Traffic signals in Alaska
The Alaska Driver Manual shows or names everything on this page: 23 in all, on pages 50–53.
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RED BALL
Stop behind the crosswalk, stop line, or if none, before entering the intersection. Right turns are permitted only after a full stop, when the turn can be made safely, and is not restricted by a “No turn on red” sign.
Manual page 50 · Open this page in the manual (Manual page 50)
YELLOW BALL
A red light is about to appear. Stop unless you are already within the intersection, or so close to the intersection that you cannot stop safely. If the light changes to yellow as you enter the intersection, you may proceed with extreme caution.
Manual page 50 · Open this page in the manual (Manual page 50)
GREEN BALL
Go if the intersection is clear. Make any legal maneuver not specifically prohibited by a traffic control device. Yield to pedestrians and vehicles still in or who enter the intersection with the right-of-way, such as pedestrians traveling across the roadway with the green light. Yield to vehicles going straight through the intersection in the opposite direction if you are making a left turn.
Manual page 50 · Open this page in the manual (Manual page 50)
RED ARROW
Do not make the movement indicated by the arrow. Stop behind the crosswalk, stop line, or if none, before entering the intersection. No turns are allowed until the arrow changes to green or flashing yellow.
Manual page 50 · Open this page in the manual (Manual page 50)
YELLOW ARROW
A red light is about to appear. Stop movement in the indicated direction unless you are already within the intersection or so close to the intersection that you cannot stop safely. In that case, proceed through the intersection making the indicated turn.
Manual page 50 · Open this page in the manual (Manual page 50)
GREEN ARROW
Make the movement indicated by the arrow. This movement has the right-of-way and should not conflict with pedestrians or other vehicles. However, observe caution and yield to those who are still in or enter the intersection with the right-of-way.
Manual page 51 · Open this page in the manual (Manual page 51)
FLASHING RED BALL
Stop behind the crosswalk, stop line, or if none, before entering the intersection. Look in all directions for approaching traffic and pedestrians and proceed only when it is safe to do so. Individual flashing red balls (beacons) may be suspended over the roadway or located above stop signs. They supplement the sign where there may be a need for special emphasis.
Manual page 51 · Open this page in the manual (Manual page 51)
FLASHING RED ARROW
Stop behind the crosswalk, stop line, or if none, before entering the intersection. Look in all directions for approaching traffic and pedestrians and proceed only when it is safe to do so.
Manual page 51 · Open this page in the manual (Manual page 51)
FLASHING YELLOW BALL
Reduce speed and exercise caution. Yield to pedestrians and vehicles in the intersection. Flashing yellow balls (beacons) may be suspended over the roadway or installed with signs where there is a need for special emphasis.
Manual page 51 · Open this page in the manual (Manual page 51)
FLASHING YELLOW ARROW
Exercise caution while making the movement indicated by the arrow. Yield to oncoming traffic, pedestrians, and vehicles in the intersection.
Manual page 51 · Open this page in the manual (Manual page 51)
UNLIT SIGNAL HEAD
If a signal does not have any of its bulbs functioning and there is no other signal head in operation for your direction and there is no one directing traffic, the intersection is uncontrolled. You must stop. Yield to traffic approaching the intersection on your right. Exercise extreme caution and proceed only when it is safe to do so. Report this condition to the nearest police department as soon as possible.
Manual page 52 · Open this page in the manual (Manual page 52)
STEADY ORANGE UPRAISED HAND
Pedestrians shall not leave the sidewalk or enter the roadway in the direction of the signal. Pedestrians already crossing when the signal comes on shall proceed across the roadway. The DON’T WALK signal means the same as the UPRAISED HAND.
Manual page 52 · Open this page in the manual (Manual page 52)
FLASHING ORANGE UPRAISED HAND
The FLASHING UPRAISED HAND indicates that pedestrians may not enter the roadway, however those already in roadway may proceed to the other side. Pedestrians should stay within marked crosswalks and observe due courtesy to others. The Flashing DON’T WALK signal means the same as the Flashing UPRAISED HAND.
Manual page 52 · Open this page in the manual (Manual page 52)
FLASHING ORANGE UPRAISED HAND WITH COUNTDOWN TIMER
The FLASHING UPRAISED HAND WITH COUNTDOWN TIMER indicates that pedestrians are permitted to leave the curb if they can complete the crossing before the timer reaches zero. The COUNTDOWN TIMER indicates to pedestrians the seconds remaining to complete crossing the roadway. Upon reaching zero the FLASHING UPRAISED HAND changes to the STEADY UPRAISED HAND and the COUNTDOWN TIMER goes dark.
Manual page 52 · Open this page in the manual (Manual page 52)
STEADY ORANGE DON’T WALK
Pedestrians shall not leave the sidewalk or enter the roadway in the direction of the signal. Pedestrians already crossing when the signal comes on shall quickly proceed across the roadway. The hand outline means the same as the DON’T WALK signal.
Manual page 52 · Open this page in the manual (Manual page 52)
FLASHING ORANGE DON’T WALK
Pedestrians may not enter the roadway but should stay within marked crosswalks and observe due courtesy to others. However, those already in roadway may proceed to the other side.
Manual page 53 · Open this page in the manual (Manual page 53)
STEADY CLEAR WALK
Pedestrians may enter the roadway when it may be done with safety in the direction of the signal but should stay within marked crosswalks and observe due courtesy to others. The walking pedestrian symbol means the same as the WALK signal.
Manual page 53 · Open this page in the manual (Manual page 53)
STEADY WHITE WALKING PERSON
Pedestrians may enter the roadway when it may be done with safety in the direction of the signal but should stay within marked crosswalks and observe due courtesy to others. The WALK signal means the same as the WALKING Person.
Manual page 53 · Open this page in the manual (Manual page 53)
Steady Red X
Don’t use the lane. Opposing traffic is permitted to use the lane. Distinctive signals with X’s or down arrows are used above reversible lanes. Such lanes may be marked with double yellow dashed lines on each side. Use such lane only as permitted by the signal. Do not enter the lane if signals are not illuminated.
Manual page 53 · Open this page in the manual (Manual page 53)
Steady Yellow X
Clear the lane in a safe manner. A Red X signal is about to appear.
Manual page 53 · Open this page in the manual (Manual page 53)
Steady Green Arrow
Travel in lane is permitted.
Manual page 53 · Open this page in the manual (Manual page 53)
TWO-WAY LEFT TURN ARROWS
Use caution entering the Two-Way Left Turn only lane. Opposing traffic also may use the lane for left turns. Yield to oncoming traffic and pedestrians while making the turn.
Manual page 53 · Open this page in the manual (Manual page 53)
ONE-WAY LEFT TURN ARROW
Use caution entering the Left Turn Only Lane. Opposing traffic is not permitted to use the lane for left turns. Yield to oncoming traffic and pedestrians while making the turn.
Manual page 53 · Open this page in the manual (Manual page 53)