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Traffic light signals

	Steady red light signal - means "Stop" and remain stopped until signal turns to green. Right turn, and in certain instances, left turn movements after stopping are permitted.
	Steady yellow light signal - means clear the intersection. It follows a green signal. You must not enter the intersection when the red signal comes on
	Steady green light signal means "Go". You may go straight or turn right or left, yielding to other vehicles and pedestrians lawfully within the intersection. A sign may prohibit a turn or turns.
	The yellow and green arrow indications give the same control to the left turns as the standard traffic light gives to the through movement. Green arrow allows you to proceed in the direction of the arrow while opposing traffic must stop
	A steady green arrow shown alone or with any other indication means you may enter the intersection to make the movement indicated by the arrow or any other movement permitted by the other indications, yielding to pedestrians and vehicles lawfully using the intersection.
	Yellow arrow comes after green arrows to indicate that the protected movement indicated by the green arrow is being terminated. If the steady yellow arrow displayed with a circular green means that the previous protected green arrow movement is ending.
	A steady yellow arrow displayed alone or with a steady circular red is used to clear the previous protected green arrow movement. You may not enter the intersection after the yellow arrow goes out.
	“Steady red X" means the driver facing this indication shall not drive in the lane over which the signal is located, and this indication shall modify accordingly all other traffic controls present. The driver shall obey all other traffic controls and follow normal safe driving practices. May also be indicated by red light.
	“Steady green arrow” means the driver facing this indication is permitted to drive in the lane over which the arrow signal is located. The driver shall obey all other traffic controls and follow normal safe driving practices. May also be indicated by green light.
	"Steady yellow X” means the driver facing this indication is permitted to drive in the lane over which the “X” signal is located using caution. Potentially hazardous conditions exist when the steady yellow “X” is displayed. May also be indicated by a yellow light.

More information at the Alabama Driver License Manual.

Speed limits

Unless otherwise posted, Alaska’s absolute speed limits prohibit motorists from driving faster than:
15 miles per hour in alleys
20 miles per hour in business districts
25 miles per hour in residential districts
55 miles per hour on other roadways.

Vehicles towing mobile homes are limited to 45 mph.

Penalty for exceeding the speed limit in Alaska is:
- First-time violators may not be fined more than $300 and the driving license will be suspended for more than one month.

Driving around children

Watch for stopped school buses.
Many school buses activate amber flashing lights well in advance of the stop to warn other drivers.

If a stopped school bus is displaying a flashing, alternating red lamp, a driver of a vehicle meeting or overtaking the stopped bus from either direction (front or back) must stop and wait until the bus moves again or the red light is off. The drivers are obliged to stop and wait for a stopped school bus loading or unloading, so as to protect school children boarding or alighting.


Image source:http://dps.alabama.gov/

You should also stop when meeting or following a school or church bus which is stopped on a four to six lane undivided highway. A stop is not required on a divided highway having four or more lanes which permits at least two lanes of traffic to travel in opposite directions when meeting a school or church bus which is stopped in the opposing roadway or if the school or church bus is stopped in a loading zone which is a part of or adjacent to such highway and where pedestrians are not permitted to cross the roadway.

Driving around pedestrians

The driver is required to:
- slow down, yield, and be prepared to stop when approaching pedestrians who are walking on or crossing the roadway
- do not drive through a pedestrian safety zone when occupied
- do not pass a vehicle that has stopped to allow a pedestrian to cross the street
- be especially watchful for children near schools and residential areas
- Check mirror before exiting your vehicle

Railway track crossing

Railway crossing is usually designed by:

	The round railroad warning sign, that means a highway railroad crossing is 750 feet after the sign.
	Pavement marking - the pavement, in front of the railroad, is marked with large X and two RR (like the railroad warning sign). If there is a yellow line in advance of the crossing - it means "no passing". If there is a white line on each side of the track - this is the line where the driver must stop before.
	Flashing light red signal - means "no passing".
	Gates - if the gates being lowered and the red light is flashing it means "Stop" and remain stopped until the gates are raised.
	Railroad crossbuck - in case of this road sign before the railroad crossing, the driver must slow down and be prepared to stop upon sighting a train. The additional plate, bellow the road sign, indicates the number of tracks.

Road lane use

Road marking meanings

The road markings have the same force of law as road signs or traffic signals.
Yellow road marking:
- single dashed yellow line markings indicate where passing is permitted on two-lane, two-way roadways.
- solid single yellow center lines indicate where passing is not permitted; although, turning into a driveway across them is allowed.
- single solid yellow line indicates the left edge of a divided roadway.

White lines separate traffic going in the same direction on multi-lane or one-way roadways. - single dashed white lines separate lanes of travel where changing lanes is not restricted and where the lane use is not specified. - solid white lines indicate the edges of lanes specified for certain uses where changing lanes is to be discouraged. - solid white lines are also used to mark the outside edge of the pavement or to indicate the edge of the shoulder. Drive within a lane and do not move from it until it is safe to do so.

Toll rates

There are no toll roads in Alaska State, but there is a toll tunnel:
Whittier tunnel - the toll rates depends on the vehicle category and the number of tickets. Payment is accepted in: cash, local checks, business checks, travelers checks, Visa and Master Card.

Radar detector use

The use of radar detectors and laser jammers are legal in the State of Alaska in all passenger vehicles, but prohibited for use by commercial vehicles.

Fines for traffic violations

Blood alcohol limits

Drink and driving in Alaska is prohibited.

"- A person commits the crime of driving while under the influence of an alcoholic beverage, inhalant, or controlled substance if the person operates or drives a motor vehicle or operates an aircraft or a watercraft.
- while under the influence of an alcoholic beverage, intoxicating liquor, inhalant, or any controlled substance, singly or in combination;  or
- and if, as determined by a chemical test taken within four hours after the alleged operating or driving, there is 0.08 percent or more by weight of alcohol in the person's blood or 80 milligrams or more of alcohol per 100 milliliters of blood, or if there is 0.08 grams or more of alcohol per 210 liters of the person's breath".

It is illegal in Alaska for a person under the age of 21 to consume alcohol. If you are under 21 and you operate a motor vehicle, aircraft, or watercraft after consuming alcohol in any amount, you can be arrested or cited for the offense of minor operating after consuming alcohol. If you refuse to take a chemical test of your breath, or your breath test result shows any quantity of alcohol, your driver’s license, privilege to drive, or your privilege to obtain a license will be revoked by the Division of Motor Vehicles.

Court revocation and penalties for drink and drive and refusal to be tested

offense	revocation period	jail sentence	fine ($)
1st	90 days	3 days	1 500
2nd	1 year	20 days	3 000
3rd	3 years	60 days	4 000
4th	5 years	120 days	5 000
5th	5 years	240 days	6 000
6th or more	5 years	360 days	7 000

A driver arrested for DUI must be charged with a felony if, within 10 years of the arrest date, the person has been previously convict- ed two or more times, as:

offense	revocation period	jail sentence	fine ($)
3rd	lifetime	120 days	10 000
4th	lifetime	240 days	10 000
5th and more	lifetime	360 days	10 000

More information at Code of Alaska.

Vehicle tires requirements

Tires must have at least 2/32 inches of tread depth.
The distance between the edge of a penny and the top of Lincoln's head is about 2/32 of an inch. If you slide a penny into a tread groove and can see the top of Lincoln's head, your tires are worn out.

Snow tires in Alaska are mandatory in the period from September 16 and April 30. Studded tires are allowed in case of heavy winter conditions. Snow chains is allowed. Studded tired are prohibited in the period from April 15 to September 30.

The winter tires (studded or non-studded) have to be a type approved by the Alaska Department of Public Safety.

Kids passengers safety

The law requires federally approved child restraint devices for passengers under four years old. Passengers aged from 4 up to 16 must wear a seat belt or a child restraint device; whichever is age appropriate.

A driver may not transport a child under the age of 16 in a motor vehicle unless the driver has provided the required safety device and properly secured each child. A child less than one year of age or a child one year of age or older who weighs less than 20 pounds shall be properly secured in a rear-facing child safety seat that meets or exceeds standards of the United States Department of Transportation and is used in accordance with the manufacturer’s instructions; A child of one or more years of age but less than five years of age who weighs 20 pounds or more shall be properly secured in a child restraint device that meets or exceeds the standards of the United States Department of Transportation and is used in accordance with the manufacturer’s instructions; A child over four years of age but less than eight years of age who is less than 57 inches in height and weighs 20 or more pounds but less than 65 pounds shall be properly secured in a booster seat that is secured by a seat belt system or by another child passenger restraint system that meets or exceeds the standards of the United States Department of Transportation and is used in accordance with the manufacturer’s instructions.

More information at http://doa.alaska.gov

Driving license

There are 7 classes of driver’s licenses and 2 types of permits in Alaska.

Classes A, B, C are for operating commercial motor vehicles.
Class D is for operating passenger vehicles; motorcycles and motor scooters with engine displacements of less than 50cc.
Class M1 is for motorcycles and motor scooters with engine displacements of 50cc or more.
Class M2 is for motor scooters with an engine displacement of less than 50 cc - suitable for individuals who are 14 or 15 years.
Class M3 is for three-wheeled motorcycles (trike), three wheeled motor-driven cycles, and three-wheeled motorized bicycles with an engine displacement of 50 cc or more.
Class S is for operating a school bus. A school bus driver endorsement is required whenever school children are transported for compensation.
If operating a school bus that qualifies as a commercial motor vehicle, a CDL with an “S” endorsement must be obtained.

Validity
Every person who operates a motor vehicle on Alaska streets, highways, or other public property must have a valid Alaska driver’s license or permit.

A non-resident who is at least 16 years of age, and has in their possession a valid driver’s license issued by another state or country. However, an Alaska driver’s license must be obtained by the end of a 90-day period after entry into the state.

Suspension
The Driving privileges must be suspended in case of:
- operating or owning an uninsured vehicle involved in a crash.
- repeated violations of the motor vehicle laws (accumulation of points).
- driving in violation of license restrictions.
At the end of the suspension, and upon meeting any reinstatement requirements, you must apply for a duplicate license at one of our field offices.

Revocation
Driving privileges must be revoked for: - driving while under the influence, or refusal to take a chemical test.
- driving while license is cancelled, suspended, or revoked.
- reckless driving.
- perjury (giving untrue information relating to motor vehicles to the department).
- unlawful flight by motor vehicle to avoid arrest.
- felony in connection with a motor vehicle causing injury or death such as Manslaughter, Negligent Homicide, or Assault with a vehicle.
At the end of revocation, when reinstatement requirements are met, a new license may be obtained.

More information at http://doa.alaska.gov/

Vehicle windows tint

Darkness of tint is measured by Visible Light Transmission percentage (VLT%). In Alaska, this percentage refers to percentage of visible light allowed in through the combination of film and the window, as:

Windshield: non-reflective tint is allowed on the top 5 inches of the windshield.
Front side windows: must allow more than a total of 70% light in. No metallic or mirrored appearance.
Back Side Windows: must allow more than a total of 40% light in.
Rear window: must allow more than a total of 40% light in. No metallic or mirrored appearance.

Important:
Restricted colors: the tint colors of red, amber, and yellow are not allowed by Alaska window tint law.
No sticker to identify legal tinting is required by law.
Alaska window tint law allows medical exemptions for special tint.

Driver hand signs

hand signal	meaning
	STOP - left arm extended straight down
	TURNING LEFT - left arm extended horizontally to the side
	TURNING RIGHT - left arm extended straight up

More information at https://www.dmv.ca.gov

Vehicle safety belt

Everyone in a motor vehicle is required to use a safety belt. The driver is also responsible for all passengers under the age of 16 years. The law requires federally approved child restraint devices for passengers under four years old. Passengers aged from 4 up to 16 must wear a seat belt or a child restraint device; whichever is age appropriate.

Fines for children not restrained properly are up to $50 and up to 2 points against the driver’s license.
Adult passengers caught not wearing a seat belt will be fined $15.

Road signs

Mobile Phone use

Alaska has a law aimed at reducing driver distraction. It is illegal to drive with a visual screen device operating. Texting while driving is prohibited by the law.

Cell phone and stereo use while driving, as well as eating and drinking while driving are prohibited.

Vehicle headlights use

Headlights must be turned on from 1/2 hour after sunset to 1/2 hour before sunrise.

Headlights must be turned on in daytime when visibility is reduced to 1000 feet or less by fog, rain, snow, smoke, or dust.

The driver is obliged to change headlights to low beam (dim) 500 feet or more from oncoming vehicle, and on 300 feet or more from vehicle going in the same direction.



There are certain stretches of road in Alaska that require you to drive with your headlights on at all times. The popular Seward Highway is one of these roads. Even when it is not required, it is recommended to drive with our headlights on.

VOther traffic rules

In Alaska, if you are holding up five or more vehicles you are breaking the law. This applies to everyone despite what they are driving, so utilize the endless opportunities to pull over and let people pass.
Alaska has theREDDI program (Report Every Dangerous Driver Immediately) and you will be called into the troopers for holding up traffic.

Slow speed — A driver may not drive at such slow speed as to hold back or block the normal and reasonable flow of traffic.

Reckless driving — A willful disregard for the safety of persons or property. Conviction will result in a license revocation.

On multi-lane highways — If you drive slower than other traffic, use the right, outside lane, except when passing.

Traffic Safety Corridors — To promote traffic safety, certain portions of the highway may be designated as traffic safety corridors. Fines for traffic offenses occurring in the corridor are doubled.

More information at:
Alaska Driving Manual
http://doa.alaska.gov/