Alaska Car Seat Laws (2024) – Rules What Parents Need to Know

According to the Alaska State Law, children under 16 years of age should ride in a child safety device that meets or exceeds the standards of the United States Department of Transportation and is used in accordance with the manufacturer’s instructions.

What is the Car Seat Law in Alaska?

Alaska Legislature Law in Sec. 28.05.095. (b) reads: "A driver may not transport a child under the age of 16 in a motor vehicle unless the driver has provided the required safety device and properly secured each child as described in this subsection."

Alaska State Regulations

Rear-Facing

Alaska Rear-facing Car Seat Laws

Forward-Facing

Alaska Forward facing Car Seat Rules

Booster

Alaska Booster Seat Laws

Front Seat Laws

When can child sit in front seat in Alaska

Car Seats List

Best car seat to meet Alaska laws

US Car Seat Laws

Seat Laws across the United States

Alaska Car Seat Laws Rear-Facing

According to the regulations in Alaska Legislature Law Sec. 28.05.095. (b) (1), a child must ride in a rear-facing car seat when they are

1) less than 12 months, or;
2) one year of age or older but less than 20 pounds

As long as your child falls into one of the listed age and height requirements, you should secure them with a rear-facing car seat.

The rear-facing car seat should meet or exceed the standards of the United States Department of Transportation. Parents can breathe a sigh of relief as all the car seats sold in the United States should obey this rule.

The rear-facing car seat must be installed and used under the manufacturer’s instructions.

Alaska Forward Facing Car Seat Laws

The Alaska legislature laws do not mention forward-facing car seat requirements but in Sec. 28.05.095. (b)(2), the rule requires a child to be secured in an appropriate child restraint device when they:

1) Age at least 12 months but less than 5 years old
2) weigh at least 20 pounds

Interpreting regulations Sec. 28.05.095. (b) (2) and (3) that talk about booster seat requirements, this rule should be applied for forward-facing car seats.

What is The Law for Booster Seats in Alaska?

By law in Alaska Legislature Sec. 28.05.095. (b) (3), children are required to be secured in a booster seat if they are :

1) Over 4 years and less than 8 years of age
2) Under 57 inches (4’9″ ) in height
3) Over 20 pounds but less than 65 lbs

The booster seat should be secured with a seat belt system.

The law indicates that a child restraint device can be also used when the child falls into above age, weight, or height ranges.

If so, it’s strongly recommended to keep using the forward-facing car seat for as long as possible until they outgrow the height or weight limit set by the manufacturer.

According to the rule in Sec. 28.05.095. (b) (5), if the child is less than 4 feet 9 inches in height and weighs less than 65 pounds, they must ride in a child safety seat or a booster seat, no matter of the age, even they are 8 years or older.

Seat Belt Laws for Child in Alaska

The regulations in Sec. 28.05.095. (b) (3) and (4) reveals that a child shall be properly secured if they meet all the three age, weight, and height requirements below:

1) over 4 years of age

2) at least 57 inches in height

3) at least 65 pounds in weight

For a safe fit, the seat belt has to lie snugly across the upper thighs, not the stomach.

When can a child sit in the front seat in Alaska?

In Alaska, there is no age requirement mentioned in law when a child can sit in the front seat.

In this case, you may follow the experts’ recommendation to put your child in the front seat when the car seat belt fits them safely.

Penalty for Breaking Car Seat Laws in Alaska

Any person who fails to obey this law will be fined up to $50. The Alaska State Law also requires the violating person to submit proof of acquisition of a child safety device within 30 days.