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Alaska's New Driving Law, Not Just Another Text Messaging Ban
Starting September 1st 2008, Alaska’s House Bill 88 (HB 88) will go into effect. Although the new law is known more as “Alaska’s Text Messaging Ban” the bill actually relates to “televisions, monitors, portable computers and similar devices in motor vehicles;” The law specifically prohibits unlawful installation of television, monitor or “similar“ device. In the State of Alaska it will be considered a crime if a person driving a motor vehicle; 1. The vehicle has a television, video monitor, portable computer, or any other similar means capable of providing a visual display that is in full view of a driver in a normal driving position while the vehicle is in motion; and the monitor or visual display is operating while the person is driving. The laws goes on to say equipment may not be installed or altered to allow images to be viewed by the driver in a normal driving position while the vehicle is in motion. So Where Does it Say That Text Messaging is Illegal?It doesn’t, not specifically anyway. But it is clear after reading the bill and the exceptions that text messaging is illegal while operating a motor vehicle in the State of Alaska. Exceptions to the New Alaska Driving Law1. Portable cellular telephones or personal data assistants being used for verbal communication or displaying caller identification information or equipment that is displaying only audio equipment information, functions and controls; vehicle information or controls related to speed, fuel level, battery charge and other vehicle safety or equipment information. 2. Navigation or Global Positioning 3. Maps 4. Visual information to enhance of supplement the driver’s view forward, behind, or to the sides of the motor vehicle for the purpose of maneuvering the vehicle. 5. Allow the driver to monitor vehicle occupants seated behind the driver. 6. Vehicle dispatching and response information for motor vehicles providing emergency road service or roadside assistance. 7. Vehicle dispatching information for passenger transport or freight or package delivery. 8. Information for use in performing highway construction, maintenance, or repair or data acquisition by the Department of Transportation and Public Facilities or a municipality. Violations to this New Alaska Driving Law
A person who violates this new law (depending on the circumstances) would be guilty of a misdemeanor. If the driver is involved in an accident and there is a injury or death, the driver would be charged with a felony. Source Document for This Article on the State of Alaska's Website |
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