Turn signals and pavement markings

Key points

1. Signal continuously during the last 100 feet before turning.

   Source: Handbook p. 30

   “A hand and arm or directional signal of intention to turn or move a vehicle right or left must be given continuously during the last 100 feet traveled by the vehicle before turning.”
   Alaska Driver Manual, Handbook p. 30

2. Never stop or suddenly slow down without signaling.

   Source: Handbook p. 30

   “Never stop or suddenly decrease the speed of your vehicle without signaling your intentions for the benefit of the other drivers.”
   Alaska Driver Manual, Handbook p. 30

3. Alaska law requires you to cancel your turn signal after using it.

   Source: Handbook p. 30

   “Alaska law requires you to cancel your directional signal light after you use it.”
   Alaska Driver Manual, Handbook p. 30

4. Yellow markings separate opposite directions; white markings separate the same direction.

   Source: Handbook p. 54

   “Yellow markings, such as center lines, separate traffic flow going in opposite directions. White markings, such as lane lines, separate traffic going in the same direction.”
   Alaska Driver Manual, Handbook p. 54

5. Dashed lines are permissive, solid white lines are restrictive, and solid yellow lines are prohibitive.

   Source: Handbook p. 54

   “Dashed lines are permissive. Solid white lines are restrictive, and solid yellow lines are prohibitive.”
   Alaska Driver Manual, Handbook p. 54

6. Dashed yellow lines show where passing is permitted on two lane, two way roads.

   Source: Handbook p. 56

   “Dashed yellow line markings indicate where passing is permitted on two-lane, two-way roadways.”
   Alaska Driver Manual, Handbook p. 56

7. It is illegal to drive on the shoulder.

   Source: Handbook p. 54

   “It is illegal to drive on the shoulder of roadways.”
   Alaska Driver Manual, Handbook p. 54

8. A two way left turn lane may not be used for driving, accelerating or passing.

   Source: Handbook p. 55

   “It is not permissible to use the center left turn lane as a driving, accelerating, or passing lane.”
   Alaska Driver Manual, Handbook p. 55

9. Do not pass within 100 feet of an intersection, railroad crossing, narrow bridge or tunnel.

   Source: Handbook p. 37

   “When approaching within 100 feet of or when traversing an intersection or railroad crossing, or when approaching within 100 feet of a posted narrow bridge, viaduct, or tunnel.”
   Alaska Driver Manual, Handbook p. 37

Numbers to know

3 questions from the Alaska practice test

1. 1. How far before a turn must a driver continuously signal the intention to turn or move?

   1. Only during the final 10 feet
   2. During the last 100 feet traveled before turning
   3. At least one mile before every turn
   4. Only after the vehicle begins turning
   Show answer

   During the last 100 feet traveled before turning. Alaska requires a hand and arm or directional signal continuously during the last 100 feet traveled before turning or moving the vehicle right or left. The final 10 feet choice gives following traffic too little notice, while signaling only after movement begins is late. A greater distance may be sensible when traffic or speed makes earlier notice safer. Use the 100-foot mark as a minimum cue, keep the signal active through the approach, and cancel it after the maneuver so other drivers are not misled about your next movement.

2. 2. What do dashed yellow pavement markings indicate on a two lane, two way roadway?

   1. Passing is permitted when it is otherwise safe
   2. Passing is prohibited in both directions
   3. Traffic travels in the same direction only
   4. The center lane is reserved for left turns
   Show answer

   Passing is permitted when it is otherwise safe. Dashed yellow lines separate opposing traffic and indicate where passing is permitted on a two lane, two way roadway. Permission to pass still depends on visibility, traffic, and the other safety rules governing a pass. Solid yellow center lines prohibit passing, while white lines separate lanes traveling in the same direction. The reserved center lane choice describes a different marking and roadway arrangement. Identify both the color and the pattern before interpreting a pavement line, because changing either changes its meaning.

3. 3. What does a dashed pavement line indicate?

   1. The line is permissive
   2. The line is always prohibitive
   3. The shoulder must be used for passing
   4. The roadway is closed ahead
   Show answer

   The line is permissive. The Alaska manual describes dashed pavement lines as permissive. That means a driver may cross or use the marking when the specific roadway situation and other rules allow it. A dashed line is not automatically a prohibition, and it does not direct drivers onto the shoulder or announce a closure. Read dashed and solid markings together with their color, because yellow and white lines communicate different traffic relationships.

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.