SUSPENDED LICENSE INFORMATION FOR ALASKA


(SEE BELOW FOR COMMERCIAL DRIVER LICENSE (CDL) INFORMATION)

 

There is a difference between having your Alaska driver’s license suspended and having it revoked.

  • A suspension means you cannot drive for a certain period of time, but can get your license back later.
  • A revocation of your license means your driver’s license is cancelled, and you will need to submit to an investigation before you can obtain another license.

Insurance companies keep a close watch on license suspensions / revocations. Your insurance premiums may go up drastically, and you may be labeled a “high-risk” customer. Even worse, your insurance company may cancel your policy, leaving you to search for insurance with the “high-risk” driver tag, meaning you’ll have to pay much higher premiums.

 

It is recommended that you get in touch with a DUI/DWI lawyer as they are experts at handling such incidents and can offer you the best advice. Additionally, you will face Heavy Fines and Reinstatement Fees and Points on your driver’s license! All this information can be found on our website. You could also contact an STA Advisor absolutely FREE!!!

REASONS FOR DRIVER’S LICENSE SUSPENSIONS IN ALASKA


The following are some of the most common reasons for an Alaska driver’s license to be suspended or revoked.

  • Excessive Moving Violations: The state of Alaska operates on a point system, in which drivers accumulate points on their license for every moving violation they commit. If you accumulate 12 points within 12 months or 18 points within 24 months on your current driver record, your license will be suspended.
  • Driving Under the Influence: Your Alaska driver’s license will be suspended if you are found guilty of driving under the influence of alcohol or drugs. The length of the suspension depends on the severity of the violation and whether it is a first or repeat offense. In some cases a hardship waiver can be granted to you in an emergency.
  • Driving with a Suspended License or No License: Driving with a suspended license will lead to an increase in the length of the suspension, and you may also be imprisoned for up to 5 years. The duration of the additional suspension varies depending on the reason for the underlying suspension. Your driver’s license may also be suspended if you do not have your license with you while you are driving.
  • Driving without Insurance: All motor vehicles driven in Alaska must be properly insured. Failure to provide proof of valid auto insurance can result in your license being suspended.
  • Other Driving-Related Violations: Your Alaska driver’s license may also be suspended if you engage in reckless driving, are found to be at fault in a fatal accident, or if you abandon your vehicle on a public highway.
  • Other Reasons for Suspension:
    • Owning or operating an uninsured vehicle involved in an accident.
    • Not stopping to give aid after an accident.
    • Reckless driving.
    • Perjury to the DMV.
    • Fleeing in a car to avoid arrest.
    • Using a motor vehicle to commit felony and injuring another while doing this.
    • A BAC of 0.08% in persons over 21 years of age.
    • A minor using a false license to purchase alcohol. Your license may also be revoked for the reasons given above.
  • Physical or Psychological Disqualification: The Division of Motor Vehicles’ Chief Administrator can order a re-examination of any person who may not be fit to drive. An individual’s driving privileges may be suspended if the re-examination finds they are physically or psychologically unable to drive safely.
  • Non-Driving Reasons for License Suspension: A variety of non-driving violations or issues can result in your license being suspended. These include: not responding to a Motor Vehicle Commission notice or not appearing in court; failing to pay traffic tickets, fines or surcharges; and not paying child support.

Suspension periods can range from 90 days to permanent suspension, depending on the severity of the offense. If you believe your license has been suspended due to one of the reasons listed above it is advisable to speak with a Traffic Ticket Attorney or DUI Attorney.

ACTIONS TO TAKE IF YOUR ALASKA DRIVER’S LICENSE IS SUSPENDED

If your license has not already been taken away from you in court, you must surrender it to the Alaska Motor Vehicle Division. You can surrender your license by mailing it to:

 

State of Alaska

Division of Motor Vehicles

PO Box 110221

Juneau, AK 99811-0221  

 

While your license is suspended, you are not permitted to drive. If you are found driving with a suspended license, you may be imprisoned for up to 5 years, and the length of your suspension may be increased.

After your suspension is over, you will receive a written notice of restoration, with instructions on how to restore your license. Do not drive until you have completed the necessary steps and received a valid, replacement license from the Alaska DMV.

If convicted of a DUI, you can also apply for a Hardship limited license. You may also have to fit an Ignition Interlock Device (IID) to your vehicle.

ALASKA SUSPENSION HEARINGS & APPEALS


In Alaska, you may request a DMV hearing to contest your suspension, revocation, or cancellation. The hearing officer can only consider issues on non-compliance with the mandatory insurance laws and non-compliance with the financial responsibility laws at a hearing.

 

To request an AK administrative hearing, you must complete a Request For Administrative Hearing (Form 447) and mail it the address listed on the form.

 

If you choose to hire a lawyer to assist you with your hearing, you must notify the hearing office as soon as possible so they can forward hearing information. The Alaska DMV will mail correspondence with the time and date of your hearing. Once your hearing officer considers your testimony, the decision on your license suspension/revocation will be mailed to you. If the court does NOT decide in your favor, you can file an appeal with the superior court.

 

In addition, drivers whose license may be suspended due to accumulating excessive points may be eligible to enroll in a Driver Improvement Program. Completing a Driver Improvement Program removes three points from the current driving record, and in some cases can enable an individual to avoid having his license suspended.

NOTE: Your suspension will NOT be overturned because you need a license to drive to work, school, or for any other reason.

 

You may contact Anchorage Driver Licensing at (907) 269-3770 for more information.

RESTRICTED OR TEMPORARY ALASKA LICENSE


The Alaska DMV offers limited licenses to eligible applicants who need to drive to work while their regular licenses are suspended or revoked. To find out about your eligibility and necessary forms for your specific situation, you’ll need to contact the Alaska DMV directly.

 

If your AK driver’s license was suspended for not having insurance, a first-time DUI suspension, or your second DUI conviction within 15 years, you may qualify for a limited license. The state of Alaska provides application forms online for a these types of suspensions:

  • Mandatory Insurance Suspension Non-Commercial Limited license Application (Form 507).
  • Limited License Application for Driving Under the Influence or Admin Per Se Offenses (Form 404c).

Submit your completed form and applicable fees (see “Alaska Suspended License Fees” below) to your local DMV office. You can also mail your documents and fees to the address listed on the form.

REINSTATE YOUR ALASKA DRIVER’S LICENSE


After serving your suspension or revocation period completely, you may reinstate your driving privileges and apply for a new AK driver’s license. You will receive a Notice of Restoration from the DMV after you have completed your suspension period. The notice will include complete instructions regarding how to get your license back.

 

You will need to Apply for a standard license renewal to obtain a new license. To proceed, you must visit your local Alaska DMV office and:

  • Complete an Application for Alaska Driver License, Permit or Identification Card (Form 478).
  • Pass all required tests (e.g., written, vision, road).
  • Submit proof of SR-22 insurance.
  • Present proof of birth and identity, such as your: U.S. birth certificate (original, or certified copy), U.S. passport (current) or Alaska ID card. For a complete list of acceptable identification, please visit the Alaska DMV website.
  • Show completion of an alcohol treatment program, if required.
  • Have an ignition interlock device installed, if required.
  • Satisfy all other requirements as directed by the DMV.
  • Pay all required fees to obtain your reinstated license. See “Alaska Suspended License Fees”

Note that after you license is restored, you will be subject to a Mandatory Probation Period of 1 year, during which any new violations may result in an additional suspension of your Alaska driver’s license.

ALASKA SUSPENDED LICENSE FEES


To get your AK driver’s license back, you must pay reinstatement and regular licensing fees. Here are some examples of common fees:

Driver License Fees:

  • Driver/motorcycle: $20.
  • Instruction permit: $20.

Reinstatement Fees:

  • First suspension (non-DUI): $100.
  • Second suspension (non-DUI): $200.
  • First DUI suspension: $200.
  • First DUI plus another suspension: $250.
  • Second DUI suspension: $500.

Other Fees:

  • Alcohol restricted license or ID: $50.
  • Limited-license application: $100.
  • Driving record: $10.
  • Road/driving test: $15.
  • Temporary driver license: $5.

Accepted Payment Options


The Alaska DMV accepts VISA/MasterCard credit/debit cards, personal checks or money orders. You can also mail a check or money order to:

 

State of Alaska

Division of Motor Vehicles

P.O. Box 110221

Juneau AK 99811-0221

 

COMMERCIAL DRIVER LICENSE (CDL) SUSPENSIONS IN ALASKA

 

CDL’s are suspended more easily than standard licenses. This is because commercial drivers are held to very high standards. The Alaska Division of Motor Vehicles (DMV) can suspend or revoke a commercial driver license (CDL) for a number of reasons. When the state issues you a license suspension, your AK driving record will reflect a specific action against your license.

 

If you’re caught driving while your CDL license is revoked, suspended, denied, or cancelled, your vehicle may be impounded.

 

Since your CDL is tied directly to your regular AK driver license, a suspension of your regular license will result also in a suspension of your commercial driver’s license in Alaska. The terms and length of your CDL suspension will depend on the type of conviction and the status of your Alaska driving record. You can have your license suspended for any of the following violation types:

 

Major Offenses:

 

While major violations that occur while driving a CMV or your personal vehicle affect both your CDL and regular license, the suspension periods for your CDL and regular driver’s license will vary. Examples of major offenses are:

  • DUI (driving under the influence) or DWI (driving while intoxicated).
  • Refusal to submit to breath/chemical testing.
  • Fleeing an accident.
  • Operating a vehicle with a suspended license.

While you may face other court and federally imposed penalties, the AK DMV may suspend your license for the following periods:

  • 1st major offense: 1-year suspension.
  • 2nd major offense: Lifetime disqualification.

Serious Traffic Violations:

 

There are a number of serious offenses you can violate while operating a commercial motor vehicle (CMV) or your personal vehicle. These offenses include:

  • Driving 15 mph above the speed limit.
  • Following too closely.
  • Operating a CMV without your AK CDL in your possession, or before getting a CDL.
  • Operating a CMV in violation of CDL restrictions or endorsements.

While your first offense usually does not result in a suspension, unless otherwise determined by the AK DMV, subsequent offenses can result in the following:

  • 2nd serious offense in a 3-year period: 60-day suspension.
  • 3rd serious offense in a 3-year period: 120-day suspension.

Even after your CDL is suspended, your ruling may still allow you to operate a non-commercial vehicle.

 

Railroad – Highway Crossing Violations:

 

If you violate the commercial guidelines for railroad-highway intersections while operating a CMV, your CDL will be suspended for a specific period:

  • 1st offense: 60-day suspension of CDL.
  • 2nd offense in 3 years: 120-day suspension of CDL.
  • 3rd offense in 3 years: 1-year suspension of CDL.

These violations do not affect your regular AK driver’s license unless otherwise ordered by the AK DMV.

 

Out-of-Service Violations:

 

Commercial drivers must adhere to a specific law that limits the number of hours they are allowed to operate a commercial motor vehicle (CMV). If you operate a CMV while you’re supposed to be out of service, the Alaska DMV will suspend your CDL privileges.

  • 1st offense: 90 days to 1 year.
  • 2nd offense within 10 years: 1 to 5 years.
  • 3rd offense within 10 years: minimum 3 to 5 years.

Hazmat out-of-service order violations are more severe:

  • 1st offense: 180 days to 2 years.
  • 2nd offense: 3 to 5 years.
  • 3rd offense: 3 to 5 years.

These violations do not affect your regular driver’s license, unless otherwise ordered by the AK DMV.

 

Medical Card Suspension:

 

Some commercial drivers are required to submit a medical card to the DMV to operate their commercial vehicle. If the AK DMV does not have your medical card on file, your Alaska commercial driver’s license will be suspended.

Upon receiving a warning letter, you have 30 to 60 days to submit your medical card. Otherwise, your CDL will be suspended.

Once your CDL is suspended due to not having a current medical card, you have 1 year to reinstate your CDL without re-taking written tests, and exactly 5 years to obtain another CDL without re-taking the driving tests.

 

Alaska CDL Suspension Hearings and Appeals:

 

The state of Alaska offers administrative hearings, which allows an individual to contest a driver’s license suspension. If you wish to contest your suspension, revocation, or cancellation, you may request a hearing with the court to state your case. You will receive a notice of the date and time of your hearing.

Furthermore, you may hire a lawyer to assist you during your hearing. You must notify the hearing office so information regarding your hearing is forwarded to your lawyer.

For more information, please contact Anchorage Driver Licensing at (907) 269-3770 and visit the DMV’s online Administrative Hearing section.

 

Reinstate Your Alaska CDL:

 

Generally, to reinstate your Alaska commercial driver’s license, you may need to complete some or all of the following:

  • Re-apply for your AK CDL.
  • Pass a written exam and/or driving skills exam.
  • Provide proof of completion for any additional requirements as set forth by the DMV and/or Alaska courts pertaining to your suspension.
  • This could include extra fees, completion of a traffic or alcohol course, etc.
  • You’ll also need to pay the $100 reinstatement fee to the Division of Motor Vehicles.

For details specific to your case, please contact your local Alaska DMV branch.

 

Restricted Alaska CDL Licenses:

 

The Alaska DMV does not offer restricted or temporary CDL licenses to commercial drivers with CDL suspensions. In some suspension cases, the DMV issues limited, non-commercial driver licenses. To find out if you’re eligible and obtain further instructions, contact your local Alaska DMV office.