Cell Phones and Texting: Distracted Driving Laws in Alaska

Distracted driving laws in Alaska are quite lenient compared to other parts of the US. In Alaska, the only definition of distracted driving is reading, sending, or receiving a text message. If you have been caught texting by a police officer, fines and fines can be quite hefty and escalate quickly.

The only things that are considered distracted driving in Alaska are:

• Text messages that can be sent from your mobile phone or text message-enabled device such as an iPad or any other electronic device that can send and receive messages.

Century

Distracted driving is prohibited for drivers of all ages. This means that you are not allowed to read, send or write text messages while driving. If a police officer catches you doing this, he may stop you for no other reason than to catch you texting.

Fines

Fines and jail time are quite high, so it's important to keep an eye on the road and not send messages while driving.

• Texting and driving is a class A misdemeanor that carries a fine of up to $10,000 and up to one year in prison.

• If you injure someone, it is a Class C felony that carries a fine of up to $50,000 and five years in prison.

• If you seriously injure someone while texting and driving a car, it is a class B felony that carries a fine of up to $100,000 and ten years in prison.

• If you happen to kill someone while texting and driving, it is a Class A felony that comes with a fine of up to $250,000 and 20 years in prison.

While Alaska's distracted driving laws don't seem extensive, the texting and driving ban applies to drivers of all ages, and the penalties are severe. Also, if you are caught texting and driving, harming or killing someone, fines and jail time can escalate very quickly. It is better to put away your mobile phone to ensure your safety and the safety of others while you are driving on the road.