Violating Alaska driving and traffic laws can result in fines, the suspension of your driving privileges, and even imprisonment. The Alaska Division of Motor Vehicles (DMV) uses a point system to track violations and their corresponding penalties. Points are added to your driving record if you receive a traffic ticket for moving violations in Alaska or other states.

MOVING VIOLATIONS AND POINTS

Different violations are assigned different point values, which are added to your driving record. Incidents with higher chances of leading to accident are given higher points. For instance, moving violations like careless driving and failure to observe traffic signals can get you four points; negligent driving, driving without insurance and failure to give way to an emergency vehicle can fetch six points. Five-point offences include refusal to take a breath test, reckless driving, driving with a suspended license, etc. The number of points assessed for different speeding violations are as follows:

Exceeding the maximum speed limit by 3- 9 mph:2 points

Exceeding the maximum speed limit by 10-19 mph:4 points

Exceeding the maximum speed limit by 20 mph or more: 6 points

Exceeding the maximum speed limit in school area 6 points

View the complete Point Schedule listed in the DMV's Driver Manual to learn about the number of points associated with each type of moving violation.

PENALTIES

You will be subject to specific penalties if you accumulate a certain number of points on your driving license:

1. You will have your license suspended compulsorily if you accumulate 12 points in 12 months or 18 points in 24 months on your current driving record. A warning letter is sent to you once you have half of these points on your record. If not corrected, a hearing with a driving examiner at the DMV office will be held. You may be asked to complete a Driver Improvement Course. At the next stage, a notice of scheduled suspension is mailed to you. You may be imprisoned for driving with a suspended license.
2. Once suspended, a license cannot be revoked earlier than the period mentioned. After the period, you need to apply for a new license.
3. Accumulating points on your driving license is also likely to increase your auto insurance rates. See our auto insurance section for more information about obtaining quality car insurance at competitive rates.

HOW TO CLEAR YOUR DRIVING RECORD

The Alaska DMV maintains a record of all the points added to your driving license. However, there are a number of ways in which you can remove points from your current driving record.

1. If you remain violation or suspension-free, you can get points deducted from your current driving record.
2. Taking a Defensive Driving Course enables you to deduct points from your current driving record, and may also qualify you for a reduction in your car insurance rates.
3. A state approved Driver Improvement Course Driver Improvement Course also enables you to deduct points from your current driving record.

HOW TO DISPUTE A MOVING VIOLATION CHARGE

If you believe you have been incorrectly charged with committing a moving violation, you may be able to fight the charge in court. See Traffic Tickets and Traffic Ticket Attorneys for more information.

ADDITIONAL INFORMATION

• Points are not assessed for parking or other non-moving violations.
• See also Driver's Education and Suspended Licenses.