Speed limit on the installation is 25 MPH unless otherwise
posted. Speed limit in the housing area is 15 MPH. There
are Anchorage elementary schools and military child care centers on the
installation with flashing yellow lights indicating 15 MPH speed limits that
must be strictly adhered to for children safety.
All active duty Military
members are required to have a valid drivers license (from any state) to operate
a vehicle in the state of Alaska. Family members are required to
obtain an Alaska Drivers License within 90 days of their arrival.
Service
members are not required to transfer their valid out-of-state license plates to
Alaska license plates unless they choose to or if the out-of-state license
plates are expired.
The Municipality of Anchorage requires ALL vehicles
with gasoline engines, 1968 models and newer, to be tested and pass an
inspection and maintenance (I/M) test and test is valid for 2
years. Current year vehicles and vehicles less than two years old are
exempt. Deisel engines require a one time test. The
Anchorage emission standards are VERY strict (similar to California
requirements). I/M testing is required regardless of where your
vehicle is registered and is a requirement for installation
registration. I/M certificates from other areas are not accepted for
the Anchorage area. Most vehicles will pass
if:
a. Engine has not been replaced,
modified, or altered.
b. All emission
control equipment is in place and functional, for
example:
(1) Vacuum hoses
are connected
properly.
(2) Catalytic
converter if original equipment is in place and
functional.
(3) Exhaust
system is in good condition and
unmodified.
(4) Leaded
fuel has not been used in an engine designed for unleaded
fuel.
(5) vehicle engine
has been tuned properly.
The State of Alaska also requires current
insurance on all vehicles on ALL Alaskan roadways. You must have in
your possession at all times while driving current driver's license, valid
registration, and proof of insurance. Failure to have these items
will cost you $100.00 per item. This $100.00 is non-refundable even
when you go to court to prove that you had current documentation that was not in
your possession at the time that you were stopped.
For more information
or specific questions on your vehicle, call the Municipality of Anchorage,
Division of Motor Vehicles (I/M) section at (907) 343-4200.
If
you plan to buy a vehicle upon your arrival, visit our ACS Financial Readiness
Program Manager for excellent advice and seminars on buying a car. Appointments
are available for this free information by calling 384-7509.
Criminal
offenses are reportable to the military police desk at
(907) 384-0823/0824 or the Provost Marshal at 384-0830 (after
hours).
For on- or off-installation accidents or emergencies, call
911.
Seat belts are mandatory by Alaska Law and Fort Richardson
regulations. Child safety restraints are required for children less than 4 years
of age or less than 40 pounds. ACS has car seats available for loan while you
await your household goods at the Relocation Readiness Program Loan
Closet.
Fort Richardson regulations require the use of helmets while
operating a bicycle, motorcycle, or snowmobile. Prior to riding motorized
vehicles on the installation, individuals are required to complete a safety
course and have their safety card in their possession while riding. Motorcycles
and snowmobiles must be registered on the installation. Fort Richardson has
the Weather Permitting stipulation that applies when there
is snow or ice on the streets. During this time the use of
two-wheeled vehicles is prohibited. The following applies to
operators and passengers on
motorcycles:
a. Operators and
passengers will wear an approved helmet, shatter resistant goggles or face
shield, leather gloves, long pants, long sleeve shirt or jacket, leather boots
or shoes and high visibility garments (bright colors for day and reflective for
night).
b. Motorcycle headlights will
be on at all times while
riding.
c. Rear view mirrors will be
mounted on each side of the
handlebars.
d. The use of headphones
or earphones is prohibited while riding.
As of 25 March 1999, helmets are
also required for use with bicycles, skateboards, and rollerblades on Fort
Richardson. Bicycles shall be operated in compliance with traffic laws of the
state of Alaska and U. S. Army Alaska. The following guidelines
apply:
a. An approved helmet (DOT,
Snell, ANSI etc) is mandatory, should fit properly, and have a chinstrap. While
skateboarding or rollerblading it is also recommended that you use elbow pads,
wrist guards, kneepads, and
gloves.
b. Skating or riding in the
street is prohibited except when crossing the
street.
c. Pedestrians have the
right-of-way on sidewalks. Boarders and skaters will yield to pedestrians, stay
to the right, and pass only on the
left.
d. While skating or boarding
during poor/reduced visibility, reflective clothing and/or equipment is
required.
Photography restrictions: ME/VAs for Fort Richardson are as
follows:
SCIF Bldg #8; Ammunition areas (A&B); Post Headquarters,
(EOC/TCC/USA SSG) Bldg #1; Dial Central Office Bldg #652; Central Heat and Power
Plant Bldg #6021; Bryant Army Heliport; Ship Creek Dam and Water Treatment
Facility; War Reserve Storage Bldg #802, War Reserve Storage Bldg #804, and War
Reserve Storage Bldg #808.