Alaska’s child passenger safety law sets specific age, weight, and height thresholds for car seats and boosters. This guide lays out the current requirements as published by the official Alaska Legislature, plus penalties, front-seat rules, and answers to the questions parents ask most.
Law data last verified against official state sources: October 4, 2026.
Quick answer
Alaska requires rear-facing until age 1 (or under 20 lbs at any age), a child restraint for ages 1–5, a booster for ages 5–8 under 57 inches tall, and a restraint or belt for ages 8–16.
Alaska car seat requirements by age and size
| Stage | What Alaska law requires |
|---|---|
| Rear-facing | A child less than 1 year of age, or 1 year or older weighing less than 20 pounds, must be secured in a rear-facing child safety seat meeting U.S. DOT standards, used per manufacturer instructions. |
| Forward-facing | A child 1 year or older but less than 5 years weighing 20 pounds or more must be secured in a child restraint device per manufacturer instructions. |
| Booster seat | A child over 4 but less than 8 years who is less than 57 inches tall and weighs 20 to less than 65 pounds must be secured in a booster seat secured by a seat belt system (or another compliant child passenger restraint). |
| Seat belt only | Age 8+: a child 8 to under 16 not exceeding the booster height/weight limits rides in a child safety device or seat belt, whichever is appropriate as determined by the driver. |
Fines and penalties in Alaska
Fine: $50 bail forfeiture per offense (Alaska Court System uniform traffic bail schedule); first charge may be dismissed upon proof of correction.
Front seat rules in Alaska
Front-seat rule: not specified in state law. Note: .
The official law
- Statute: AS 28.05.095
- Official source: Alaska Legislature
Research note: Tiers set by the 2009 amendment (HCS CSSB 72). Fine per Alaska Court System Rule 43 bail schedule.
Alaska car seat law FAQs
What is the fine for a car seat violation in Alaska?
Fine: $50 bail forfeiture per offense (Alaska Court System uniform traffic bail schedule); first charge may be dismissed upon proof of correction.
When can my child stop using a booster seat in Alaska?
A child over 4 but less than 8 years who is less than 57 inches tall and weighs 20 to less than 65 pounds must be secured in a booster seat secured by a seat belt system (or another compliant child passenger restraint). Age 8+: a child 8 to under 16 not exceeding the booster height/weight limits rides in a child safety device or seat belt, whichever is appropriate as determined by the driver.
Does Alaska law require rear-facing car seats?
A child less than 1 year of age, or 1 year or older weighing less than 20 pounds, must be secured in a rear-facing child safety seat meeting U.S. DOT standards, used per manufacturer instructions.
Can my child ride in the front seat in Alaska?
Front-seat rule: not specified in state law. Note: .
Where can I read the official Alaska car seat law?
Statute: AS 28.05.095 Official source: Alaska Legislature.
Check another state
Driving across state lines? Requirements change at the border — use our interactive car seat law checker to look up any state by your child’s age, weight, and height.
Related state guides:
This page is for general informational purposes only and is not legal advice. Child passenger safety laws change — always verify current requirements with your state’s DMV, highway safety office, or the official statute linked below before making decisions.