Alaska Driving Laws
Updated: August, 2024
Summary of common traffic laws in Alaska – Speed limits, License Renewals, Learners Permits, Drunk Driving Laws, and more. For more information, visit the Alaska Highway Safety Office website.
Speed Limits
In Alaska, the maximum speed limit for cars is 55 mph. The maximum highway speed for trucks is also 55 mph. Maximum speeds may only apply to small sections of designated roads - not all highways. Always observe posted traffic laws and drive safely for the weather and road conditions.
Learners Permits
Alaska allows new drivers to get their learners permit at the age of 14. You must have your provisional license for a minimum of 6 months. Drivers can then get their intermediate license at 16. An Intermediate License allows you to drive yourself without a qualified co-pilot in the car. However, driving restrictions still apply including the time-of-day you can drive and the maximum number of passengers allowed.
In Alaska, drivers can obtain their full drivers license at the age of 16 years and 6 months.
License Renewal
Alaska requires you to renew your license every 5 years. Older drivers face additional renewal requirements:
View all Drivers License Renewal Info
Work Zones
The state of Alaska enforces increased penalties for all violations within work zones. These increased penalties are known as Work Zone Enhancements. Work Zone Enhanced Penalties may be assessed even if workers are not currently present and working. In Alaska, Work Zone Enhacements are:
Drunk Driving Laws
The legal Blood Alcohol Content (BAC) is 0.08%. Most states impose increased mandatory penalties for driving above a specific BAC. In Alaska, driving with a BAC above 0.15% will trigger automatic enhanced minimum penalties.
Texting while Driving
Texting while driving is illegal in most but not all states. In Alaska, hand-held devices such as phones and mp3 player are are not banned. Handheld devices bans prohibit talking on the phone without a hands-free system.
Texting while driving is banned in Alaska. Texting while driving is concidered a primary offense. This means that you can be pulled over with texting as the only offense. In Alaska, distracted driving is listed as a category on police crash report forms.
Seat Belt Laws
Alaska requires seabelt use. Seatbelt enforcement is concidered primary, meaning you can be pulled over for not wearing a seatbelt. The fine for a seatbelt law violation in Alaska is $15.00. Seatbelt laws very by state. Many states require passengers to wear seatbelts as well.
Data Source
Alaska Highway Safety Office
Data Source
United States Department of Transportation
