Alaska DUI Laws: 2025 DUI Charges Guide

Getting Started

 
If you’re arrested for a DUI in Alaska, you face a complex legal process with both administrative and criminal consequences. These two processes operate independently but can overlap or run consecutively depending on the circumstances of your DUI. Alaska applies significant DUI sentencing even for first-time offenses; however, the state also implements ignition interlock programs to help reduce repeat drunk driving convictions.

Definitions to Know

Alaska Department of Motor Vehicles (DMV)

The Alaska state organization that handles administrative license revocations, restricted license applications, IID oversight, and SR-22 monitoring is called the Department of Motor Vehicles. The DMV works alongside the court system but handles the administrative penalties related to your driving privileges.

Steps to Take After DUI Arrest in Alaska

1. Hire a DUI Attorney

   Legal counsel can help navigate both DMV administrative processes and criminal proceedings in Alaska’s court system.

2. Address License Suspension

   Expect your driver’s license to be suspended based on the severity of the offense. In Alaska, this happens quickly after arrest.

3. Request an Administrative Hearing

   If disputing a suspension, you must request a hearing with the Alaska DMV within seven days.

4. Apply for a Restricted License

   If eligible, you may apply for limited driving privileges by installing an ignition interlock device through the Alaska DMV.

5. Install an IID

   A breathalyzer is required for certain offenses in Alaska, especially for high-breath alcohol concentration (BAC) convictions or repeat offenses.
   Explore IIDs

6. File an SR-22 Form

   After a DUI in Alaska, this proof of financial responsibility may be required for license reinstatement in Alaska.

7. Complete Substance Abuse Evaluation and Treatment

   Attend evaluation and complete recommended programs through approved Alaska providers.

8. Pay Fines and Fees

   You’ll need to pay court fines plus other fees, such as license reinstatement and state charges.

9. Complete DUI Education Program

   Mandatory alcohol education courses are required in Alaska for DUI offenses.

10. Attend Court Proceedings

    Your case will proceed through Alaska’s criminal court independently from administrative actions.

11. Avoid Further Violations

    Any new DUI or license violation can lead to severe penalties including jail time and longer suspensions.

DUI Laws in Alaska

What Are the Legal Driving Alcohol Limits in Alaska?

In Alaska, it’s illegal to drive if you’re under the influence of alcohol, drugs, or both. Alaska’s BAC limit follows standard federal guidelines for most drivers.

Felony vs Misdemeanor DUI Charges in Alaska

In Alaska, most first and second DUI offenses are classified as misdemeanors. However, certain circumstances can elevate a DUI to a felony charge.

A DUI becomes a felony in Alaska if:

• It’s your third or subsequent offense within 10 years
• The DUI caused serious bodily injury to another person
• The DUI resulted in death
• You have a prior felony DUI conviction

Alaska DUI degree levels determine the severity of charges, with felony DUI convictions carrying much harsher penalties, including longer jail sentences, higher fines, and extended Alaska DUI license suspensions compared to misdemeanor charges.

Does Alaska Offer Drunk Driving Diversion Programs?

Alaska may offer alternative sentencing options for certain DUI cases, especially for first-time charges and nonviolent offenses. While specific diversion program availability varies by jurisdiction, Alaska courts may consider alternative approaches that focus on rehabilitation and education rather than purely punitive measures.

Refusing a Chemical Test Under Alaska DUI Law

Alaska applies an implied consent law. When you drive in Alaska, you automatically consent to chemical testing if an officer suspects you of operating under the influence. Refusing a test in Alaska carries serious administrative penalties.

DUI Penalties & Consequences

Penalties for DUI Offenses in Alaska

Alaska DUI penalties and fines become progressively severe with each conviction and vary based on your BAC level and whether anyone was injured.

Note: Actual costs are much higher than the base fines listed due to penalty assessments and fees, often totaling $5,000-$10,000 for a first offense.

Aggravating Factors That Increase Alaska DUI Penalties

In Alaska, these aggravating factors lead to elevated criminal charges, harsher DUI fines, longer jail or prison time, extended license suspensions, and additional requirements:

• Having a passenger under 16 years old in the vehicle
• Causing bodily injury to another person
• Extremely high BAC levels (0.15% or higher)
• Driving under the influence in a school zone
• Previous DUI convictions within a 10-year period
• Refusing to submit to chemical testing
• Driving with a suspended or revoked license
• Excessive speeding while under the influence

Driving Without a Valid License

Driving with a suspended license in Alaska is a serious offense that can complicate your legal troubles. If caught driving while your license is suspended for a DUI, you could face:

• Misdemeanor criminal charges
• Additional license suspension time
• Possible jail time
• Steep fines
• Ineligibility for a restricted license
• Increased insurance rates
• Potential vehicle impoundment

License Suspension

Who Determines if You Can Continue Driving After a DUI? 

In Alaska, two separate entities determine your driving privileges after a DUI:

Alaska DMV: Handles administrative license suspension based on either test failure (BAC over the legal limit) or test refusal. This process is separate from court proceedings and happens quickly after arrest.

Alaska Courts: As part of criminal sentencing, the court may impose additional license suspension or restrictions beyond what the DMV has already administered.

Administrative suspension through the DMV occurs independently of your criminal case, meaning you could have your license suspended even if your criminal DUI charges are later reduced or dismissed.

How Long Will Your License Be Suspended?

Getting your license suspended in Alaska means you are no longer allowed to drive a vehicle, unless you obtain a temporary or restricted license during your suspension.

Steps to Reinstate Your License

To reinstate your driver’s license after a DUI suspension in Alaska, you must:

1. Serve your full suspension period
2. Pay reinstatement fees to Alaska DMV
3. Provide proof of financial responsibility via SR-22 insurance filing, if required in your case.
4. Complete required education or treatment programs
5. Install an IID if mandated by court or administrative order

How to Apply for a Restricted Driver’s License

To apply for a temporary restricted driver’s license in Alaska, you must:

1. Install an IID on your vehicle
2. Submit SR-22 as proof of insurance/financial responsibility, if required in your case.
3. Provide need-based documentation (e.g., employment verification or medical necessity)
4. Complete any required assessment or education programs
5. Submit application to Alaska DMV and pay applicable fees
6. Attend any required hearings or meetings

IID Requirements After a DUI in Alaska

After a DUI conviction in Alaska, an Ignition Interlock Device (IID) is typically required for anyone seeking to regain driving privileges. The IID serves as a breathalyzer installed in the offender’s vehicle; it prevents vehicle operation if alcohol is detected above a very low threshold. The device is mandated either for a limited license during the revocation period or as a court requirement after a DUI or refusal conviction, with the duration determined by the number of prior offenses and the court’s judgment.

Before reinstating your license or applying for a limited license, you must provide proof of recent IID installation, generally within 30 days of submitting official paperwork to the DMV. Those who live in remote locations without access to an IID installer may submit proof of residence instead. The IID requirement is reflected on the driver’s license as a “C” restriction, which cannot be removed until all conditions, including the IID term, are met.

Selecting the right ignition interlock provider can make a world of difference.

Find an Interlock Provider Near You

SR-22 Requirements After a DUI in Alaska

Alaska law typically requires SR-22 insurance after a DUI or Refusal conviction as a condition for reinstating driver’s license privileges. If required, your insurance company files this form with the DMV to verify you maintain the state’s minimum liability coverage. SR-22 insurance typically costs significantly more than standard policies following your high-risk classification. The length of time you are required to maintain SR-22 coverage depends on prior offenses:

This may apply whether or not you own a vehicle; non-owner policies are available if you do not have a car. Your insurance provider is required to notify the DMV if your coverage lapses, which can lead to re-suspension. SR-22 documentation must be dated within the last 30 days when submitted for reinstatement.

Let us help connect you to the right licensed insurance specialist for you.

Explore SR-22 Insurance Requirements

Substance Abuse Evaluation and Program Requirements (ASAP)

After a DUI conviction in Alaska, participation in the Alcohol Safety Action Program (ASAP) is required in most cases. ASAP provides substance abuse screening, case management, and accountability for alcohol and drug-related offenses, including DUI and Refusal cases.

The program assesses treatment needs and monitors compliance with all education and/or rehabilitation requirements set by the court or DMV. Completion of the ASAP orientation is required, available online for regional offices, and further treatment or education is assigned based on individual case assessment. Additionally, legislation mandates compliance with approved alcohol education or rehabilitation programs before full reinstatement of driving privileges.

Understand what to expect and how to prepare for a substance abuse evaluation.

Read Our Guide on Alcohol Assessments

FAQs About DUIs in Alaska

Sources

1. Alaska Department of Motor Vehicles. (2025). DUI/Administrative Revocation. Retrieved from https://dmv.alaska.gov/driver-services-adjudication/dui-driving-under-the-influence-administrative-revocation
2. Alaska Department of Motor Vehicles. (2025). Ignition Interlock Information. Retrieved from https://dmv.alaska.gov/driver-services-adjudication/ignition-interlock-information
3. FindLaw. (2025). What Are the Alaska DUI Laws? Retrieved from https://www.findlaw.com/state/alaska-law/what-are-the-alaska-dui-laws.html
4. National College for DUI Defense. (2025). Alaska OUI Laws. Retrieved from https://www.ncdd.com/alaska-oui-laws