Did you know the Alaska seat belt law could result in fines and demerit points on your record? Whether you are cruising the Glenn Highway in Anchorage or driving on remote roads in Fairbanks, this law applies every time you get behind the wheel.
Here are eleven key things every Alaskan driver needs to know.
1. All Drivers and Passengers Must Buckle Up
Under Alaska Statutes AS 28.05.095, a person 16 years of age or older may not occupy a motor vehicle while being driven on a highway unless restrained by a safety belt, and no driver may operate a motor vehicle on a highway unless restrained by a safety belt.
2. It Is a Secondary Offense for Adult Violations
Alaska uses secondary enforcement for its seat belt law for adults, meaning law enforcement officers can issue a ticket for not wearing a seat belt only if the driver has already been pulled over for another traffic violation.
3. Child Violations Are a Primary Offense
In Alaska, it is a primary offense to allow children under the age of 16 to travel without an appropriate safety device or seat belt. Officers can stop a vehicle solely for this violation.
4. The Adult Fine Is $15
According to AS 28.05.095, violations of Alaska seat belt laws can result in fines of up to $15 for adults. There is also an option to waive the fine by donating $15 to the local emergency medical services entity.
5. Child Safety Violations Carry a $50 Fine
Penalties for child safety violations can reach $50. If cited for not providing a child safety device or seat belt, you can present proof of purchase and installation within 30 days to have the citation dismissed.
6. Infants Must Use a Rear-Facing Seat
A child less than one year of age, or a child one year of age or older who weighs less than 20 pounds, must be properly secured in a rear-facing child safety seat that meets or exceeds the standards of the U.S. Department of Transportation.
7. Forward-Facing Seats Are Required for Toddlers
Children one or more years of age but less than four years of age who weigh 20 pounds or more must be properly secured in a child restraint device that meets or exceeds the standards of the U.S. Department of Transportation.
8. Booster Seats Cover Ages 4 to 8
Children over four years of age but less than eight years of age who are less than 57 inches in height and weigh between 20 and 65 pounds must be properly secured in a booster seat secured by a seat belt system or another approved child passenger restraint system.
9. Older Kids Between 8 and 16 Still Have Requirements
Children eight years of age but less than 16 who do not exceed the height and weight requirements for a booster seat must be properly secured in a federally approved child safety device or in a safety belt, whichever is appropriate for the child.
10. Several Exemptions Apply
The law does not apply to passengers in school buses or emergency vehicles, vehicle operators delivering mail or newspapers from inside the vehicle, persons in vehicles not equipped with safety belts, and operators or passengers of motorcycles, snowmobiles, off-highway vehicles, and similar non-highway vehicles.
11. Not Wearing a Belt Can Reduce Your Injury Claim
Alaska is one of 16 states where damages may be reduced in a lawsuit due to the non-use of a seat belt. If you are hurt in a crash and were not buckled up, your compensation could be significantly lowered.
Final Takeaway for Alaska Drivers
The Alaska seat belt law protects everyone from Juneau to Nome. A small fine today can turn into a much bigger legal problem after a crash. Always buckle up, secure your children properly, and consult a licensed Alaska attorney if you have questions after an accident.