Alaska speed limits and key traffic laws

By the end of this topic you can

• You can state Alaska's unposted speed limits.
• You can explain the basic speed law and the assured clear distance rule.
• You can say when you must pull over for following traffic.
• You can list places where passing is not allowed.
• You can explain what to do for school buses and stopped emergency vehicles.

What you need to know and understand

• Unposted limits: 15 mph in alleys, 20 mph in business districts, 20 mph in school zones, 25 mph in residential districts and 55 mph on other roads.
• Some highways are posted at 65 mph. Local authorities and the state can set other limits.
• You must never drive faster than lets you stop within the distance you can see is clear ahead.
• Driving so slowly that you block normal traffic is also an offense.
• Fines are doubled in designated Traffic Safety Corridors.
• Reckless driving, a willful disregard for safety, leads to license revocation.
• The manual teaches a four-second following gap, while regulation sets two seconds as the legal minimum.

When the sign is not the safe speed

A posted or default limit is the maximum for good conditions. Alaska's speed limitation law requires a careful and prudent speed when traffic is heavy, the surface is icy, wet or rough, the road is narrow, or rain, snow, fog, dust or smoke limits what you can see.

Speed also multiplies danger. The manual explains that doubling your speed from 20 to 40 mph makes the impact and braking distance about four times greater.

Rules for highways and two-lane roads

• On a multi-lane highway, keep to the right lane if you are slower than other traffic, except when passing.
• On a two-lane road outside an urban area, pull over safely when five or more vehicles are directly behind you (AS 28.35.140).
• Do not pass on the right shoulder, approaching a hill or curve without a clear view, or when a solid yellow line is in your lane.
• Do not pass within 100 feet of an intersection, railroad crossing, or posted narrow bridge, viaduct or tunnel.
• Never speed up while someone is passing you.

School buses and emergency scenes

When a school bus shows flashing red lights and its stop arm, traffic from both directions must stop and wait until the lights stop and the arm is withdrawn. The exception is oncoming traffic on a highway with separated roadways and two or more lanes each way.

When you pass stopped emergency vehicles or tow trucks with flashing lights on a four-lane road, move to the lane away from them if it is safe. If you cannot, or you are on a two-lane road, slow to a reasonable speed (AS 28.35.185).

Common mistakes

• Treating 55 mph as safe on a snowy road. The basic speed law can make that speed illegal.
• Forgetting school zone limits. Speeding in a school zone carries 6 points.
• Holding up a line of traffic on a rural road. Use the next safe turnout.
• Passing as soon as a no-passing zone ends without checking. The end of the zone only means you can see further.

Test yourself: Alaska speed limits and key traffic laws

Answer each question, then read the explanation. Questions come in a random order each time.

Go deeper

• Alaska 40 Hour Supervised Driving Certification Checklist
• Alaska Off-Highway Driver’s License
• Alaska Permit Practice Test