Alaska (AK) Teen Auto Insurance Laws, Rates & Requirements

In the state of Alaska, roughly 20% of all accident fatalities and injuries involve teen drivers. Much like other states across the country, driving at night, driving with too many passengers in the car, and drunk driving are major causes for most teen accidents. What’s even more alarming is 24.4% of Alaska’s teen drivers with consuming arrests will go on to commit another DUI offense before their 31st birthday. In an effort to reduce the number of fatal traffic accidents involving teens, the Alaska State Legislature adopted a Graduated Driver Licensing (GDL) program in 2004. In addition, Alaska schools have programs that teach students about the dangers of driving drunk and other risky behaviors while behind the wheel. The program even uses “DUI goggles” to show students how quickly alcohol can impair driving and judgment. 

Continue reading to learn more about Alaska teen driver licensing and laws.

Alaska Graduated Driver Licensing (GDL) and Driver License Requirements

Alaska’s Graduated Driver Licensing (GDL) allows teens to gain experience behind the wheel and minimize risks. Teens can work towards a full, unrestricted driver’s license at a “graduated” pace. Teens are eligible to obtain a Provisional License at the age of 16 only if:

•    A parent or guardian certifies that the teen has performed at least 40 hours of driving. This will include 10 hours of driving under adverse weather conditions and driving at night.
•    The teen has held a learner’s permit for 6 months
•    The teen has not been convicted of any traffic violation whatsoever for at least 6 months before applying for a Provisional License

To obtain an Alaska learner’s permit, you must be at least 14 years of age and you must pass a written and vision test. You must bring the following documentation to the Alaska DMV office:

•    Identification and proof of age (two forms of identification)
•    Proof of social security number
•    Parental consent
•    Proof of residence and address
•    $15 fee

Alaska learner’s permits are valid for 2 years. Once the teen reaches the age of 18 and all requirements have been met and the teen has kept a clean record, the restrictions will be lifted.

Alaska Teen Driving Laws and Enforcement

In the state of Alaska, Provisional Licenses have several restrictions during the first 6 months of driving. Teens that hold a Provisional License:

•    Cannot drive between 1 a.m. and 5 a.m. The only exceptions to this rule are emergency situations or if the teen has to drive to and from work during these hours.
•    Cannot have any other passengers in the car under the age of 21, except siblings. If other passengers are in the car, one of the passengers has to be a parent or legal guardian.

In the state of Alaska, if you violate any of the provisions of a learner’s permit, you could end up with 2 points against your driving record, you will lose your license for a period of time to be determined by the courts, and you will also have to pay a $200 fine. In the state of Alaska, accumulating points has serious consequences. If you receive 6 or more points in 1 year, you will be required to take a defensive driver course.

Alaska Cell Phone Use/Texting While Driving Laws

Although the state of Alaska has passed a bill (House Bill 88 – HB 88) that is also known as “Alaska’s Text Messaging Ban,” there is no “clear” law stating that it is illegal to text or talk on a cell phone while driving in the state of Alaska. The law does make it illegal to use or install a TV, monitor, or other similar device with a visual display, in a motor vehicle. The law excludes cell phones, PDA’s, and GPS.

Alaska Teen DUI Laws

The state of Alaska does not tolerate underage drinking or driving while under the influence of any amount of alcohol. It is illegal for a teen to operate a vehicle even with trace amounts of alcohol in his system so a BAC of 0.00% is the rule. Most state laws regarding teen drinking and driving set the BAC limit at 0.02%. If you think you can pass a chemical or Breathalyzer test with a 0.00% if you have only consumed one beer, think again. A BAC of 0.02%  is equal to as little as one beer, one glass of wine or one mixed drink for most people. It can be even less for some.

Proof of a BAC over 0.00% is all that is needed to convict an Alaska teen of DUI. If you are caught and convicted of DUI, no matter how sober you thought you were or even if you passed all field sobriety tests, you will lose your license for anywhere from 30 days up to 2 years. What’s worse is, a DUI conviction will go on your driving record for a period of time to be determined by the courts – in many cases, the DUI will become a part of your permanent record. In addition, you will have to pay fines and penalties ranging from $300 up to $2,000 or more and you could even serve time in a juvenile detention center. Remember, DUI records are public records, so everyone from college admissions staff to potential employers can access your driving record. 

Alaska Teen Auto Insurance Requirements

In the state of Alaska, all drivers must be covered under an auto insurance policy. You must carry minimum liability coverage of at least 50/100/25. This means you must carry $50,000 for bodily injury to one person in an accident, $100,000 for all bodily injuries per accident, and at least $25,000 for property damage. Because the risk of an auto collision is significantly higher during the teens first year behind the wheel, Alaska auto insurance companies recommend purchasing higher amounts of coverage than the legal limits. If you plan to add a teen driver to your auto insurance policy, keep in mind that your annual rate will increase anywhere from $1,200 to $4,900 a year. The average increase, however, is $2,171 a year.

Although auto insurance premiums will increase if you add a teen to your policy or purchasing teen auto insurance will always be pricier than other policies, there are ways to qualify for discounts on teen auto insurance. Auto insurance companies offer discounts ranging from 10-15% or more for:

•    Maintaining at least a B average
•    Successful completion of a state approved safe driver course

You can also lower your premiums on teen auto insurance if you avoid purchasing sports and luxury cars for your teen, if you opt for a higher deductible, or if you combine insurance policies into one (i.e. life, home, health, renter’s, etc.).