Alaska State Driving Laws
- Driving in Alaska requires adherence to state laws.Road running through Alaska Range image by MAXFX from Fotolia.com
Driving laws in the state of Alaska differ little from those in the lower 48 states in their emphasis on safe, sober operation of motor vehicles. Perhaps aware of severe penalties for driving under the influence, Alaska drivers do not show high rates of driving under the influence of alcohol (though 6 percent report driving under the influence of illicit drugs, according to the U.S. Department of Health and Human Services). Alaska's laws pertaining to well-maintained vehicles may carry more import in a state facing perennial challenges related to the state's snowy weather and low temperatures. - Anyone driving a vehicle in the state needs a valid Alaska driver's license or permit. Exemptions include nonresidents for first 90 days after entering the state; members of the armed forces; persons driving farm equipment temporarily on a highway; federal employees with government vehicles on official business; and commercial drivers who live in another state.
- Teen drivers must be 14 to receive a learner's permit and must be accompanied by a person with at least one year of driving experience and who is 21 years of age or older; this person must have a valid driver's license and sit in the passenger seat next to the teen driver at all times.
- Alaska does not permit anyone under 21 to consume alcohol. Under-21 drivers who drink can be arrested or cited for the offense of minor operating after consuming alcohol. Anyone found driving under the influence of alcohol, inhalants or controlled substances can be found guilty of a Class A misdemeanor. The court can impose imprisonment of not less than 72 hours and a fine of not less than $1,500, if the driver is convicted of a first-time offense, with escalating fines and jail time for additional offenses.
- Alaska statute requires everyone in a motor vehicle to use a safety belt. The driver is responsible for all passengers under the age of 16 years; children under age 4 must use a child restraint device, and passengers age 4 to 16 must wear a seat belt or a child restraint device, whichever is appropriate.
- Most roadways have a maximum limit of 55 mph unless an exception of 65 mph is posted. Limit speed to 25 mph in residential areas, 20 mph in business districts or school zones, and 15 mph in alleys.
- Alaska makes it illegal to drive with a visual screen device operating in full view of the driver or to text while driving.
- Headlights must be turned on from a half-hour after sunset to a half-hour before sunrise. The law requires operational windshield wipers and defroster for cleaning snow and rain from windshield.
- Drivers must yield to pedestrians who are crossing the roadway and stop for all blind persons. They must not drive through a pedestrian safety zone when someone is walking in it.
- Alaska fines up to $1,000 for littering, and the court may impose a penalty of gathering litter in a specified area for a specified time. Loads must be secured to avoid littering or dumping.
