Right of way, turns and intersections in Alaska
Many Alaska crashes happen where roads meet. The Alaska Driver Manual sets out clear yielding rules, but it also stresses that right of way is something you are given, never something you take.
This page covers intersections with and without controls, turning correctly, roundabouts and turning around safely.
By the end of this topic you can
- You can apply the yield-to-the-right rule at an uncontrolled intersection.
- You can make a legal right turn on red.
- You can position, signal and complete left and right turns.
- You can enter, drive and leave a roundabout.
- You can perform a three-point turn and know when not to turn around.
What you need to know and understand
- At an uncontrolled intersection, if two vehicles arrive at about the same time, the driver on the left yields to the driver on the right.
- You must also yield to any vehicle already in the intersection.
- People walking or biking have the right of way over motor vehicles at uncontrolled intersections.
- You may turn right on a steady red only after a full stop, when it is safe and no sign forbids it.
- Signal continuously for the last 100 feet before turning.
- In a roundabout, traffic travels counterclockwise and entering drivers yield to traffic already in the circle.
- When a traffic signal is completely dark, treat the intersection as uncontrolled: stop, then yield to traffic on your right.
Who goes first
- Uncontrolled intersection, arriving together: yield to the vehicle on your right. Even if you are on the right, slow down and be ready to stop.
- Stop sign: stop at the stop line, behind the crosswalk, or before the intersecting road. Then yield to pedestrians, bicyclists and traffic.
- Yield sign: slow down, look both ways and stop if needed.
- Green light: yield to pedestrians and to vehicles still in the intersection. If turning left, yield to oncoming traffic going straight.
- Leaving a driveway, alley or building: stop and yield to all traffic and pedestrians.
Turning cleanly
Get into the correct lane well before the turn and signal for at least 100 feet. For a left turn, keep your front wheels straight while you wait so a rear-end crash does not push you into oncoming traffic. Turn into the proper lane and do not cut or loop the corner.
If you find yourself in the wrong lane at an intersection, do not swerve or stop to turn. Carry on and go around the block. A pavement arrow in your lane means you must make that movement.
Roundabouts step by step
- Slow down as you approach. Most roundabouts are designed for about 15 to 20 mph.
- Choose your lane before entering, using the signs and pavement markings.
- Yield to pedestrians, bicyclists and traffic already in the circle, then enter to the right of the center island when there is a gap.
- Keep moving once inside. If another vehicle arrives at the same time, yield to the one on your right.
- Exit at your street, yielding to people in the crosswalk. If you miss it, go around again.
Turning around
On a narrow street you may use a three-point turn unless it is prohibited. On a highway, never turn around near a curve or hill where you cannot see at least 500 feet in each direction. In town, driving around the block is the safest option.
Common mistakes
- Assuming you have the right of way because you are on the right. The other driver may not yield.
- Rolling through a right turn on red without a full stop.
- Turning the wheels left while waiting to turn left across traffic.
- Stopping inside a roundabout to let someone in.
Test yourself: Right of way, turns and intersections in Alaska
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Sources: Alaska Driver Manual (Rev. 10/2025), Alaska Division of Motor Vehicles: Intersections, Roundabouts, Turns, Stops Required and Traffic Signals sections. Independent guide, not affiliated with any licensing agency. Always check the latest official rules with the Alaska licensing agency.