Alaska Motorcycle Helmet Laws

Motorcyclists 17 and under must wear a helmet. Motorcyclists over 18 don’t have to wear a helmet as long as they have the proper license or endorsement.
Written by Brittni Brinn
Reviewed by Kathleen Flear
background
Alaska’s motorcycle helmet requirement only applies to motorcyclists 17 years old and younger or motorcyclists with instructional permits. If you’re over 18 with the proper motorcycle license or endorsement, you are not legally required to wear a helmet. People riding on the back of a motorcycle are required to wear a helmet, regardless of age.
The risk that comes with riding a motorcycle is very real—the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA) reports that 14% of all fatal traffic accidents in 2019 involved motorcycles. That’s why Alaska has a motorcycle helmet law to ensure that inexperienced motorcyclists and all motorcycle passengers are protected.
To help guide you through Alaska’s motorcycle helmet laws, car insurance super app
Jerry
has put together information on the law itself, the penalties for breaking it, and how you can stay safe while driving your motorcycle in Alaska. Stick around and we'll also show you how to lower your
Alaska car insurance costs
.

Do you have to wear a motorcycle helmet in Alaska?

You have to wear a helmet in Alaska if you’re 17 or younger, if you’re driving with an instructional permit, or if you’re a passenger on a motorcycle.
According to
Alaska Statute 28.35.245
, motorcycle helmets must meet the following specifications:
  • Allow for use of normal peripheral vision
  • Allow for normal hearing
  • Minimize potential neck injuries caused by the helmet

Exceptions to Alaska’s motorcycle helmet law

Motorcyclists over 18 are not legally required to wear a helmet when driving. However, you may be expected to wear eye protection if your motorcycle does not have a protective screen.

Penalties for breaking Alaska’s motorcycle helmet law

Punishment for breaking the motorcycle helmet law will likely involve a fine. Depending on the severity of the case, you may also have to face additional penalties.

Why it’s important to wear a motorcycle helmet

Even if you’re not legally required to wear a helmet, it’s still a good idea to wear protective gear when you’re riding your bike. 
In states like Alaska that do not have universal helmet laws, 57% of motorcyclists involved in fatal crashes were not wearing a helmet. Helmets save over 1,600 lives every year and can prevent serious neck and head injuries in the case of an accident.
The easiest way to keep yourself safe on the road is to helmet up—even if you are not legally required to do so. 

How to find affordable insurance for your motorcycle

Wearing a helmet is a great way to keep yourself safe on the road—so is having the best insurance coverage! With
Jerry
, you can lower your monthly insurance payments and find the policy that suits your needs!
After signing up, Jerry will give you access to insurance quotes from over 50 top-rated insurance companies. Once you choose your favorite, Jerry will do all the hard work of switching you over to the new plan and will even help you cancel your old one!
Your wallet will thank you for using Jerry—the average app user saves $887 a year on their vehicle insurance!
“After using
Jerry
twice, I can confidently recommend them for insuring a new car or renewing for an existing car. Phenomenal service.” —Phil E.
RECOMMENDED
Compare auto insurance policies
No spam or unwanted phone calls · No long forms
Find insurance savings
Are you overpaying for car insurance?
Compare quotes and find out in 45 seconds.
Try Jerry

Easiest way to compare and buy car insurance

√
No long forms
√
No spam or unwanted phone calls
√
Quotes from top insurance companies
Find insurance savings