

Loose Gravel

Loose gravel on road; reduce speed and increase following distance

Pavement Ends

Paved surface ends ahead; slow down before the surface changes

Shoulder Drop Off

Edge of road drops steeply; stay away from the shoulder

Watch for Ice on Bridges

Bridge may be icy; reduce speed and avoid sudden braking or steering

Two Way Traffic Ahead

Divided road ends; move to the right and watch for oncoming traffic

Cross Road

Intersection ahead; slow down and scan left and right before crossing

Cross Traffic

Traffic crosses from both sides; slow down and be ready to yield or stop

T Intersection

Your road ends ahead; slow down and prepare to turn left or right

Side Road

A side road joins ahead; watch for vehicles entering from the right or left

Highway Intersection Ahead

A major intersection is approaching; reduce speed and be ready to yield

Road Entering Curve

A road merges on a curve ahead; watch for vehicles entering

Roundabout

Yield to traffic already in the roundabout; then enter and keep right

Truck Rollover

Trucks must slow significantly; high rollover risk on this curve

Weave Area

Lanes are entering and exiting; stay alert, check mirrors, and adjust speed

Advisory Speed

Safe speed for this curve; slow to the posted advisory speed

Traffic Signal Ahead

A traffic light is ahead; reduce speed and be ready to stop

5. Alaska Route Markers: Navigating the Parks Highway and Beyond

Guide signs do not regulate driving. they show destinations, distances, and services. Green = highway navigation. Blue = motorist services. Brown = parks and recreation.

Interstate Route Marker

You are on this interstate highway; note the number for navigation

US Route Marker

You are on this US highway; note the number for navigation

State Route Marker

You are on this state route; note the number for navigation

Exit Sign (Exit Only)

This lane leads to an exit only; stay if you are not exiting

Mile Marker

Marks your location on the route; note it for emergency or navigation use

Services Sign

Services available at next exit; move right if you need to stop

Hospital Sign (H)

Hospital is nearby; follow signs if you need emergency care

Diesel

Diesel fuel available ahead; exit if your vehicle needs it

Park / Recreation Sign

Park or recreation area nearby; exit and follow directional signs

6. Traffic Signals & Lights: What Every Alaska Driver Must Know

What does a flashing yellow light mean in Alaska? Flashing red means stop. Flashing yellow means reduce speed, proceed with caution, and yield to pedestrians and vehicles in the intersection. Alaska also uses arrow signals and lane-control signals.

If an Alaska traffic signal is completely dark or not working for your direction and no officer is directing traffic, treat the intersection as uncontrolled: stop, yield to traffic approaching from the right, and proceed only when safe. A flashing red arrow requires a stop before the arrow movement; a flashing yellow arrow permits the arrow movement after yielding to oncoming traffic, pedestrians, and vehicles in the intersection.

Alaska lane-control signals: a steady red X means do not use the lane; a steady yellow X means clear the lane safely because a red X is about to appear; and a steady green arrow means travel in the lane is permitted. Do not enter a reversible lane when its lane-control signals are not illuminated.

Standard Traffic Lights

Steady Red

Stop at the stop line, crosswalk, or intersection; after a full stop, a right turn on red may be made when safe unless a sign prohibits it

Steady Yellow

The green movement is ending; stop if you can do so safely before entering the intersection

Steady Green

Proceed if the intersection is clear; yield to pedestrians and vehicles lawfully in the intersection, and yield to oncoming traffic before turning left

Green Arrow (left)

Proceed only in the arrow direction; yield to pedestrians

Yellow Arrow

The protected arrow movement is ending; stop if you can do so safely before entering

Red Arrow

Stop and do not make the arrow movement until a signal permits that movement

Circular Green (no arrow)

Proceed straight or make a legal turn; a left turn on circular green must yield to oncoming traffic and pedestrians

Opposing Traffic Extended Green

Oncoming traffic still has green; wait and do not turn left yet

Flashing Signals

Flashing Red

Treat as a stop sign; stop fully, then proceed when safe and clear

Flashing Yellow

Reduce speed, proceed with caution, and yield to pedestrians and vehicles in the intersection

Flashing Red Beacon

Treat the overhead beacon as a stop sign

Pedestrian Signals

WALK / White Walking Figure & DONT WALK / Orange Hand

White figure = cross now; orange hand = do not start crossing

Flashing Orange Hand + Countdown

Pedestrians may leave the curb only if they can complete the crossing before the countdown reaches zero

Key test point: Flashing red requires a stop. Flashing yellow requires caution and yielding to pedestrians and vehicles in the intersection. A flashing yellow arrow allows the arrow movement after yielding.

7. Pavement Markings on Alaska Roads: Lines, Arrows & Curb Colors

Yellow center lines separate opposing traffic, while white lane lines separate traffic moving in the same direction. A single solid yellow line can also mark the left edge of a divided roadway, and a solid white line can mark the outside edge or shoulder. The Alaska Driver Manual also covers turn-lane markings, crosswalks, and other pavement symbols.

Line Colors

Yellow lines

Yellow center lines separate opposing traffic; a single solid yellow line may also mark the left edge of a divided roadway

White lines

Mark your lane boundaries; stay within the white lines

Line Types

Broken yellow line (Single)

You may pass on your side if it is safe and clear ahead

Solid yellow + broken yellow

Pass only from the broken-line side when it is safe; do not pass from the solid side

Double solid yellow lines

Passing is not allowed in either direction; the lines may be crossed when making a lawful left turn into or from a street, alley, private road, or driveway

Broken white line

You may change lanes if it is safe; always check mirrors and signal first

Solid white line

When separating same-direction lanes, the line is restrictive and lane changes are discouraged; solid white also marks the outside edge or shoulder

Double solid white lines

Do not change lanes here; stay in your current lane

Center Turn Lane

For left turns only; signal, enter the lane, and turn; do not use it to travel

Center Turning Lane (sign)

For left turns only; signal, enter, and turn; do not drive through it

Pavement Symbols & Special Markings

Arrows in lane

You must follow the arrow direction from this lane

Stop line (wide white bar)

Stop completely behind this line; do not roll past it

Stop Here on Red

Stop at this painted line; do not inch forward past it

Crosswalk lines

Pedestrian crossing zone; always yield to pedestrians here

Broken white line (pavement)

You may change lanes if it is safe; check mirrors and signal first

Solid white line (pavement)

When separating same-direction lanes, the line is restrictive and lane changes are discouraged; solid white also marks the outside edge or shoulder

Double solid white lines (pavement)

Do not change lanes here; stay in your current lane

Railroad crossing markings (X + RR)

Tracks ahead; slow down, look both ways, and be ready to stop

Diagonal yellow lines (gore area)

Do not enter or drive through this area; it is off-limits to traffic

Bicycle lane marking

Reserved for cyclists only; do not drive or park in this lane

HOV / Carpool lane diamond

Use this lane only if you have the required number of occupants

Yellow curb

A yellow-painted curb may mark a No Parking area; obey the posted local restriction

Red curb

A red-painted curb may mark a No Parking area; obey the posted local restriction

The Alaska Driver Manual notes that city and town No Parking zones are usually marked by signs or by yellow or red painted curbs. Follow the posted restriction rather than assuming one statewide meaning for every curb color.

Key test point: Yellow center lines separate opposing traffic and white lane lines separate same-direction traffic. A single solid yellow may also mark the left edge of a divided roadway, and solid white may mark the outside edge or shoulder.

8. Work Zone & Construction Signs in Alaska: Traffic Safety Corridors and Doubled Fines

Orange signs with black lettering mark construction and maintenance conditions. Alaska law provides doubled fines for motor-vehicle and traffic offenses committed in a highway work zone and in designated Traffic Safety Corridors. Flag persons direct traffic with red flags or STOP/SLOW paddles and their instructions must be followed.

Road Work Ahead

Construction zone begins ahead; reduce speed and stay alert

Flagger Ahead

A person is directing traffic; obey their signals

Workers Ahead

Road workers are present; slow down and be ready to stop

Active Work Zone

You are in an active work zone; drive with extra caution

End of Active Work Zone

Work zone ends; resume normal speed and check posted limit

Work Zone Headlights

Turn on your headlights now; required by law in this work zone

Lane Closed Ahead

A travel lane ends ahead; merge early

Road Closed

Road is completely closed; follow detour signs

Orange barrels / cones

Active work zone boundaries; stay within marked lanes

Channelizing devices (barricades)

Follow the barricades; do not drive through or around them

• You must obey a flaggers directions even if they conflict with existing signs or signals.
• Speed limits posted in work zones are enforceable even when workers are not present.
• Alaska designates Traffic Safety Corridors on selected highways. all traffic offense fines are doubled within these corridors.
• Never drive through or around a closed lane barrier. wait for a flagger or follow detour signs.

Key test point: Orange always means construction or work zone. If you see orange, reduce speed and increase following distance immediately.

9. Railroad Crossings in Alaska: When to Stop and How Far Back

How far from railroad tracks must you stop in Alaska? When a railroad stop is required, Alaska law requires a stop within 50 feet but not less than 15 feet from the nearest rail. Stop when warning devices require it, a gate is lowering or down, a flagger directs traffic to stop, or a train is close enough to create an immediate hazard. Never drive around a lowered gate, and never shift gears while crossing the tracks.

Stop Line

Stop here completely when required before proceeding

RR Crossbuck Sign (X-shaped)

Located at the crossing; yield to trains

Railroad Crossing (at crossing)

You are at the crossing; stop if lights flash or gate lowers

Crossing Gates

Lower when a train is coming; never drive around a lowered gate

Pavement markings (X + RR)

Tracks ahead marked on pavement; slow down and prepare to stop

Flashing Red Lights

A train is approaching; stop and wait until fully clear

• The round yellow advance warning sign warns that a railroad crossing is ahead.
• At the crossbuck, yield to trains and stop whenever a train or active warning device requires it.
• Never stop on the tracks. wait until you can clear them completely before proceeding.
• Never shift gears while crossing railroad tracks. especially important for manual transmission vehicles.
• School buses and certain vehicles carrying hazardous materials have mandatory railroad-crossing stopping requirements.
• Never drive around lowered crossing gates. it is illegal in Alaska.

The blue Emergency Notification System (ENS) sign at a grade crossing provides a 24-hour railroad emergency phone number and crossing identification number.

Key test point: When a railroad stop is required, stop within 15-50 feet of the nearest rail. Do not enter unless you can clear the tracks, never drive around a lowered gate, and check for another train before proceeding.

10. Alaska School Zone Speed Limits and School Bus Laws You Must Know

Pentagon-shaped school signs identify school areas and crossings. Under Alaska’s posted school/playground crosswalk rule, the speed limit is no more than 20 mph when passing a marked public-school or playground crosswalk posted with the required school, school-crossing, or speed-control sign; the statutory zone extends 300 feet in either direction from the crosswalk. Speeding in a school zone or playground crosswalk and certain failures to obey official traffic-control devices carry 6 Alaska DMV demerit points.

School Zone

School ahead; reduce speed and watch for children

School Speed Limit

Obey the reduced speed limit posted in school zones

School Speed Limit 20 When Flashing

Drive 20 mph when the yellow school-zone lights are flashing, as posted

School Crossing Ahead

School crosswalk ahead; yield to crossing guard and children

• At a marked public-school or playground crosswalk posted with the required school, school-crossing, or speed-control sign, the statutory speed limit is no more than 20 mph for 300 feet in either direction. Local authorities or DOT&PF may establish different posted limits where authorized.
• Failure to stop for a school bus while it is loading or unloading carries 6 demerit points on your Alaska operators license.
• Drivers approaching a school bus from the rear must stop before reaching the bus when its red signal lights are flashing and the stop arm is extended. Remain stopped until the stop sign retracts and red lights are discontinued, or until signaled to proceed.
• Drivers meeting a school bus must reduce speed when amber warning lights are flashing, then come to a complete stop when the bus stops and red lights activate.
• On a highway with separated roadways providing two or more lanes in each direction, drivers approaching from the opposite direction are not required to stop.
• Always yield to crossing guards and follow their directions.

Key test point: A five-sided school sign warns of a school area or school crossing. When a school speed sign states 20 mph when flashing, follow that reduced limit while the yellow lights are flashing.

11. Pedestrian & Bike Signs in Alaska: Sharing the Road Safely

Alaska drivers must yield to pedestrians at marked crosswalks and at intersections where crosswalk lines may not be painted. Bicyclists have the right to share the roadway and travel in the same direction as motor vehicles. Fluorescent yellow-green may be used for school, pedestrian, and bicycle warning signs.

Pedestrian Crossing Sign

Crosswalk ahead; yield to any pedestrian in or entering the crosswalk

Bicycle Crossing Sign

Cyclists cross here; slow down and yield before proceeding

No Bicycles

Cyclists must not enter; use an alternate route

No Pedestrian Crossing

Pedestrians must not cross here; use the nearest crosswalk

• Pedestrians always have the right-of-way in marked crosswalks. you must yield even if no sign is present.
• Bicyclists have the legal right to share the road with motor vehicles in Alaska. they are hard to see in traffic and have no crash protection.
• Check blind spots before turning, parallel parking, opening a door, or leaving a curb. bicyclists may be alongside you or approaching.
• Fluorescent yellow-green is used for both school and pedestrian/bike signs. the shape distinguishes between them.

Key test point: Crosswalk lines do not have to be painted at an intersection. Drivers must yield to pedestrians as required at marked crosswalks and intersections.

12. How to Prepare for the Alaska DMV Road Sign Test

• Take it online. Alaska lets you sit the written knowledge test anytime at ak.knowtodrive.com, no DMV trip required for the written portion.
• Study shapes before text. On remote Alaskan highways you may see a sign before you can read it. shape and color tell you the category instantly.
• Know the statutory speed limits. Business district: 20 mph. Alley: 15 mph. Residential district: 25 mph. Other roadways: 55 mph unless otherwise posted. Marked school or playground crosswalk zones are subject to the posted 20 mph rule described above. Selected highways may be posted at 65 mph.
• Know the Traffic Safety Corridor rule. Fines for traffic offenses inside a designated corridor are doubled as provided by Alaska law.
• Know the school bus rules. Drivers from the rear must stop when red lights flash and the stop arm extends. Drivers meeting the bus from the opposite direction must also stop. except on a separated highway with two or more lanes in each direction.
• Know Alaska flashing-signal rules. Flashing red requires a stop. Flashing yellow requires caution and yielding to pedestrians and vehicles in the intersection. A flashing yellow arrow permits the arrow movement after yielding.
• Railroad crossings: 15-50 feet. When a stop is required, stop within 50 feet but not less than 15 feet from the nearest rail. Never drive around a lowered gate.
• Watch for wildlife. The Alaska Driver Manual specifically addresses moose, caribou, deer, bear, and other animals on or near roadways.
• If you fail, retake the next day. The written test may be retaken the following day. The road test fee through the DMV is $15.00, and road-test fees are non-refundable.
• Schedule your road test online at dmv.alaska.gov, available at DMV offices in Anchorage, Fairbanks, Juneau, Kodiak, Bethel, and more.