Alaska
Alaska License Plate Reader Laws (2026)
Independently fact-checked against primary sources (last audited September 30, 2026). · 5 primary sources cited on this page. How we verify our legal content
Alaska has no license plate reader statute. We searched every title of the Alaska Statutes, and no section names or regulates license plate readers. The rules that could apply come from the state constitution's privacy clause and the Public Records Act, and neither mentions plate readers.
Information reviewed October 1, 2026.
For related pages, see the Alaska entry in the state comparison, the ALPR laws hub, Are Flock cameras legal?, What are Flock cameras?, and our Alaska surveillance camera laws guide.
Does Alaska have a license plate reader law?
No statute we found sets plate reader rules. On October 1, 2026 we downloaded every title of the Alaska Statutes 2025 from the Legislature's statute service and parsed 20,235 sections across titles 1 to 47. We searched them for license plate reader, plate reader, automated license, automatic license, license plate recognition, license plate scan, license plate capture and automated plate. None of those phrases appears in any section.
The search does reach plate text when it exists. As a control, the phrase "license plate" or "registration plate" matched 26 sections. Those concern scrap metal dealer records, commercial vehicle definitions, vehicle registration and plate display (for example AS 28.10.171), transportation network company vehicle identification, disabled parking, special plates and car licensing costs. None of them reaches plate reader data.
The same full-code searches found no statute on location information or geolocation data beyond telephone-system provisions (AS 29.35.134 and 29.35.135), none on surveillance technology beyond the indecent viewing offense (AS 11.61.123), and none that mentions traffic cameras, photo enforcement or automated enforcement. Tracking-device and GPS hits (stalking, pretrial release, parole and corrections provisions, among others) do not concern plate readers, and toll hits (AS 37.15.730 and 37.15.740) are financing provisions.
Does Alaska limit sharing plate data with federal or other agencies?
We found no Alaska statute that mandates or restricts sharing vehicle or plate data for immigration enforcement. Nine sections mention immigration: AS 08.84.032, 10.06.990, 11.41.365, 11.66.120, 12.55.165, 12.55.175, 12.64.010, 23.20.110 and 23.20.381. They concern licensing, trafficking, sentencing, a criminal-history compact and unemployment benefits, and none addresses plate data. This is a search result, not a section-by-section analysis of each hit.
Are Alaska plate reader records public?
Alaska's Public Records Act makes public agency records open to inspection, with listed exemptions. Under AS 40.25.120(a)(6), "records or information compiled for law enforcement purposes" are exempt, but "only to the extent that the production" of them would cause a listed harm. The harms include that production "could reasonably be expected to interfere with enforcement proceedings," invade the privacy of a suspect, defendant, victim or witness, disclose confidential sources or techniques, or endanger safety.
Nothing in the Act is specific to plate readers. We found no Attorney General opinion or court ruling on whether plate reads, access logs or vendor contracts fall inside this exemption. A request to an agency would be decided under the general terms above.
Does the Alaska Constitution apply to plate readers?
Article I, section 22 of the Alaska Constitution says: "The right of the people to privacy is recognized and shall not be infringed. The legislature shall implement this section." Section 14 separately guarantees protection against unreasonable searches and seizures. We read the constitutional text through the Lieutenant Governor's published copy.
We found no court decision applying either section to plate readers. A CourtListener search of the Alaska Supreme Court and Court of Appeals returned no plate reader results, although we did not search the Alaska Court System's own site, so that is not proof that no ruling exists.
Is Alaska considering a plate reader bill?
We scanned bill titles for the 34th Legislature (2025 to 2026) and found no plate reader bill. Three nearby bills are not plate reader bills:
- HB 282 and SB 235 concern automated traffic safety cameras, meaning red-light and speed cameras. HB 282 states that "the authority to regulate automated traffic safety cameras is reserved to the state" and, except as provided by statute, bars municipalities from banning them. The bill status page shows HB 282 referred to the Transportation committee on March 20, 2026. SB 235's last action was March 4, 2026.
- HB 367, the Consumer Data Privacy Act, was last acted on in the Finance committee on May 12, 2026. We did not read its text, so we do not say whether it touches plate data.
None of these is law. We read HB 282's text and it does not address plate readers.
How can I check my local system?
Alaska has no state statute to point to, so the useful documents are local. Ask the operating agency for its written policy on plate reader use, its retention setting, who may search the data, and its vendor contract. A request for the reads themselves would be evaluated under the Public Records Act exemption described above. For the technology, see What are Flock cameras?. Our deployment records include no Alaska entry, so this page does not say which agencies use plate readers.
Last updated: October 1, 2026. This page reflects the statutes and records described above as we reviewed them; it is general legal information, not legal advice.
Frequently Asked Questions
Is it legal to use a license plate reader in Alaska?
We found no Alaska statute that prohibits, authorizes or regulates plate readers. The finding comes from a search of all 20,235 sections in titles 1 to 47 of the Alaska Statutes on October 1, 2026.
How long can Alaska police keep license plate reader data?
We found no statute or rule setting a retention period. We did not search Alaska State Troopers or local police policies, so we make no statement about any agency's terms.
Does Alaska's constitution protect against plate reader tracking?
Article I, section 22 recognizes a right to privacy and section 14 protects against unreasonable searches and seizures. We found no court decision applying either to plate readers.
Can I request Alaska plate reader records?
The Public Records Act applies, and AS 40.25.120(a)(6) exempts law enforcement records only to the extent production would cause a listed harm. We found no plate reader rule, opinion or ruling on the question.
Is there a pending Alaska plate reader bill?
We found none in the 34th Legislature. HB 282 and SB 235 concern red-light and speed cameras, and HB 367 is a consumer data privacy bill. None is law.
Updates
Independently fact-checked against the cited primary sources
The Law Behind This Article
This article rests on the statutory provisions below, held in our own legal record and retrieved from the official source. Tap a section to read the operative text.
Alaska Statutes, Title 40. Public Records and Recorders, Chapter 25. Public Record Disclosures
§ 40.25.120Public records; exceptions; certified copiesIn forcecited in 5 of our articles
(a) Every person has a right to inspect a public record in the state, including public records in recorders' offices, except (1) records of vital statistics and adoption proceedings, which shall be treated in the manner required by AS 18.50; (2) records pertaining to juveniles unless disclosure is authorized by law; (3) medical and related public health records; (4) records required to be kept confidential by a federal law or regulation or by state law; (5) to the extent the records are required to be kept confidential under 20 U.S.C. 1232g and the regulations adopted under 20 U.S.C.
Official text (excerpt) · last checked 2026-09-02 · Read the full text in our law library · Verify at akleg.gov
Cited in 11 court opinions in our collectionLatest citing opinion in our collection: 2023
In the courts (editorial summary, independently checked):Basey v. State (2017) held the State cannot invoke the law enforcement interference exception in AS 40.25.120(a)(6)(A) merely by pointing to a pending criminal case against the requester. Fuller v. City of Homer (2003) treated the deliberative process privilege as a state law exception under (a)(4) and held it did not apply there.
Opinions citing this section in our collection:
- Fuller v. City of Homer (Alaska Supreme Court 2003, 75 P.3d 1059)✓A resident sought city staff documents behind an annexation petition; treating the deliberative process privilege as the state law exception in AS 40.25.120(a)(4), the court found the public interest outweighed confidentiality once the petition was filed and ordered disclosure.
- Kaleb Lee Basey v. State of Alaska, Department of Public Safety, Division of State Troopers, Bureau of Investigations (Alaska Supreme Court 2020, 462 P.3d 529)✓A federal prisoner suing state troopers requested their disciplinary records; the court held those records are confidential personnel records under the State Personnel Act, bringing them within AS 40.25.120(a)(4)'s exception for records confidential by state law.
- Basey v. State, Department of Public Safety, Division of Alaska State Troopers, Bureau of Investigations (Alaska Supreme Court 2017, 408 P.3d 1173)“…records related to AST’s use of 1 AS 40.25.120(a)(6)(A). 2 AS 4…”
Identified automatically from the court opinions citing this section — not a ranking of which case controls.
Also relied on in: Alaska Police Body Camera Laws (2026): Access & Retention, How to Get a Police Report in Alaska (2026): Crash & Incident Reports, Alaska Public Records Act: How to Request Records and Appeal a Denial
Alaska Statutes, Title 8. Business and Professions, Chapter 84. Physical Therapists and Occupational Therapists
§ 08.84.032Foreign-educated applicantsIn force
(a) To be eligible for licensure by the board as a physical therapist or physical therapist assistant, an applicant who is a graduate of a school of physical therapy that is located outside the United States shall (1) have completed, to the satisfaction of the board, a resident course of study and professional instruction substantially equivalent to a professional physical therapy education program that is accredited by a board-approved national accreditation agency in the United States; (2) have completed, to the satisfaction of the board, an internship under the continuous direction and immediate supervision of a physical therapist in an institution that ordinarily provides physical therapy and is approved by the board, for that period of time specified by the board, and furnish documentary evidence of compliance with this paragraph; (3) pass an examination recognized by the board that measures the competence of the applicant in the English language if the applicant's physical therapist or physical therapist assistant education program was not taught in English; (4) have met applicable requirements under 8 U.S.C.
Official text (excerpt) · last checked 2026-07-31 · Read the full text in our law library · Verify at akleg.gov
Alaska Statutes, Title 11. Criminal Law, Chapter 61. Offenses Against Public Order
§ 11.61.123Indecent viewing or production of a pictureIn forcecited in 19 of our articles
(a) A person commits the crime of indecent viewing or production of a picture if the person knowingly (1) views, or views a picture of, the private exposure of the genitals, anus, or female breast of another person; or (2) produces a picture of the private exposure of the genitals, anus, or female breast of another person. (b) Each viewing of a person, and each production of a picture of a person, whose genitals, anus, or female breast are viewed or are shown in a picture constitutes a separate violation of this section. (c) This section does not apply to the viewing or production of a picture conducted by a law enforcement agency for a law enforcement purpose. (d) In a prosecution under this section, it is an affirmative defense that the viewing or production of a picture was conducted as a security surveillance system, notice of the viewing or production was posted, and any viewing or use of pictures produced is done only in the interest of crime prevention or prosecution.
Official text (excerpt) · last checked 2026-08-31 · Read the full text in our law library · Verify at akleg.gov
Cited in 3 court opinions in our collectionLatest citing opinion in our collection: 2015
Opinions citing this section in our collection:
- Knutsen v. State (Court of Appeals of Alaska 2004, 101 P.3d 1065)“…eumstance that makes the defendant's conduct criminal under AS 11.61.123(a), we interpret AS 11.61.123(a) to mea…”
- Faye H. v. James B. (Alaska Supreme Court 2015, 348 P.3d 876)“…(1), .220(a)(1)(c), .436(a)(2). 4 See AS 11.61.123(a)(2). 5 See AS 1…”
- United States v. Moreland (Court of Appeals for the Fifth Circuit 2011, 665 F.3d 137)“…nority of states criminalize viewing child pornography. See Alaska Stat. § 11.61.123 (2009); Ark. Code Ann. § 5-27-602 (2010…”
Identified automatically from the court opinions citing this section — not a ranking of which case controls.
Also relied on in: Alaska Landlord-Tenant Recording Laws: Cameras, Privacy Rights, and Disputes (2026), Alaska Workplace Recording Laws: Employee and Employer Rights (2026), Alaska Video Recording Laws: Surveillance, Filming, and Consent Rules (2026)
Alaska Statutes, Title 28. Motor Vehicles, Chapter 10. Vehicle Registration, Liens, and Title
§ 28.10.171Display of registration platesIn force
(a) When two registration plates are issued for a vehicle, they shall be attached to the vehicle for which issued, one in front and the other in the rear. When one registration plate is issued, it shall be attached to the (1) rear of the vehicle for which issued for a noncommercial vehicle; or (2) front of the vehicle for which issued if the vehicle is a commercial vehicle; in this paragraph, commercial vehicle has the meaning given to commercial motor vehicle in AS 19.10.399. (b) Every registration plate issued under this chapter shall be securely fastened to the vehicle to which it is assigned, with the upper edge of the plate horizontal, at a height of not less than 12 inches from the ground measuring from the bottom of the plate, and maintained in a location and condition so as to be clearly legible. However, when considered necessary to insure legibility, the commissioner may provide by regulation for another method of installation.
Official text (excerpt) · last checked 2026-07-31 · Read the full text in our law library · Verify at akleg.gov
Cited in 3 court opinions in our collectionLatest citing opinion in our collection: 2025
Opinions citing this section in our collection:
- Hamilton v. State (Court of Appeals of Alaska 2002, 59 P.3d 760)“…o justifications for this traffic stop. First, Alaska law-AS 28.10.171(b)-re-quires drivers to maintain their…”
- Pletcher v. State (Court of Appeals of Alaska 2014, 338 P.3d 953)“…laska issues two license plates to all passenger cars), and AS 28.10.171(a) (when two license plates are issued…”
- United States v. Delpriore (Court of Appeals for the Ninth Circuit 2025)“…he other on the rear.2 Alaska Stat. § 28.10.161(a) (1978); Alaska Stat. § 28.10.171(a). Failure to display license plates…”
Identified automatically from the court opinions citing this section — not a ranking of which case controls.
Alaska Statutes, Title 29. Municipal Government, Chapter 35. Municipal Powers and Duties
§ 29.35.134Multi-line telephone systemsIn force
(a) A municipality may by ordinance require a multi-line telephone system operator to comply with this section if, after January 1, 2019, the system operator (1) upgrades an existing multi-line telephone system; or (2) installs a new multi-line telephone system. (b) The operator of a multi-line telephone system that is required to comply with this section shall ensure that the system (1) allows a caller to call 911 by dialing 911 directly without an additional code, digit, prefix, postfix, or trunk-access code; (2) for every 911 call made using the system, provides to the public safety answering point receiving the call verified automated number and location information for the call, including (A) the street name, valid address, and business name, if applicable; (B) the direct callback telephone number; (C) the office, unit, or building number, as applicable; (D) the room number or equivalent designation; (E) if the multi-line telephone system operates for a building that has more than one floor, the building floor; (F) if the multi-line telephone system operates for more than one building, the (i) building number or equivalent designation; and (ii) building floor; and (3) has a…
Official text (excerpt) · last checked 2026-07-31 · Read the full text in our law library · Verify at akleg.gov
Alaska Statutes, Title 37. Public Finance, Chapter 15. Bonding
§ 37.15.730Review of toll facility projectsIn force
A toll facility may be financed under AS 37.15.610 37.15.760 if the following conditions are met for that toll facility: (1) the department submits to the governor and the legislature a feasibility study that finds that the toll facility is financially feasible and able to produce revenue adequate to repay the bonds with which it is financed; (2) if financing in addition to revenue bonds is required to finance the toll facility, the department submits to the governor and legislature a finance plan that includes an estimate of the total cost of the toll facility and a description of the sources of money that will be used to finance the total cost of the toll facility; and (3) the office of management and budget reviews the feasibility study and the finance plan, if required, and reports its findings and recommendations to the governor and legislature not later than 90 days after the study and plan are received by the office.
Official text (excerpt) · last checked 2026-07-31 · Read the full text in our law library · Verify at akleg.gov
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Sources and References
- Alaska Legislature, Alaska Statutes(www.akleg.gov).gov
- AS 28.10.171(www.akleg.gov).gov
- AS 40.25.120 (Public Records Act exemptions)(www.akleg.gov).gov
- Constitution of the State of Alaska (Lieutenant Governor)(ltgov.alaska.gov).gov
- Alaska HB 282 (34th Legislature) bill status(www.akleg.gov).gov