Alaska Traffic Law

The state of Alaska is the largest in the United States. Alaska's roads stretch thousands of miles through forests, mountains, and tundra.

You should know the traffic laws before you drive in Alaska as either a resident or a visitor. Prevent traffic offenses and protect your license by staying ready to navigate any situation you might encounter.

Alaska Driver Manuals

Alaska's Division of Motor Vehicles (DMV) explains a variety of commonly misunderstood driving topics in its driver manuals and online resources, including:

• Driver's license and provisional license requirements
• Vehicle regulations like seat belts and lights
• How many points a traffic violation is worth on your driving record
• Penalties for driving under the influence of alcohol or drugs (DUI)
• The use of a screen device while driving, such as texting
• Right-of-way at an intersection without a green arrow or official traffic control device
• Left turn rules, such as turning left in a center lane or on a one-way roadway
• Safely passing emergency vehicles
• Overtaking vehicles on a two-lane road
• Reckless driving, running a stop sign, and other violations
• Traffic safety in school zones
• Stopping for school buses in the opposite direction
• Special driving laws for commercial motor vehicles
• Driving with disabilities

Some laws are similar or identical to other state's traffic laws. For example, drivers in all states must yield to pedestrians at a crosswalk. However, it isn't safe to assume that a driving practice in another state will be the same in Alaska.

Read Alaska Driving Laws

Several sources determine the rules of the road. Alaska Statutes serve as the official state laws. State agencies maintain the Alaska Administrative Code (AAC), which contains detailed regulations. Local ordinances and municipal laws also apply.

You can find Alaska laws for driving, including links to each statute, in the chart below.

Winter Driving in Alaska

Alaska's weather can be unfamiliar for new motorists. Winter driving can be risky, even when you know how to drive safely and maintain your vehicle.

Tips for winter driving safety include:

• Remove all snow and ice from your vehicle before getting on the road
• Check your route for road closures and hazards
• Comply with vehicle standards and regulations, such as the studded tire rules
• Watch for traffic warning signs, such as signs for sharp turns or wildlife
• Turn on your headlights during the day in poor weather conditions like snow and rain

The Alaska Department of Transportation and Public Facilities offers more tips for winter driving on its website.

Snowmobiles and Recreational Vehicles

Generally, low-speed motor vehicles are legal on roads with speed limits of 35 mph or lower. Electric scooters, e-bikes, and other motor-driven cycles follow special traffic and licensing laws in Alaska. They are typically legal to ride on the road unless a traffic sign or local law prohibits it (AAC 13.02.427).

Recreational off-highway vehicles like all-terrain vehicles (ATVs) and snowmobiles are common in Alaska. Driving these vehicles on public roadways can be illegal, especially near large cities like Fairbanks and Anchorage. Smaller boroughs and rural areas sometimes allow them on the roads, however.

Check the specific local laws along your route before you drive these vehicles.

Find an Alaska Traffic Law Attorney

If a police officer pulls you over and issues a ticket, there might be better options than paying it. Get help for an infraction, DUI, or car accident in Alaska. A local traffic lawyer or personal injury attorney can assess your legal options and help you navigate Alaska traffic laws.