Alaskan Regulations On Car Restraints and Car Seats

The State of Alaska (SOA) regulates seat belt and child seat/ car seat use for children under Alaska Statute 28.05.095. Use of Seat Belts and Child Safety Devices Required. While the SOA does not require children to use back seats only, Alaskan regulation does require that car seats or restraints must be in place and used properly.

In plain language:

• Infants 1-year-old or younger must be in a rear-facing child seat.
• Toddlers 4 years or younger must use a child restraint.
• Children between 4 to 15 years of age or shorter than 57 inches must use a booster seat.

Failure to Follow Alaska Regulations

The CDC found that 72 percent of booster seats in vehicles were installed or used improperly. Errors during installation and use could cause harm to a child in a motor vehicle crash. Consequently, absent a crash, adults who fail to follow state-mandated child restraint regulations face fines. Therefore, the CDC encourages parents to follow state regulations and ensure car seats, booster seats, and child restraints are used correctly.

Even correctly installed car seats and properly used car restraint systems may not prevent serious injuries to a child in an auto accident. When a child is injured in a motor vehicle crash, the child’s family should file a claim. They may also need to file a personal injury lawsuit. When filing a claim or facing litigation, families benefit through speaking with an experienced personal injury attorney.  A good personal injury attorney protects the child’s rights. When you need guidance through a claim or litigation, contact Johnson Law. We’re here to serve you.

Keep kids safer while driving Alaska roads by using car restraints correctly. Child safety is always a first priority, Alaska.

Johnson Law has been helping injured Alaskans for 30 years. It’s who we are. And while we hope you never need us… We’re here if you do. ~ Doug Johnson

Information Sources: Center for Disease Control and Prevention; Alaska Statutes

Image Source: Department of Transportation and Public Facilities

Seatbelts Saves Lives

As technology progresses, seatbelts are even more effective at saving lives. Be sure that you and all passengers use appropriate safety restraints in your vehicle before driving.

In Alaska, wearing a seatbelt is the law. Alaska Seatbelt Safety law requires federally approved child restraint devices for passengers under 4 years old. Passengers aged from 4 to 16 must wear a seat belt or a child restraint device; whichever is age appropriate. Protect yourself by wearing a seatbelt and protect your loved ones by requiring them to wear a seatbelt in your vehicle. Appropriate Alaska Seatbelt Safety is not optional for adults or children.

Be aware that depending on height, weight, and medical status, seatbelts may need to be adjusted to appropriately protect a passenger. Do not move the shoulder belt to underneath the arm as this doesn’t correctly restrain an individual and could cause injury to the ribs. If you or your passenger are pregnant, remember to secure the lap belt portion across the legs and not along the belly to avoid potential injury to a growing baby if an accident should occur.

Car Seats Protect Children

It’s important to choose and use your child’s car seat carefully. Review the safety manual and installation guide thoroughly before securing your child in their car seat. Be sure to fasten chest clips across their chest and not across their stomach. The design and purpose of the chest clip is to help hold your child in place in the event of an accident. An improperly positioned chest clip could cause injury in an accident.

As we transition from fall into winter, it’s important to remember to remove thick outer layers before fastening children into car seats. Restraints won’t be as effective because of the additional space created by a winter coat. This space provides room for the child to move if an accident were to occur, which could cause serious injury and not provide the same level of protection.

Keep kids safer while driving Alaska roads by practicing Seatbelt Safety. Child safety is always a first priority, Alaska.

Johnson Law has been helping injured Alaskans for 30 years. It’s who we are. And while we hope you never need us… We’re here if you do. ~ Doug Johnson

Information Sources: Alaska Statutes

Image Source: Alaska Child Passenger Safety

Three Kid Vehicle Safety Tips

1. Stay focused. As the driver, your goal is to stay as focused as possible while you’re on the road. If you become distracted, there’s a risk that you could make a mistake resulting in a crash that impacts your child for life. Increase child vehicle safety through preparation and planning. Stress to your children the importance of being calm in the car, since tantrums, yelling and other acts could distract you.

2. Get the right seats for your children. Booster seats and child safety seats have size and weight requirements. Always purchase a current seat instead of buying older used models, and make sure it’s designed for your child’s height and weight. Keeping your child in a car seat or booster seat until the child reaches the height or age limits of the state is vital to his or her safety.

3. Buckle up every time. Make sure your child buckles up. Yes, children sometimes unbuckle themselves. As a parent, it’s your job to pull over and reconnect the buckle each time to keep children safe.

With good preventative measures, it’s possible to keep children safe, even in serious crashes – through Child Safety Month and beyond.

When The Unthinkable Happens

Those injured in automobile accidents may wish to consult an attorney. Recovery from a car accident can be costly, and an individual might want to file a lawsuit against the individual or entity responsible.

If you consider hiring an Alaska Injury Law Firm for a serious injury claim after an accident in Alaska, speak to the experienced Alaska personal injury attorneys at Johnson Law, P.C. We know Alaska and Alaskan Law.

Keep kids safer while driving Alaska roads by practicing Child Vehicle Safety. Child safety is always a first priority, Alaska.

Johnson Law has been helping injured Alaskans for 30 years. It’s who we are. And while we hope you never need us… We’re here if you do. ~ Doug Johnson

Information Source: Center for Safe Alaskans – Child Passenger Safety and Safe Parents – Alaska Car Seat Laws

Image Source: Safe Parents – Alaska Car Seat Laws

Choose And Use Your Child’s Car Seat Safely

Read the manufacturer’s instructions and follow them completely, every time you put your child in a car. Before securing a child in a car seat, ensure to install it correctly.

Use rear-facing car seats for infants and children weighing 20 pounds or less. The chest straps should not have slack and the chest clip should be at the child’s chest, not their stomach. Remove blankets and jackets before clipping a child into a car seat to eliminate space between the straps and child.

Children over 20 pounds and a year or more in age should use a five point harness. Compared to forward-facing, keeping a child rear-facing is safer for their head, neck, and spine. However, once a child exceeds the maximum weight for a baby seat, the seat doesn’t protect the child against an impact to the same degree.

Children over four years old, and less than 57 inches (4’9″) tall, and under 65 pounds should be properly secured in a booster seat. Ensure the seatbelt crosses the child’s lap and rests along their shoulder, not their neck, chest, or stomach. A child may use a seat belt once over four years of age and exceeding the requirements of booster seats.

Passenger Requirements

Children between 8 and 16 years old, who exceed the height and weight requirements of booster seats, may use a seat belt if the driver determines it’s appropriate. If a seat belt is not adequate for the particular child, they must be properly secured in a child safety device approved for a child of their size by the U.S. Department of Transportation.

If a passenger unbuckles their seat belt or car seat, the best thing for the driver to do is pull over and stop the vehicle. It’s the responsibility of the driver to ensure all occupants of their vehicle are using safety restraints correctly.

Keep kids safe while driving Alaska roads by appropriately using a car seat, booster seat, or seat belt. Child safety is always a first priority, Alaska.

Johnson Law has been helping injured Alaskans for 30 years. It’s who we are. And while we hope you never need us… We’re here if you do. ~ Doug Johnson

Sources: Alaska Statute 28.05.095 and Senate Bill 218

Image Source: Unsplash (Alexander Grey)

Alaskan Law Regulates Child Car Safety

AS 28.05.095 Use of Seat Belts and Child Safety Devices Required outlines the requirements for seat belt and car seat use in Alaska regardless of the vehicle occupant’s age.

Senate Bill No. 218 An Act Relating to Use of Child Safety Seats and Seat Belts defines changes to AS 28.05.095 to more clearly outline car seat requirements which keep our children safer.

Child safety seat and seat belt use are mandatory in Alaska. Following are basic criteria for safely securing children in Alaskan automobiles:

1. Rear-Facing Car Seat: Children less than one-year-old, or children of any age weighing less than 20 pounds should be secured in a rear-facing car seat to increase child car safety; 
2. Five Point Harness: Children one to four and weighing more than 20 pounds should be in a 5-point harness;
3. Car Seat or Booster Seat: Children four to seven, under 4’9” and less than 65 pounds, should be in a car seat or booster seat; and 
4. Seat Belt Use: Children should remain in booster seats until your vehicle’s seat belt appropriately fits them to ensure child safety.

Install Car Seats Correctly

We can’t repeat too often that a correctly installed child’s car seat is key to child car safety. Carefully read your car seat installation instructions. Most manufacturers include a “Help-Line” number on the instruction manual. Use the instructions and the “Help-Line” number. The added security of a properly installed car seat – in the event of a motor vehicle crash – is worth the effort. 

Need more information? The Alaska Child Passenger Safety Coalition‘s (AIPC) mission is to protect children and increase child car safety when traveling Alaskan roads. Contact AIPC today for information on education to help you select and install your child’s car seat.

Keep kids safe while driving Alaska roads by using the appropriate car seat or booster seat. Child safety is always a first priority, Alaska.

Johnson Law has been helping injured Alaskans for 30 years. It’s who we are. And while we hope you never need us… We’re here if you do. ~ Doug Johnson

Image Source: Driving Geeks – Alaska Car Seat Laws (2025)

Child restraint systems are designed to safely secure children in vehicles. Used improperly they can cause unnecessary harm. In addition to proper installation, parents must consider the child’s clothing when restrained to improve car seat safety. With the onset of winter in Alaska and the sub-zero temperatures, children need to be properly outfitted for the temperatures. However, bulky winter gear could compromise the safety of the child restraint system.

Considerations Regarding Car Seat Safety:

• Pay close attention to height and weight limits;
• Refer to the manufacturer instructions for proper installation;
• Consult a certified car seat safety technician to check your car seats;
• Follow all instructions for cleaning and or washing car seat covers. Improper care may compromise the seat’s integrity in a collision;
• Ensure car seat covers (if used) do not hinder the function of the harness;
• Confirm the harness is close to the child’s body at all times (this is where bulky winter gear sometimes impedes car seat safety);
• Check NHTSA’s recalls site before purchasing new or used equipment.

Information Resources

For more tips on car seat safety, go to Safe Kids Alaska or Alaska Child Passenger Safety Coalition. Both sites list free inspection stations in your area. Alaskans can also schedule a car seat check through Safe Alaskans online or by calling: (907)929-3939. Car seats save lives. Your child deserves protection when traveling in a vehicle, and following car seat safety guidelines helps.

Please call Johnson Law to discuss your Alaska vehicle accident case: (907)277-3090 or use our online contact form. Johnson Law has been helping Alaskans for nearly 30 years. It’s who we are. And while we hope you never need us… We’re here if you do. ~ Doug Johnson

News Source: Anchorage Daily News

Image Source: Alaska Child Passenger Safety Coalition

Keep Small Children Out Of Front Seats

Increase safety when Alaska Summer Driving With Kids. Avoid encouraging the front seat as a right of passage. Until the child is of sufficient size and weight, the safest place for your child is the center back seat. Also, use an appropriate car seat or booster that actually fits your child. The Center for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) cites motor vehicle crashes as the leading cause of death among children.  Further, CDC studies show that car seats reduce risk of injury in a crash up to 82 percent compared with seat belt use alone.

Alaskan Law Regulates Car Seat Safety

AS 28.05.095 Use of Seat Belts and Child Safety Devices Required outlines the requirements for seat belt and car seat use in Alaska regardless of the vehicle occupant’s age.

Senate Bill No. 218 An Act Relating to Use of Child Safety Seats and Seat Belts defines changes to AS 28.05.095 to more clearly outline car seat requirements which keep our children safer.

Alaska Summer Driving With Kids and Car Seat Safety

Increase safety when Alaska Summer Driving With Kids. Read the manufacturer’s instructions and follow them completely, every time you put your child in a car seat. Before securing your child in a car seat, install it correctly.

Rear-facing car seats should be used for infants and children weighing 20 pounds or less. The chest straps should not have slack and the chest clip should be at the child’s chest, not their stomach. Remove blankets and jackets before clipping a child into a car seat to prevent space between the straps and child. This improves the safety and overall enjoyment of Alaska Summer Driving with kids

Children over 20 pounds and a year or more in age should use a five point harness. Keeping a child rear-facing is safer for their head, neck, and spine. However, once a child exceeds the maximum weight for a baby seat, the seat doesn’t protect the child against an impact to the same degree.

Children over four years old, less than 57 inches (4’9″) tall and under 65 pounds should be secured in a booster seat. Ensure the seatbelt crosses the child’s lap and rests along their shoulder, not their neck, chest, or stomach. A child may use a seat belt once over four years of age and exceeding the requirements of booster seats.

Enjoy Alaska Summer Driving With Kids

Alaska Summer Driving With Kids and car seat safety go hand-in-hand. Keep your children as safe as possible each time you drive with them in your vehicle. Make safe driving in Alaska during Spring, Summer, Fall and Winter weather a priority.

Johnson Law has been helping Alaskans for nearly 30 years. It’s who we are. Call Johnson Law at  (907)277-3090 or use our Contact Form to discuss your Alaska accident injury case. We are here to serve you.

And while we hope you never need us… We’re here if you do. ~ Doug Johnson

Sources: Alaska Legislature

Image Source: Parent Hub

Basics In Winter Car Seat Safety

Store child seats in warmer temperatures when possible. When storing a seat outside or in colder temperatures, children’s body temperature will be lower as soon as they sit in the seat. Allow children to stay warm when they get into a child seat. To increase winter car seat safety, never install a child seat cover or blanket that goes between the child and the straps. Adding items like this can affect the crash test ratings and may cause issues. If you have concerns about your child staying warm in the vehicle, place a cover or jacket on top of them AFTER buckling them in safely. Ensure that you do not place really bulky blankets on small babies to avoid risk of the child being smothered.

Further, it is important to keep an emergency bag in your car, especially in colder climates. Keeping extra blankets, gloves or hats in your car will come in handy if you drop something or become stranded.

Winter Gear Removal

Winter coats should never be worn while in a child seat. It takes extra time to remove your child’s clothing before buckling them into a child seat but the extra effort may save their life. Winter coats and other heavy gear make it so the child seat does not fit properly. Straps are designed to fit snug on the child’s chest and pelvis area. In the event of an accident, children can slip through the harness if they have bulky items on while in a child seat.

Hats, scarves and large bows should also be removed on smaller children and babies. These are good ways for children to stay warm but can smother babies without you knowing. It is better for the driver to focus on the road without having concerns about their child’s safety in the back seat. Should you choose to place a winter hat on your baby, check on them regularly to avoid potential risk.

These guidelines help determine if your child can wear their jacket safely in the car seat:

1. Place the child in the car seat with their jacket on. Snug up the harness and perform the pinch test. You should not be able to pinch any of the harness material at the child’s shoulder.
2. Remove the child from the seat without loosening the harness.
3. Take the child’s coat off and put the child back in the car seat without adjusting the tightness, then buckle up the harness straps.
4. Can you pinch any material between your thumb and forefinger? If yes, then the coat is not safe to wear in the car seat.

It is important to ensure you follow guidelines for child seats and strap children in correctly. Protect your child this winter and year-round by following these safety tips.

Johnson Law has been helping Alaskans for nearly 30 years. It’s who we are.

And while we hope you never need us… We’re here if you do. ~ Doug Johnson

Please call Johnson Law to discuss your case: (907)277-3090 or use our online contact form.

Sources: Alaska Highway Safety Office; Health Source Kids

Image Source: Tenet Health

The Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) state using proper car seats for infants lowers risk of death in a crash by 71 to 82 percent. Toddlers ages 4 though 8 are also safer in a booster seat, reducing the risk of fatal injury by around 45 percent. Car seats save lives.

Using Child Seats

Car seats save lives. The CDC found car seat use reduces the risk for injury to a child in a crash by 71–82 percent compared with seat belt use alone. However, one study found that in one year more than 618,000 children ages 0-12 rode in vehicles without the use of a safety or booster seat, or a seat belt, at least some of the time. Additionally, some parents were using the wrong kinds of car seats for their children.

The type of car seat you need for your child depends on your child’s height, age and weight. The seat belt needs to fit properly across your child’s shoulders and waist. If a child is too big to use a safety seat, it may be time to move to a booster seat. Booster seats should be tall enough that the lap belt fits securely across your child’s lap. Any cross belt should fall along your child’s shoulder.

Get Help Installing Your Child’s Car Seat

A common problem with using car seats is that not all parents and caregivers know how to use them appropriately. The best car seat is the one that fits the child, fits the vehicle and that you can use correctly every time. Certified technicians at the Center for Safe Alaskans can help you install your car seat correctly and answer your car seat questions. They offer free virtual, or in-person help for families.

Car seats save lives. Your child deserves protection, and a good car seat helps. If you’re a victim of a crash and your child suffers injuries, you have a right to seek compensation.

Johnson Law has been helping Alaskans for nearly 30 years. It’s who we are. And while we hope you never need us… We’re here if you do. ~ Doug Johnson

Please call Johnson Law to discuss your case: (907)277-3090 or use our online contact form.

Sources: Alaska Statutes; Center For Disease Control; Enrolled HB 308; Center for Safe Alaskans

Image Source: Center for Safe Alaskans