Private roads are roads or driveways on private property. Because private roads are located on private property, persons other than the landowner generally do not have a right to drive on, walk on, or otherwise access the roads—unless they have a form of express or implied permission as provided by state law, such as a license or an easement to use or access the private road.
Persons who use or access a private road without the legally required permission may be subject to civil and criminal penalties for trespassing.
In Alaska, private roads are considered part of an individual's private property. The owner of the property has the right to control access to these roads. Individuals other than the owner must have permission to use the private road, which can be granted explicitly or implicitly through mechanisms like licenses or easements. Easements can be established for various reasons, such as necessity, prior use, or for utilities, and are often recorded with the property deed. Without such permission, any unauthorized use of a private road can be considered trespassing, which may lead to civil liability or criminal charges under Alaska's trespassing laws. It's important for both property owners and those seeking access to understand the specific rights and restrictions associated with a private road, which may be detailed in the property's deed or established through state statutes and case law.