Do You Have To Wear A Motorcycle Helmet In Alaska?

Helmet laws are important. They have been designed to ensure riders stay safe in cases of accidents.

There have been numerous documented reports of helmets saving people from outcomes that would be fatal or, at the very least, life-altering.

These laws have been strictly implemented to ensure the safety of everyone on the road.

The question of do you have to wear a motorcycle helmet in Alaska comes up often, and it can be confusing. The simple answer is no—but there are some important exceptions.

You have to wear a helmet if you’re under 18. The Alaska Department of Transportation has passed a law requiring minors to wear helmets while riding motorcycles or other motorized vehicles.

Now, this is a very simplified version of the law. This article will take a look at it in detail.

So, without any further ado, let’s get straight into it.

Motorcycle Helmet Laws And Rules In Alaska

In Alaska, the motorcycle helmet law is a bit of a gray area. The state does not require anyone over 18 to wear a helmet when operating a two-wheeler, as long as they have a valid driver’s license.

They are expected to wear eye protection unless there is a protective screen on the two-wheeler. However, it does state that passengers wear helmets regardless of their age.

They are safer for everyone involved in the accident—drivers, passengers, and pedestrians.

Helmet Requirements In AK

In Alaska, motorcycle helmet laws are fairly loose. Law 28.35.245 requires that helmets should not block peripheral vision and should not impede the ability to hear oncoming traffic. It also requires that helmets be safe enough to protect the neck in accidents.

The law in this state is pretty simple, and unlike some others, which require helmets to be DOT approved, you don’t need to worry about it here. Without a DOT-approved helmet, riders are more susceptible to serious injuries.

Penalties/Legal Consequences

As helmets are not mandatory, the state will choose the punishment according to the accident’s severity and decide which one of the two responsible parties was at fault.

Let’s take an example. If you were driving without your helmet and someone else hit you, that other person would be held liable for any damages or injuries you sustained.

If your injuries were minor, then it’s unlikely that much would happen to that other driver—but if you had suffered a serious injury or died in the accident, then there would have been more severe consequences for them.

Related Alaskan Motorcycle Laws You Should Be Familiar With

There is not much to know about helmet guidelines in Alaska, but there are many other motorcycle-related laws in this state that new bikers must be familiar with.

Although they are not related to helmets, they can contribute to the safety of the passenger and the rider himself.

So, let’s see some of them.

1. Rear View Mirrors

In Alaska, all motorcycles must have rear view mirrors. These mirrors must be placed on both sides of the motorcycle and should provide a proper view of the rear. They should be adjustable, but there is no law to prevent people from using other ones.

2. Fenders On Both Wheels

You need to have fenders on both wheels, and they need to be in good working order. This means they need to be able to keep water, dirt, and other debris off your motorcycle’s engine and exhaust system.

If you don’t have fenders on both wheels, or if they’re not working properly, you could get a ticket for violating this law.

3. Handle Bar Grips Should Not Be Higher Than The Shoulders

You could be in trouble if your handlebar grips are higher than your shoulders. If you have handlebar grips that are too high, it could cause problems for you if you’re ever involved in an accident.

They may not be able to absorb enough impact from any impacts during an accident, which could lead to serious injuries or even death in some cases. This is why the state has strictly stated that the grips must be lower than the shoulders.

4. Turn Signals

One law that every motorcyclist should know is that turn signals must be installed on all motorcycles. All vehicles must have turn signals installed, and this includes motorcycles.

These lights are meant to be used when turning or changing lanes. If these signals are not used, you could potentially be cited. This also poses a risk to the vehicles and the people in them.

These were some of the important laws that need to be known by every motorcyclist in the state. Violating them will result in you being fined or even being sentenced to temporary imprisonment.

So, you be aware of these Alaskan laws at all times and follow them too.

Get In Touch With Experienced Motorcycle Attorneys In Alaska

Getting compensation for when you are in an accident in the state of Alaska is difficult. The state does not have any strict rules in this regard, and you need a competent attorney to help you.

These are the top three firms you should consider below:

1. Crowson Law Group

Crowson Law Group is a personal injury law firm that has been tried and tested. They have helped countless clients get the compensation they deserve after being injured in an accident.

Their lawyers will only charge you if you win your case, which is why they are one of the best motorcycle injury attorneys in Alaska.

You should consider them as they have a lot of experience in this field. This firm will get you your rightfully deserved compensation.

Phone Number: (907) 331-3845
URL: https://www.crowsonlaw.com/

2. Farnsworth & Vance Injury And Accident Attorneys

If you have been in an accident or if you have been injured on the job, then it is important to know what legal options are open to you.

The Farnsworth & Vance Injury and Accident Attorneys specialize in helping people who have been injured by another party.

They have received a solid five stars on Google, which means that many people have had good experiences with this firm.

Their free consultation will help determine whether they can help you out with your case. You should definitely opt for it.

Phone Number: (907) 290-2576
URL: https://www.injuryak.com/

3. Law Office Of Ben Crittenden

The Law Office Of Ben Crittenden is a group of excellent, very knowledgeable attorneys.

They will take the time to discuss your case and provide you with a free consultation. The group has a high win rate when it comes to motorcycle injury cases.

They should be on your top three to-go list as they have proven wins. They will get you as much compensation as possible, so you can recover from your injuries.

You should contact them as soon as possible after your accident, so your claims can be processed right away.

Phone Number: (907) 312-5381
URL: https://www.crittendenlawoffice.com/

Frequently Asked Questions

Q1. Is It Ok To Wear An Open Face Helmet In Alaska?

In the state of Alaska, there is no mandatory helmet law. This means that riders are free to wear any type of helmet they want, including open-face helmets.

But it is still advised to use one that can actually help you in case of an accident. After all, that is the main purpose of a helmet.

Q2. How Much Is The Fine For Not Wearing A Motorcycle Helmet In Alaska?

In Alaska, there is no fine for not wearing a motorcycle helmet. That’s because as an adult aged 18 years or older, you can legally ride without one.

So, you can hop onto your motorcycle and go to your destination without worrying about the authorities stopping you and writing you a ticket.

Q3. When Did Motorcycle Helmet Become Law In Alaska?

Motorcycle helmets are not required by law in Alaska, although there is a law that requires minors to wear helmets.

That’s right—if you’re reading this article and are 18 or older, you can ride around town with your bare head exposed to the elements! So, there is no time for when a law was introduced.

Q4. Should Passengers Wear A Helmet In Alaska?

The law says that all passengers must wear helmets while riding on a motorcycle. Although there are no restrictions for drivers>

If you are a passenger, you should make sure to wear a helmet in order to not get into trouble with the authorities and be possibly fined too.

Q5. Are Moped Drivers Required To Wear A Helmet In Alaska?

In the state of Alaska, moped drivers are not required to wear a helmet. However, if you choose to ride a moped in Alaska, please remember that you are responsible for your own safety.

A helmet can help prevent serious injuries and save your life in the event of an accident.

Conclusion

So, do you have to wear a motorcycle helmet in Alaska? The answer can be simply divided into a yes and a no.

The yes is for those that don’t have a valid license or those that are under the age of 18. The no is for those that don’t come into either of these categories.

The state of Alaska has pretty loose rules when it comes to helmets. Although you could make do without buying one, you should still try to remain safe and buy a DOT-approved helmet.

It may save you from injuries or potentially thousands of dollars worth of treatments.