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
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.
RECOMMENDEDNo spam or unwanted phone calls · No long forms