Questions, comments, tip suggestions;
email me at: coptalk@cityofseward.net
COP Talk 76
Click It or Ticket It
Alaska Law requires drivers and passengers to wear seatbelts.
For violators age 16 or older, the fine is $15.00.
For violators who fail to properly secure a child in a child safety device, the fine is $50.00.
Seatbelts save lives.
COP Talk 81
Question: I’ve seen drivers who do not scrape the ice off their windshields before driving. Is this legal?
Answer: AAC 04.225 Says that a driver may not operate a motor vehicle with anything that obstructs, obscures, or impairs the driver’s view. This includes ice, snow, frost, defective windshields or windows, signs, posters, or other nontransparent material.
Cop Talk 83
Question: Is it against the law for an adult to knowingly let a juvenile drive their vehicle without a license?
Answer: Yes, AS 28.15.281(b) The adult could be charged with Permitting an Unauthorized Person to Drive a Vehicle if they authorize or knowing permit a motor vehicle owned by the person or under the control of the person to be driven in this state by a person who is not validly licensed. This offense is an A Misdemeanor and 0 points. The adult could also be held civilly liable if the juvenile got into an accident.
Cop Talk 87
Comment: On 5/27/10 an unfortunate incident occurred when the driver of a pickup truck left Chevron and did not notice that the dog in the truck bed had jumped out. The dog had on a collar attached to a leash which was secured to the rear corner of the bed. The dog was drug behind the truck for a quarter of a mile down the road before the driver was waved down. The dog suffered severe wounds to his feet but fortunately will be ok after receiving emergency treatment at the vet in Soldotna.
According to the Seward Municipal Code 11.01.075 Carrying animals on outside of vehicle: It shall be unlawful for any person to transport any living animal on the running board, fenders, hood or other outside part of any vehicle, unless suitable harness, cage or enclosure is provided and so attached as to protect such animal from falling or being thrown therefrom.
Failure to comply could result in a fine up to $300.00.
Consider attaching a line from the two front corners of the bed leaving a little slack. Secure a carabineer in the middle so it can not move. The carabineer can then be attached to the dog's collar preventing the dog from jumping out. Please love your pet and secure them properly.
Cop Talk 88
Question: What is the deal with the “Open Container” law? Can a passenger drink beer in a moving vehicle. We think they should be able to.
Answer: AS 28.35.029, No, a person may not operate a vehicle when there is an open container of an alcoholic beverage in the passenger compartment of the vehicle. Open means the seal has been broken. Though it may seem like it would be ok for the passenger to drink, you must realize how easy it would be for a driver to drink and if stopped, hand the container to the passenger, making it almost impossible to enforce. The law provides several exceptions like carrying alcohol in the trunk, or in a hatchback when the open container is enclosed in another container and placed behind the last seat. Go online to see the complete statute and exceptions.
Citations for this offense will cost $210.00 and 2 license points.