Alaska Traffic Violation Records

Traffic violation records in Alaska are maintained by the Division of Motor Vehicles (DMV) under the Alaska Department of Administration. However, some traffic records are also maintained in the state courts. Traffic violation records are official documents of traffic citations, convictions, accidents, and administrative actions taken against drivers. A significant portion of traffic offense records in Alaska are speeding citations. About 12.4% of drivers in the state have a prior speeding violation on record. As part of its efforts to ensure safe driving on Alaska roads, Alaska uses a demerit point system to track and penalize traffic violators. Accumulating too many points may lead to a mandatory license suspension.

Are Traffic Violations Records Public in Alaska?

According to Alaska Statute Sec. 28.15.151, traffic-related records maintained by the Division of Motor Vehicles (DMV) are generally accessible to the public upon request. Hence, individuals may request copies of their driving records, and in certain cases, others may access these records with proper authorization. In addition, basic traffic record information maintained by the district courts in relation to traffic misdemeanors and felonies is also accessible to the public.

Note that while traffic violation records are public, the release of personal information contained within these records is governed by both state and federal laws, including the federal Driver's Privacy Protection Act (DPPA). These laws restrict access to sensitive personal details such as names, addresses, and other identifying information unless the requester qualifies under specific exceptions.

How To Look Up Traffic Tickets in Alaska?

You may search traffic ticket information in Alaska via the Courtview Public Access System. To perform a search, provide the citation number in the ticket number field and select the search button. Alternatively, you may perform a search using the driver's license number or vehicle license number.

Since traffic violations are public records in Alaska, you may also search for Alaska traffic tickets through third-party websites like PublicRecords.us.

Where Do I Pay Traffic Violations?

You may pay traffic fines in Alaska via the following methods:

• Online: Use the CourtView Public Access system to search for your case by citation number, case number, or name. If eligible, you may pay fines online using a credit card. Note that there is a non-refundable 3% convenience fee. However, the Anchorage Police Department and the Fairbanks Police Department allow users to pay their traffic fines online via their dedicated portals.
• By Mail: Send a check or money order payable to "State of Alaska" to the court where your case is filed or the municipal authority with jurisdiction over the matter. Ensure you include your case or ticket number.
• In Person: Visit the Alaska court location with jurisdiction over the matter to pay with cash, check, or money order.

How Much Does It Cost To Request Your Driving Records Online?

The Alaska DMV issues three types of driving records:

• Full Individual Record: Contains current driving record status, including convictions, license actions, and at-fault accidents on record
• Insurance Record: Contains current driving license status and 3- or 5-year history of license actions, convictions, and reported accidents required for vehicle insurance purposes.
• CDL Employment Record: Contains current driving status, full medical certification information, convictions, administrative actions taken against a driver, and at-fault accident information.

This record costs $10 and may be obtained online via the DVM portal or by mail, submitting a completed DMV 419F form to the address on the form or by email to doa.dmv.research@alaska.gov.

What Are Moving and Non-Moving Violations in Alaska?

Moving violations occur in Alaska when a vehicle is in motion and the driver commits an infraction of traffic laws. Examples of moving violations in Alaska include:

• Speeding
• Running a red light or stop sign
• Reckless or negligent driving
• OUI
• Failure to yield
• Following too closely
• Illegal passing
• Driving without insurance

Moving violations are considered more serious due to their potential to endanger the driver and the public. The penalties for moving violations in Alaska include fines and the addition of demerit points to the license of driver. In more serious cases, such as DUI and reckless driving, potential penalties include jail time.

Non-moving violations typically involve infractions related to a stationary vehicle or administrative aspects of vehicle operation. These violations are generally considered less severe than moving violations and do not result in points being added to the driver's record. However, they may be punished with fines. Examples of non-moving violations include:

• Parking violations
• Expired vehicle registration
• Faulty or missing vehicle equipment
• Failure to carry proof of insurance or a driver's license

How Long Does an OUI Stay on Your Record in Alaska?

An OUI conviction remains on your record for life in Alaska. Drunk-driving-related fatality rates are high in Alaska, placing the state in the top ten for drunk driving-related deaths. Alaska records over 600 OUI arrests and about 3.8 OUI road fatalities per 100,000 drivers. The following penalties apply for OUI convictions in Alaska:

• First-Time OUI (Misdemeanor)
• Jail Time: Minimum 3 days (mandatory)
• Fine: Minimum $1,500
• License Revocation: 90 days
• Ignition Interlock Device (IID): Required for 6 months
• Alcohol Education/Treatment: Mandatory enrollment in an Alcohol Safety Action Program (ASAP)
• SR-22 Insurance: Required for 5 years
• Second OUI (Within 15 Years)
• Jail Time: Minimum 20 days
• Fine: Minimum $3,000
• License Revocation: 1 year
• IID: Required for 12 months
• Alcohol Education/Treatment: Required
• SR-22 Insurance: Required for 5 years
• Third OUI (Felony if within 10 years)
• Jail Time: Minimum 60 days
• Fine: Minimum $4,000
• License Revocation: 3 years
• IID: Required
• Felony Charge: If three or more OUIs occur within 10 years, it becomes a Class C Felony
• SR-22: Required for 5 years or more
• Felony OUI (Third or subsequent offense within 10 years or OUI with Injury)
• Felony Class: Class C Felony
• Jail Time: Up to 5 years
• Fine: Up to $10,000
• Permanent License Revocation: May apply

What Are the Penalties for Breaking the Speed Limit in Alaska?

Breaking posted or absolute speed limits in Alaska attracts serious penalties. The following are the absolute speed limits in Alaska:

• 15 mph: In alleys and public parking lots
• 20 mph: In business districts and on streets less than 600 feet in total length
• 25 mph: In residential districts
• 55 mph: On rural highways and other roads not otherwise posted
• 65 mph: Rural highways

The penalties for a speeding violation in Alaska vary depending on the situation. However, in most cases, a driver caught speeding may be fined up to $300. If the violation occurs in a highway work zone or traffic safety corridor, the fine is typically doubled, per Alaska Statutes § 28.90.010.

In addition to fines, speeding violations result in two to six points being added to the driver's record. If a driver accumulates 12 or more points within 12 months or 18 or more points within 24 months, the Alaska Division of Motor Vehicles may suspend the driver's license.

How Long Does a Speeding Ticket Stay on Your Record in Alaska?

A speeding ticket typically remains on your Alaska driving record for one year. However, the demerit points assessed due to the ticket may stay on your record for up to five years.

How To Appeal A Traffic Ticket?

You may appeal a traffic ticket in Alaska using the following defenses:

• Challenge the Officer's Observation: If the ticket is based on the officer's judgment, such as unsafe lane change or failure to yield, you may argue that your actions were safe under the conditions.
• Question the Accuracy of Speed-Measuring Devices: You may dispute the reliability of radar or laser devices used to measure your speed. This may involve requesting calibration records, the officer's training credentials, or maintenance logs for the device, to show possible errors in its use.
• Argue "Mistake of Fact": This defense applies when you made an honest and reasonable mistake, for example, missing a speed limit sign obscured by snow or vegetation. If you can show the mistake was not due to negligence, the court may dismiss or reduce the charge.
• Present Evidence of Necessity: If you broke a traffic law to avoid harm, such as swerving to avoid an animal or speeding to escape a dangerous driver, you may argue necessity. This defense requires demonstrating that your actions were reasonable and necessary under the circumstances.
• Request a Continuance or Dismissal for Technical Errors: If the officer fails to appear in court, or if the ticket contains incorrect details such as the wrong vehicle model or location, you may request a dismissal. Procedural errors or delays in trial scheduling may also be used to your advantage.

However, you should consider hiring an experienced traffic attorney to represent you in situations where:

• You are facing a misdemeanor or criminal traffic charge, such as reckless driving or OUI, which carries serious consequences like jail time or license suspension.
• You hold a Commercial Driver's License (CDL) and cannot afford any points or violations that may impact your livelihood.
• You have multiple prior violations, and another conviction may lead to a license suspension or increased insurance costs.
• You were involved in an accident, especially one with injuries or property damage, which may involve civil liability in addition to traffic penalties.
• You are unfamiliar with court procedures and need help navigating motions, discovery, or negotiating with the prosecutor for a reduction or dismissal.

How To Resolve an Out-of-State Traffic Ticket?

While Alaska is not a member of the Nonresident Violator Compact, a driver reciprocity agreement between member states, the state participates in the DLC agreement. DLC, short for Driver License Compact, is an agreement between member states, ensuring that your home state is notified of a traffic infraction if you receive an out-of-state traffic citation.

You may resolve an out-of-state ticket in the following ways:

• Read the Ticket Carefully: Verify the state's rules for resolving traffic tickets by checking the court date or deadline to respond, available options (plead guilty, not guilty, or no contest), and payment instructions or appeal procedures.
• Check Online Payment Options: Many states allow traffic law violators to pay traffic tickets online, especially for minor infractions. Search the traffic or court website of the issuing state and county to confirm if online resolution is available.
• Request a Hearing or Contest the Ticket: If you believe the ticket was issued in error, you may request a court hearing or submit a written defense. In some states, you may contest by mail, file a motion to dismiss, or submit an affidavit of non-liability.
• Hire a Local Attorney: If appearing in person is difficult or the offense is serious, such as DUI or reckless driving, consider hiring a traffic lawyer licensed in the state where the ticket was issued. The lawyer may appear on your behalf and negotiate for a reduced charge or dismissal.
• Follow Up With Your DMV: Once you have resolved the out-of-state traffic ticket, contact your Alaska (or your home state's) Department of Motor Vehicles (DMV) to confirm that your driving record has been properly updated and that no suspension or hold has been placed on your driver's license. You may also check whether any points were added to your record and whether the violation may affect your insurance.

How Do Alaska Traffic Laws Differ From Other States?

Despite the state sharing similar traffic laws with other states in the United States, some minor differences exist in how some Alaska traffic laws are stipulated. Examples include the following:

• During the long winter months, headlights are legally required for extended periods, and on certain roadways, headlights must be on year-round, regardless of the season. Motorcyclists must always use headlights.
• Speed limits in Alaska are generally lower than in many other states. The speed limit is 15 mph in alleys, 20 mph in school zones and business districts, and 25 mph in residential areas.
• Alaska also has permissive laws regarding firearms in vehicles. Drivers 21 years and older may legally carry a firearm in their car, whether it is loaded, visible, or concealed, without needing a special permit.
• Seat belt use is mandatory for all passengers at all times in Alaska. Not wearing a seat belt is considered a primary offense, meaning that law enforcement may stop and ticket a driver solely for that violation.
• Alaska allows teenagers to obtain a learner's permit or a motor scooter license as early as age 14, provided they have parental consent.