DMV Alaska Roads & Signs Test — Questions and Answers
Question 1: What does an orange diamond-shaped sign on an Alaska highway indicate?
- Construction or maintenance zone ahead — slow down and watch for workers (Correct answer)
- A wildlife crossing area where moose may enter the roadway
- A mandatory rest area for commercial vehicles
- A seasonal road closed to certain vehicle types
Correct answer: Construction or maintenance zone ahead — slow down and watch for workers
In Alaska and all US states, orange diamond-shaped signs are construction and maintenance zone warning signs. They warn drivers to slow down, watch for workers, and be prepared for changed road conditions. Speed limits in construction zones are strictly enforced and fines may be doubled.
Question 2: On an Alaska road, a yellow diamond sign shows a silhouette of a moose. What should you do?
- Reduce speed and scan both sides of the road for moose crossing (Correct answer)
- Stop completely until the moose has passed
- Honk your horn to scare away wildlife
- Continue at normal speed as moose crossing signs are advisory only
Correct answer: Reduce speed and scan both sides of the road for moose crossing
Moose crossing warning signs indicate an area where moose frequently cross the road. Collisions with moose are extremely dangerous in Alaska — moose stand 6-7 feet tall at the shoulder, and their body mass is at windshield height during a collision. Reduce speed and scan both sides of the road carefully.
Question 3: What does a red octagonal sign mean, regardless of what is written on it?
- Stop completely (Correct answer)
- Slow down and yield if traffic is present
- Merge into oncoming traffic lane
- Reduce speed by half
Correct answer: Stop completely
A red octagonal (8-sided) sign always means STOP. This is a universal rule in the US. Drivers must come to a complete stop, yield to all cross traffic and pedestrians, and proceed only when safe. Running a stop sign is a primary traffic violation in Alaska.
Question 4: In Alaska, what is the general speed limit in a school zone when children are present?
- 20 mph (Correct answer)
- 15 mph
- 25 mph
- 30 mph
Correct answer: 20 mph
Alaska law sets the speed limit in school zones at 20 mph when children are present (typically during school hours and when lights are flashing). This applies within 1,000 feet of a school. Fines for speeding in school zones are typically doubled, and Alaska strictly enforces these limits.
Question 5: What does a white rectangular sign with black text typically convey?
- A regulatory requirement that must be obeyed (such as a speed limit) (Correct answer)
- A warning about road conditions ahead
- A guide to nearby services or destinations
- A construction zone notice
Correct answer: A regulatory requirement that must be obeyed (such as a speed limit)
White rectangular signs with black text are regulatory signs — they state traffic laws and regulations that drivers must obey, such as speed limits, turn restrictions, parking rules, and lane control. Failure to comply with a regulatory sign is a traffic violation. This contrasts with yellow warning signs (advisory) and green guide signs (informational).
Question 6: On an Alaska road, you see a sign reading 'FROST HEAVES.' What does this mean?
- The road surface is uneven due to freezing and thawing — reduce speed significantly (Correct answer)
- The road is icy and traction is reduced
- A weight restriction is in effect for the road ahead
- The road is closed to vehicles over a certain height
Correct answer: The road surface is uneven due to freezing and thawing — reduce speed significantly
Frost heave signs warn of road damage caused by the freeze-thaw cycle in Alaska's permafrost regions. Water in the soil freezes and expands, pushing the road surface up into bumps or uneven sections. Drivers should reduce speed significantly, as frost heaves can cause vehicles to become airborne or lose control at higher speeds.
DMV Alaska Roads & Signs Test
What does an orange diamond-shaped sign on an Alaska highway indicate?