QandAs: Autos

What are the Alaska State Driving Laws?

Answer:
Alaska operates under a points system. Any time

a driver violates a traffic law, the driver is awarded points against his or her driver’s license. An accumulation of 12 points in one year or 18 points in two years results in a revocation of the driving privileges of that individual.

Drivers can earn credits for periods of time without any violations of driving laws, or for completing driver education courses. These credits counteract the points on the driver’s record. The points are assigned based on how likely the infraction is to cause a crash. Some common points are as follows:

·                    Drunk driving – 10 points
·                    Fleeing a police officer – 10 points
·                    Manslaughter with a vehicle – 10 points
·                    Careless driving – 6 points
·                    Failure to stop or yield – 4 points
·                    Speeding in school zone – 6 points
·                    Other speeding – 2-6 points depending on how far over the speed limit

The speed limit in Alaska on most roadways is 55 mph. Some highways are marked with a 65 mph speed limit. In business districts and school zones you must travel 20 mph. Alleys have a speed limit of 15 mph, and residential areas have a speed limit of 25 mph. If another speed limit is posted, you must follow it. If you are caught speeding, you will be given the appropriate points against your record, and you will also be fined up to $500 for negligent driving.

Alaska also has a safety belt use law. Every person in a vehicle that is driving must be restrained by a safety belt. The driver is responsible for ensuring that all children are properly restrained. If a child in a vehicle is not properly restrained, the driver will be ticketed and receive a fine of up to $50. Children under the age of 17 who are riding on motorcycles must wear a helmet.

Alaska also has several laws that relate to emergency vehicles. If you are driving and an emergency vehicle is approaching you from either direction, you must pull over to the side of the road if possible. If not, yield the right of way to the emergency vehicle. You may not follow an emergency vehicle that has flashing lights closer than 500 feet. Also, you may not drive over a fire hose without permission.


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