Yes, laser jammers occupy a legally ambiguous space in Alaska, but their use is effectively prohibited under state and municipal enforcement practices.
Laser jammers—devices designed to disrupt police or speed enforcement lasers—are not explicitly banned by Alaska statute. However, their operation violates Alaska Statute § 28.35.135, which criminalizes interference with traffic enforcement equipment. The Alaska State Troopers and municipal police departments, including the Anchorage Police Department, actively monitor for such devices during traffic stops and DUI checkpoints. In 2023, the Alaska Department of Public Safety issued a directive clarifying that possession or use of laser jammers constitutes probable cause for vehicle seizure under Alaska’s civil asset forfeiture laws. While no 2026 legislative changes are pending, the Alaska Legislature’s Transportation Committee has signaled potential amendments to explicitly criminalize possession, aligning with federal trends under the Infrastructure Investment and Jobs Act.
Key Regulations for Laser Jammers in Alaska
- Traffic Interference Statute: AS § 28.35.135 prohibits any device that obstructs or interferes with traffic enforcement equipment, including laser jammers, punishable by fines up to $1,000 and license suspension.
- Asset Forfeiture Risk: The Alaska Department of Public Safety may seize vehicles equipped with or used in conjunction with laser jammers, with forfeiture proceedings initiated under AS § 19.65.070.
- Local Ordinances: Municipalities such as Anchorage and Fairbanks enforce additional prohibitions under local nuisance and public safety ordinances, enabling immediate citation or arrest for possession or use.