From felony DUIs to ignition interlocks for all convicted drunk drivers, Alaska’s tough drunk driving laws have decreased DUI fatalities over the past 10 years. However, fatalities involving drunk drivers with a blood alcohol concentration (BAC) of at least 0.15 are most common and are often repeat offenses. Mothers Against Drunk Driving suggests that Alaska conduct sobriety checkpoints to help decrease DUI-related crashes.
DUI Laws
Anyone who operates a vehicle, aircraft, or watercraft with a BAC of 0.08 in the state of Alaska is guilty of DUI, a misdemeanor after first and second offenses and a felony after third and subsequent offenses if the offender had two or more prior convictions within 10 years.
All sentences for misdemeanor DUI convictions in Alaska must include the following minimums:
- $1,500 (1st offense) to $7,000 fine (6th or subsequent non-felony offenses)
- 72 hours (1st offense) to 360 days (6th or subsequent non-felony offenses) in jail
- License revocation
- Ignition interlock installation
- Participation in drug and alcohol evaluation and, if necessary, a treatment program
- Payment of surcharges and the cost of emergency response services, if applicable
- $330 (1st offense) to $2,000 (3rd or subsequent non-felony offenses) cost of imprisonment fee
All sentences for felony DUI convictions must include the following minimums:
- $10,000 fine
- 120 days (3rd offense) to 360 days (5th or subsequent offenses) in jail
- Permanent license revocation and loss of driving privileges
- Forfeiture of vehicle(s) and revocation of registration(s)
- Ignition interlock installation
- Participation in drug and alcohol evaluation and, if necessary, a treatment program
- Payment of surcharges and the cost of emergency response services, if applicable
For both misdemeanor and felony offenses, the fine and other costs, jail time, and license revocation and interlock installation periods increase according to the offender’s number of previous DUI convictions.
Driver’s License Suspension
Drivers convicted of a misdemeanor DUI lose their license and ability to obtain a license for at least 90 days but might be eligible for a limited license during that time if certain conditions are met. While license revocation, loss of driving privileges, and loss of privilege to obtain a new license are permanent for felony DUI convictions, offenders might be eligible for license restoration after a minimum of 10 years if certain conditions are met.
Ignition Interlock Laws
In order to obtain a limited license during a revocation period or to reinstate one’s license after the revocation period is over, all convicted drunk driving offenders must install an ignition interlock in their vehicle. First-time offenders must install the device for a minimum of six months. The installation time period increases by six months with each following misdemeanor offense. The minimum installation period for felony DUI convictions is 60 months.