Alaska Traffic Violations

In Alaska, traffic violations occur when drivers operating vehicles disobey the state’s traffic laws. Most minor moving offenses are classified as infractions, while more serious actions, such as reckless driving or DUI, are treated as criminal offenses. Due to the potential legal and financial consequences of these violations, residents are encouraged to stay informed about Alaska’s traffic regulations.

What Is Considered a Traffic Violation in Alaska?

In Alaska, violating the state’s motor vehicle laws under AS 28.35.400 of the Alaska Statutes counts as a traffic violation. Simple offenses such as speeding, disobeying traffic signals are treated as moving violations that carry fines and point penalties. Furthermore, reckless driving is considered a misdemeanor that carries up to one year in jail or a fine of $1,000. Driving under the influence (DUI), or leaving the scene of an accident, is classified as a criminal offense and can lead to jail time, license suspension, or other penalties.

Types of Traffic Violations in Alaska

There are several types of traffic violations in Alaska, including

• Speeding
• Running a red light or stop sign
• Driving without a license or while suspended/revoked
• Driving without insurance or failure to show proof
• Reckless driving
• Failure to yield right-of-way
• Not wearing a seatbelt
• DUI (Driving under the influence)

Speeding: In Arizona, speeding points vary depending on how much a driver exceeds the speed limit, with stricter penalties in school zones. A violation of oversize or overweight permit restrictions on hours or speed in a 55 mph or less zone results in 3 points. For general speeding violations, driving 10 to 19 mph over the limit adds 2 points, while driving 20 mph or more over the limit adds 6 points.

In school or playground crosswalks, speeding 3 to 9 mph over the limit results in 2 points, 10 to 19 mph over adds 4 points, and 20 mph or more over adds 6 points.

Running a red light or stop sign: According to Alaska Admin Code 13 AAC 04.035, running stop signs or red lights results in moving violation points.

Driving without a license: Driving while your license is suspended, revoked, or restricted is another major offense. This violation also adds 10 points to your record.

Driving without insurance or failure to show proof: A person shall have proof of motor vehicle liability insurance in the person's immediate possession at all times when driving a motor vehicle.

Reckless driving: A person who drives a motor vehicle in the state in a manner that creates a substantial and unjustifiable risk of harm to a person or to property is guilty of reckless driving. Reckless driving carries 10 points on a driver’s record.

Failure to yield right-of-way: Except when directed to proceed by a police officer, fireman, or authorized flagman, a driver of a vehicle approaching a stop sign shall stop at a clearly marked stop line. If no stop line exists, the driver must stop before entering the crosswalk or, if none, at the nearest point where they can see approaching traffic on the intersecting roadway before entering it.

DUI (Driving under the influence): A person commits the crime of driving while under the influence of an alcoholic beverage, inhalant, or controlled substance if the person operates or drives a motor vehicle, or operates an aircraft or a watercraft. A DUI violation adds 10 points to your driving record.

Traffic Violation Penalties in Alaska

Alaska uses a point system for traffic offenses. Depending on the seriousness of the offense, you get between 2 and 10 points. If you acquire 12 points in a year or 18 points in two years, your license is revoked by the DMV. Reckless driving and driving while intoxicated are serious offenses and carry 10 points. Running a red light or failing to yield carries around 4 points. The Alaska Court System gives a basic guide to DUI penalties.

Defensive driving, you can take a defensive driving course every year to erase up to 2 points from your record. You just need to inform the DMV when you finish.

If your license is suspended for points, you might be put on probation or have to take some driver improvement classes before your license can be returned. If you do something else wrong while on probation, your suspension could be longer, or your license could be revoked.

Insurance companies can review a driver’s 3 to 5 years of driving history when determining rates. Convictions that carry points and license suspensions can lead to higher insurance premiums.

How to Search for Traffic Violation Records in Alaska

While seeking traffic violation records in Alaska, you can consult two systems:

1. Your driver record (MVR) from the Alaska DMV.Order your driving record from the Alaska DMV online for a cost of $10. You can choose a full individual record, an insurance record, or a CDL record. The records are provided in PDF, and you can authorize someone else to pick up the form by using Form 419
2. Your court case (ticket) in the Alaska Court System.Use the Court System's Search Trial Court Cases or Pay Online website to search for tickets by name or case number, access case information, and pay eligible fines. The site explains that some types of cases never appear online or are later removed in accordance with Administrative Rule 40 and other jurisdictions; to obtain copies, click on the Request Copies link or call the clerk.

Depending on record type, interested parties may find the following information within traffic violation records:

• DMV records include your convictions and any official actions taken against your driving privileges.
• Court dockets. The certified copies of traffic violation records issued by the clerk contain the case number, charged statute(s), hearing dates, and disposition.

How Long Do Traffic Violations Stay on Record in Alaska?

There are two key time periods to remember:

1. Points and Suspension Exposure:Traffic violation points remain active for 24 months from the date of the offense. After that period, they no longer count toward a license suspension.
2. Record Availability and Clearing:Record visibility. Unless altered by law, traffic violation convictions remain on record for a lifetime.

In Alaska, traffic violations generally cannot be removed or expunged from an individual’s driving record once they are reported. Nevertheless, dismissed charges do not appear on the record, and a citation or conviction can be corrected by the Division of Motor Vehicles (DMV) if it is entered by mistake.