Intersections, right of way and roundabouts

Key points

1. Slow down and have your vehicle under control at uncontrolled intersections, even when approaching from the right.

   Source: Handbook p. 33

   “Approaching from the right does not excuse you from slowing down and having your vehicle under control.”
   Alaska Driver Manual, Handbook p. 33

2. At an uncontrolled intersection, the driver on the left yields to the driver on the right.

   Source: Handbook p. 33

   “When two vehicles approach an uncontrolled intersection in such position and time that there is danger of collision, the driver of the vehicle on the left must yield to the driver of the vehicle on the right.”
   Alaska Driver Manual, Handbook p. 33

3. Coming from the right, you have the right of way only when the other driver gives it to you.

   Source: Handbook p. 33

   “You have the right of way only when the other driver gives it to you, and only if another vehicle is not already within the `intersection.”
   Alaska Driver Manual, Handbook p. 33

4. A non motorized user has the right of way over motor vehicles through uncontrolled intersections.

   Source: Handbook p. 33

   “A non-motorized user has the right of way through uncontrolled intersections to motorized vehicles.”
   Alaska Driver Manual, Handbook p. 33

5. Most roundabouts are designed for about 15 to 20 mph, with traffic moving counterclockwise.

   Source: Handbook p. 34

   “Most roundabouts are designed for speeds of about 15-20mph.”
   Alaska Driver Manual, Handbook p. 34

6. Yield to traffic already in the circle; if a vehicle arrives at the same time on your right, yield to it.

   Source: Handbook p. 34

   “Yield to any traffic already in the circle. If another vehicle arrives at the same time, yield to the vehicle if it is on your right.”
   Alaska Driver Manual, Handbook p. 34

7. Once inside a roundabout, do not stop.

   Source: Handbook p. 34

   “Once inside, do not stop. Follow directions on signs or pavement markings about which lane to use.”
   Alaska Driver Manual, Handbook p. 34

8. When the light turns green, yield to pedestrians and vehicles still in the intersection.

   Source: Handbook p. 35

   “At a signaled intersection, when light turns green, yield to pedestrians and vehicles caught in intersection.”
   Alaska Driver Manual, Handbook p. 35

9. Stop and yield when entering a road from an alley, driveway or building.

   Source: Handbook p. 35

   “Stop and yield when entering a street or road from alley, driveway, or building.”
   Alaska Driver Manual, Handbook p. 35

Numbers to know

3 questions from the Alaska practice test

1. 1. At an uncontrolled intersection, two vehicles approach with a danger of collision. Which driver must yield?

   1. The driver on the left yields to the driver on the right
   2. The driver on the right yields to the driver on the left
   3. The driver going faster yields to the slower driver
   4. Both drivers continue because neither has a stop sign
   Show answer

   The driver on the left yields to the driver on the right. Alaska assigns the yield duty to the vehicle on the left when two vehicles reach an uncontrolled intersection in a position and time that could produce a collision. This rule does not grant the vehicle on the right permission to rush through. A driver approaching from the right still slows and keeps the vehicle under control. The useful cue is to picture the other vehicle at your left side: you are the one who yields. That approach also protects against a vehicle already occupying the intersection, which changes the immediate hazard.

2. 2. When may an Alaska driver approaching from the right rely on having the right-of-way?

   1. Whenever the road has no traffic signal
   2. Whenever the driver reaches the intersection first
   3. Only when the other driver gives it and no vehicle is already in the intersection
   4. Any time the driver is traveling on a major highway
   Show answer

   Only when the other driver gives it and no vehicle is already in the intersection. Being on the right does not make a driver automatically safe to proceed. Alaska says the right-of-way exists only when the other driver gives it and only when another vehicle is not already within the intersection. That language requires observation and cooperation, even at an uncontrolled crossing. Arriving first or traveling on a major road is not enough. Reduce speed, confirm the space is open, and make sure the other driver has actually yielded before moving through.

3. 3. A vehicle is entering an Alaska roundabout while another vehicle is already circulating. Who has priority?

   1. The vehicle already in the circle
   2. The vehicle entering from the approach road
   3. The larger vehicle, regardless of position
   4. The vehicle that signals first
   Show answer

   The vehicle already in the circle. Traffic already circulating in the roundabout has priority over a vehicle waiting to enter. The entering driver should slow down, look for a gap, and yield before joining the counterclockwise flow. Stopping inside the circle is not the routine response once entry has occurred, so the approach line is where the decision belongs. A larger vehicle or an early signal does not change the order. Treat the center island as a reminder that circulating traffic has already established its path.

Source: the Alaska Driver Manual, Signaling, Turns and Intersections. This lesson is a plain English summary, not the law itself; where it differs, the manual and the statute govern. Last checked 2026-09-27.