Who must wear a helmet in Alaska, the penalties for not wearing one, and the eye-protection rules every rider should know.
Alaska has a partial motorcycle helmet law. A helmet is required for any operator under the age of 18, for anyone operating a motorcycle on an instruction permit, and for all passengers regardless of age.
An operator who is 18 or older and holds a valid motorcycle licence or endorsement is not required by law to wear a helmet. The State of Alaska Motorcycle Manual nonetheless urges every rider to wear one, noting that a securely fastened helmet is the single most important thing you can do to survive a crash and that unhelmeted riders are three times more likely to die from head injuries.
You must wear a helmet if you are an operator under 18, if you are riding on an instruction permit at any age, or if you are a passenger of any age.
A licensed operator who is 18 or older may legally ride without a helmet. Because passengers must always be helmeted, an adult rider who is personally exempt still must ensure any passenger wears one. Helmets sold in Alaska must meet the standards set by the commissioner of public safety.
Riding without a helmet when one is required — for example as a passenger, a permit rider, or an operator under 18 — is a traffic violation that can bring a fine and other penalties. Because passengers must be helmeted regardless of the operator's age, an operator can be cited for carrying an unhelmeted passenger. Confirm current fine amounts with the Alaska Division of Motor Vehicles.
Eye and face protection is treated as essential riding gear. For the on-cycle skills test, all applicants must wear eye protection if the motorcycle being used has no windshield.
The manual explains that a face shield protects your whole face from wind, dust, insects and stones, while goggles protect only your eyes — and that a windshield is not a substitute for either. Eye protection must be free of scratches, made of shatter-resistant material, and not tinted for night riding.
A legal motorcycle helmet must meet the U.S. Department of Transportation (DOT) FMVSS 218 standard. Look for the "DOT" certification label on the back. Helmets that meet stricter Snell or ECE standards offer additional protection. Avoid novelty helmets — they are not legal head protection.
Source: Test details reflect the consensus of major rider-education sources — confirm with the state agency before your visit. The Alaska motorcycle written test is based on the State of Alaska Motorcycle Manual; the manual does not state a question count. About 25 questions with an 80% passing score (20 correct) is the consensus of major rider-education sources — confirm with the Alaska DMV.