Points, tickets and licence suspension in Alaska

By the end of this topic you can

• You can explain how points are assigned.
• You can state the point totals that lead to suspension.
• You can describe the extra rules for provisional drivers.
• You can tell the difference between suspension and revocation.
• You can explain what SR-22 proof of insurance is.

What you need to know and understand

• 12 points in 12 months, or 18 points in 24 months, means mandatory suspension or revocation.
• No limited 'work purpose' license is available for a point suspension.
• Drivers get a warning letter when they reach the halfway mark.
• A defensive driving course can earn a point reduction once every 12 months, and violation-free driving can also earn credits.
• A provisional driver with 6 or more points in 12 months, or 9 or more in 24 months, must complete a driver improvement course.
• Breaking a provisional restriction is an infraction with a $200 penalty and 2 points.
• Driving while suspended or revoked carries a jail sentence of at least 10 days.
• Traffic violations on a bicycle do not add points to your driving record.

Sample point values

• 10 points: DUI, refusing a breath test, reckless driving, racing, fleeing police, driving while suspended or revoked.
• 9 points: leaving the scene of a crash.
• 6 points: negligent driving, failing to yield to an emergency vehicle, failing to stop for a school bus that is loading or unloading, driving without insurance, minor operating after consuming alcohol, speeding in a school zone, speeding 20 mph or more over the limit.
• 4 points: careless driving, following too closely, failing to stop or yield, illegal passing in a Traffic Safety Corridor, speeding 10 to 19 mph over.
• 2 points: speeding 3 to 9 mph over, and all other moving violations.

Suspension or revocation?

A suspension takes your driving privilege away for a set time. At the end you meet the reinstatement requirements and apply for a duplicate license. Suspension is required for an uninsured vehicle involved in a crash, too many points, and driving in breach of license restrictions.

A revocation cancels the license. When it ends and you meet the requirements, you get a new license. Courts must revoke for offenses such as DUI, test refusal, reckless driving, driving while suspended and failing to stop and help at an injury crash. The DMV also revokes administratively for a high breath result, refusal and under-21 alcohol offenses.

Getting back on the road

1. Serve the full period. It continues past the end date until you reinstate properly.
2. Pay the reinstatement fee.
3. File proof of future financial responsibility, usually an SR-22 form from your insurer, which tells the DMV if your cover lapses.
4. Meet any other conditions, such as an ignition interlock after DUI.

Common mistakes

• Thinking out-of-state tickets do not count. Convictions in other states go on your Alaska record.
• Ignoring the halfway warning letter. It is a chance to change before a suspension.
• Driving 'just once' while suspended. It brings 10 points, revocation and jail.
• Assuming a small speeding ticket does not matter on a provisional license. Three of them can trigger a mandatory course.

Test yourself: Points, tickets and licence suspension in Alaska

Answer each question, then read the explanation. Questions come in a random order each time.

Go deeper

• Alaska 40 Hour Supervised Driving Certification Checklist
• Alaska Off-Highway Driver’s License
• Alaska Permit Practice Test