Alaska Drunk Driving Laws

In the United States, it is against the law for any person to operate a motor vehicle if he or she is under the influence of alcohol and/or drugs—an offense commonly referred to as DUI. While federal law prohibits driving with a blood alcohol content (BAC) of 0.08% or higher, each state also has its own set of laws outlining the circumstances in which a driver can be arrested for DUI, as well as the penalties he or she will receive if convicted of the charge. Alaska drunk driving laws, for example, specify a number of offenses that can lead to a person’s arrest.

Along with enforcing the federal 0.08% BAC limit, lawmakers in Alaska have passed additional legislation to deter drivers from drinking and driving. Under these laws, individuals under 21 must comply with a stringent “Zero Tolerance” policy, a law prohibiting underage drivers from operating a vehicle with any amount of alcohol in their system at all. As a result, a driver under 21 can be arrested and charged with DUI if he or she has a BAC above 0.00%. Individuals who operate a commercial vehicle are also subjected to a lower BAC limit of just 0.04%.

In addition to the state’s strict BAC guidelines, Alaska has an “Implied Consent Law” that makes it illegal for a driver to refuse to submit to chemical testing if an officer suspects he or she is under the influence of alcohol or drugs. Designed to calculate BAC, chemical tests include breathalyzers, blood, and urine tests.

In Alaska, the punishment for driving with an illegal BAC or refusing to submit to a chemical test includes a mandatory license suspension, fine, and possible jail sentence. For a first offense, the driver will face a minimum 72-hour jail sentence, $1,500 fine, and the loss of his or her driving privileges for the next 90 days or more.

For a second conviction, the penalties will include a minimum one-year license suspension, 20-day jail sentence, and $3,000 fine. If an Alaska driver is found guilty of a third DUI within a ten-year period, he or she will be charged with a felony offense and face a permanent license suspension, 60-day jail sentence, and fine of $4,000 or more.

Depending on the circumstances of the offense, the court may also sentence a repeat offender to probation and/or require the driver to enroll in an alcohol treatment program. In addition, the individual may be required to have an ignition interlock device installed in his or her vehicle (a mechanism that requires the driver to pass a breath test before the automobile will start).

Given the state’s stringent DUI laws, most drivers who are arrested for drunk driving in Alaska must obtain legal counsel in order to avoid the penalties listed above. If you were recently charged with driving under the influence in the state of Alaska, it is important to discuss your case with an experienced DUI defense attorney immediately after your arrest. Complete our online form today to schedule a free, no-obligation consultation with a local DUI attorney in your area.