Traffic Safety Laws in Alaska

Helmet Laws

Motorcycles

Licensed or endorsed riders under 18 years old are required to wear a motorcycle helmet. Any passenger, no matter the age, must wear a helmet. Anyone with a motorcycle instruction permit or those taking the test must also wear a helmet. 

Snowmobiles

No mandatory helmet law exists.

Electronic Devices When Driving Laws

There are no state driving restrictions regarding the use of cell phones or electronic devices while driving. However, it is important to check the laws where you live and drive as a AK allows individual municipality to set the laws for the use of a phone by anyone driving on school property or in an active school zone. 

Statewide it is illegal for anyone, regardless of age, to text while driving.

Headlight Laws

You must use your headlights:

  • Between 30 minutes after sunset and 30 minutes before sunrise.
  • When weather conditions limit visibility to less than 1,000 feet.
  • When driving on roads that require headlight use (Seward Highway).

Child Car Seat

Depending on certain age and weight limitations, carseats are mandatory for children while riding in a car. 

  • Infants up to 1 years old AND under 20 lbs. must ride in a rear-facing carseat. 
  • Children between 1 and 5 years old, who weigh more than 20 lbs., must ride in a federally-approved carseat. 
  • Children over 4 up to 8 years old, who are less than 57 inches tall and weigh between 20 and 65 lbs., must be in a booster seat that is secured by a seatbelt. 
    • Once a child exceeds the size requirements, they must ride in a seatbelt. 

Seatbelt Laws

AK laws require anyone in a motor vehicle to wear a safety belt. Drivers are held responsible for ensuring all passengers under 16 years old are wearing their safety belt. 

Unattended Kids or Pets in Cars

If you feel a child or pet has been left unattended in a car for an inordinate amount of time, especially during extreme weather conditions, dial 911 and remain at the vehicle in question until authorities arrive.

Reporting Drunk and/or Unsafe Drivers

Alaska law enforcement authorities strongly advocate the nation's Report Every Drunk Driver Immediately (REDDI) program. If you suspect someone should not be operating a vehicle, dial 911 immediately. In such instances it is better to err on the side of caution.

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