No, applying makeup while driving is illegal in Alaska under the state’s distracted driving statute, which prohibits any activity diverting attention from the road. The Alaska Department of Transportation and Public Facilities enforces this via Alaska Statute § 28.05.095, classifying makeup application as a form of manual distraction. Violators face fines up to $300, though enforcement remains discretionary and often tied to accident risk.
Key Regulations for Applying Makeup While Driving in Alaska
- Distracted Driving Statute (AS § 28.05.095): Prohibits any action that impairs a driver’s ability to operate a vehicle safely, including applying cosmetics.
- Local Ordinances: Municipalities like Anchorage may impose additional penalties under traffic safety codes, with potential license demerit points.
- 2026 Compliance Shifts: The Alaska State Troopers plan to expand distracted driving patrols in 2026, targeting high-risk behaviors such as makeup application, as part of a federal grant-funded initiative.
Enforcement prioritizes cases where makeup application correlates with lane deviations, delayed reaction times, or traffic violations. While no explicit ban exists for cosmetics alone, courts interpret such actions as contributory negligence in accident liability assessments. Commercial drivers face stricter scrutiny under Federal Motor Carrier Safety Administration guidelines, which may classify makeup use as a disqualifying offense.