Alaska Driving Records

In Alaska, the Division of Motor Vehicles (DMV) serves as all licensed drivers' official custodian of driving records. This agency's responsibilities include recording and updating drivers' traffic violations, accidents, and license suspensions. The maintenance of these records is mandated by Alaska Statute (AS) Title 28, which governs motor vehicle operations within the state.

Driving records in Alaska hold significant importance for individuals and companies. A clean record can lead to lower insurance premiums for drivers, as insurers often use these records to assess risk. Businesses, especially in the transportation sector, use driving records to make informed hiring decisions and ensure their employees have reliable driving histories.

The Alaskan Court System also uses driving records to determine penalties for traffic-related offenses. This highlights the need for a clear and accurate driving record for anyone driving in the state. Knowing the importance of these records and how to maintain them helps individuals and businesses follow Alaska's driving regulations more easily.

Types of Driving Records Available in Alaska

In Alaska, the DMV offers three primary driving reports:

Full Individual Record (Complete Record)

The Full Individual Record provides comprehensive information detailing a driver's driving history, including traffic violations, suspensions, and accident reports. It also includes medical certification details for commercial drivers. Legal authorities, employers, and individuals seeking a thorough overview of their driving history request this record.

Insurance Record (3- or 5-Year Record)

The Insurance Record is a more concise version of the Full Individual Record for insurance-related purposes. It offers a 3- or 5-year history of driving convictions, license actions, and at-fault accidents specifically for insurance purposes. It does not include medical certification details.

Insurance companies frequently utilize this record for policy rate determination and risk assessment.

CDL Employment Record

Commercial drivers benefit from the CDL Employment Record, which contains information specific to holders of commercial driver's licenses (CDLs). This record includes violations and incidents that occurred while operating commercial vehicles.

Transportation industry employers often request this record during hiring processes for compliance with federal and state regulations.

Certified vs. Non-Certified Driving Records

Alaskan driving records are available in certified and non-certified formats. Certified records (around $15), authenticated by the Alaska DMV, are suitable for legal or official use.

Meanwhile, non-certified records (usually $10), while accurate, lack the same legal weight and are generally used for personal reference.

How To Request an Alaska Driving History Report?

Individuals in Alaska can obtain their driving history report through the following methods:

Online

The online process, which is considered the most convenient, is facilitated through the Alaska DMV's online Driving Record Request portal.

Users must create an account with a User ID and password and provide their Alaska driver's license or ID card number and a valid payment method. Users can typically download their report immediately after selecting the desired report type and completing payment.

Mail-in or Email Options

For those preferring a mail-in option, drivers must complete the Request for Driving Record (Form 419F) and send it to the Alaska DMV along with the appropriate fee made by check or money order:

Division of Motor Vehicles
Attn: Research
1300 W. Benson Blvd. Suite 200
Anchorage AK 99503

Individuals can also email their requests by emailing the form to doa.dmv.research@alaska.gov. The DMV will reply with an invoice for $10 and instructions for payment. Processing times for mailed or emailed requests may take several weeks.

If companies need multiple record requests, they must complete the Company Release for Multiple Driving Records (Form 419M).

In Person

In-person requests can be made at any Alaska DMV office. Requesters must present their Alaska driver's license or ID card for identity verification. Additional documentation may be necessary for certified reports or requests made on behalf of others. Payment can be made using cash, cards, or checks. Reports requested in person are typically provided immediately.

Uses of Alaska Driving Records

In Alaska, legitimate uses of driving records include:

Insurance companies use driving records to set policy rates and decide coverage.
Employers, especially in transportation, screen job candidates with consent.
Courts and lawyers use records as evidence in legal proceedings.
Individuals review their records to understand the impacts on insurance or legal matters.

However, there are strict prohibitions on certain uses of driving records:

Unauthorized disclosure or sale of records is illegal.
Using records for unlawful discrimination in employment or other contexts is prohibited.
Utilizing record information for unsolicited marketing or sales purposes is not allowed.

State and federal privacy laws govern the use of driving records in Alaska, including the Driver's Privacy Protection Act (DPPA). This legislation restricts access to personal information in driving records and mandates that their use be legitimate. Violations of these regulations can result in legal consequences, including fines and potential civil liability.

Understanding Alaska Driving Laws

There are different driving laws that Alaska drivers must follow. These laws include the following:

Seat Belt and Child Safety Seats Requirement

According to AS Section 28.05.095, all vehicle occupants must wear seat belts. Drivers must confirm that all passengers, including those in rear seats, are properly secured before driving.

The law also requires that children under eight be secured in appropriate safety seats, the type of which depends on the child's age, weight, and height.

Non-compliance can result in fines and points on the driver's record.

Distracted Driving

Alaska strictly prohibits distracted driving, including handheld device use while driving, as per AS Section 28.35.161. Texting while driving is illegal and can lead to significant fines. The state encourages hands-free device usage to minimize distractions.

Mandatory Insurance

All Alaska drivers must carry minimum liability insurance. The requirements are $50,000 for bodily injury or death per person, $100,000 total per accident, and $25,000 for property damage. Driving uninsured can result in fines, license suspension, and higher premiums.

Additionally, uninsured drivers may be required to provide an SR-22 insurance certificate as per AS Section 28.20.230. This certificate proves that the driver possesses the minimum liability coverage required.

Requirements for Residents, New Residents, and Foreign Nationals

To comply with Alaska driving laws, Alaska residents (old and new) and foreign nationals must meet specific requirements.

Alaska Residents

Alaska residents must obtain an Alaska driver's license by passing written, vision, and road tests. Vehicles must be registered with the Alaska DMV, and insurance coverage is required.

New Residents

Those staying over 90 days must obtain an Alaska license within that period. They must surrender out-of-state licenses, provide residency proof, and may need to pass written and vision exams. Road tests are usually waived for valid out-of-state license holders.

Foreign Nationals

Temporary residents may drive with a valid foreign license in English or with an International Driving Permit. Depending on their visa status and length of stay, long-term residents may need an Alaska license.

The Points System in Alaska

The Alaska DMV allocates points to driving records for various traffic infractions. Speeding violations ranging from 3-9 miles per hour (mph) over the limit accrue 2 points, speeding between 10-19 mph over results in 4 points, and exceeding 20+ mph over incurs 6 points. Below are other violations with their corresponding points in Alaska:

Reckless driving: 10 points
Negligent driving: 6 points
Running a red light or stop sign: 4 points
Improper lane change: 2 points
Tailgating: 4 points
DUI (driving under the influence): 10 points
Driving with a suspended license: 10 points
Driving without proof of insurance: 6 points

Accumulating points on a driving record can lead to severe repercussions, including:

Receiving a warning notice from the DMV upon reaching 6 points within 12 months or 9 points within 24 months
Being suspended upon reaching the mandatory suspension thresholds:
- 12 points within 12 months
- 18 points within 24 months

Moreover, higher points often translate to increased auto insurance premiums, and drivers may be mandated to attend driver improvement programs.

Repeated violations can lead to more points and classify drivers as habitual offenders. Habitual offenders may need to meet with a Motor Vehicle Hearing officer and attend a driver improvement program as required by the Alaska DMV.

Retaining and Reducing Points

Points from traffic violations typically remain on Alaska driving records for a minimum of 12 months from the violation date. However, these infractions may persist on the record for several years and are accessible to law enforcement, courts, and insurance companies.

Drivers in Alaska can reduce the points on their driving records through approved defensive driving courses, which can deduct 2 points from their record upon completion. These courses can be taken once every 12 months for point reduction.

Criminal vs. Civil Driving Offenses in Alaska

In Alaska, driving offenses are classified as criminal or civil, each carrying distinct legal consequences.

Criminal Driving Offenses

These serious violations typically involve reckless behavior, endangerment of others, or substance abuse while driving. They can result in severe penalties, including fines, imprisonment, and a permanent criminal record. Below are some examples of criminal driving offenses in Alaska:

Reckless Driving

As per AS Section 28.35.400, reckless driving involves driving with willful disregard for safety. A misdemeanor can result in fines, license suspension, and up to one year in jail.

DUI

As per AS Section 28.35.030, DUI is a serious offense in Alaska. The legal blood alcohol concentration (BAC) limit is 0.08% for most drivers and 0.04% for commercial drivers. Penalties may include fines, license suspension, mandatory treatment programs, and imprisonment for repeat offenders.

Vehicular Assault or Homicide

In Alaska, vehicular assault and criminally negligent homicide are felony offenses. Vehicular assault, as per AS Section 28.35.060, occurs when a driver causes serious physical injury to another person through reckless or impaired driving.

Vehicular homicide, or criminally negligent homicide, occurs when a driver's reckless or impaired actions result in the death of another person, as per AS Section 11.41.130. These offenses are classified as felonies, carrying severe penalties, including long-term imprisonment, significant fines, and a permanent criminal record.

Civil Driving Offenses

Civil driving offenses in Alaska are less severe than criminal offenses but still carry consequences. Penalties can affect a driver's record and result in fines. Some examples of civil driving offenses in Alaska include the following:

Overtaking Stationary Vehicles

Passing or overtaking stationary vehicles is a civil driving offense in Alaska, as per AS Section 28.35.185. Penalties include fines and points on the driver's record, which may increase insurance premiums.

Failing to Yield

Not yielding the right-of-way at intersections, crosswalks, or when merging is a common civil offense under AS Section 28.35.140. This violation results in fines and points on the driver's record, and multiple offenses may lead to license suspension.

Speeding

Speed limits in Alaska vary by road type and location, with maximum limits for each type and location specified under Alaska Administrative Code (AAC) Section 13 02.275. Residential areas generally have a limit of 25 mph, while highways may have limits up to 65 mph. Drivers must adhere to posted limits and adjust speed according to conditions.

Speeding is typically a civil offense, with severity varying based on the extent of the violation. Minor speeding results in fines and points, while excessive speeding may be elevated to a criminal offense if it endangers others.

Alaska Driving Statistics and Goals

In 2022, Alaska reported approximately 82 traffic fatalities, a slight increase from previous years. Leading causes often include impaired driving, speeding, and failure to wear seat belts. But in 2023, the rate dropped to 57 as per the Motor Vehicle Traffic Fatalities in 2023 released by the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA).

Alaska has adopted the Vision Zero strategy, which aims to eliminate all traffic fatalities and serious injuries. This initiative focuses on improving road design, increasing public awareness, and enhancing law enforcement efforts.

In addition to Vision Zero, the Alaska Department of Transportation and Public Fatalities (DOT&PF) has prioritized investments in road infrastructure projects to address safety hazards. Projects include:

Improving road surfaces
Expanding guardrails
Installing better lighting
Creating safer intersections

Special attention is given to rural areas with more challenging road conditions.

Frequently Asked Questions About Alaska Driving Records

Here are the most commonly asked questions about driving records in Alaska:

Can an Individual Get Driving Records for Another Individual?

Driving records are confidential. Any individual who wants to get another individual's driving records must first secure their consent, such as an authorization letter or power of attorney.

What Should an Individual Do if There Is an Error on Their Driving Record?

If an individual finds an error on their Alaska driving record, they should contact their local DMV office to report the mistake. The person should provide any evidence supporting their claim, such as official records with the correct information.

Helpful Links and Resources

Here are some helpful links and resources for Alaska drivers:

An example full driving record from the Alaska DMV: https://dmv.alaska.gov/credential-services/alaska-driving-record-explained/
Full list of acceptable identification documents to get driving records and other DMV documents: https://dmv.alaska.gov/media/ozwhxz3e/ak-real-id-checklist.pdf
A detailed list of possible consequences for DUI violations in Alaska: https://dmv.alaska.gov/driver-services-adjudication/dui-consequences-alternatives/
Alaska residents aiming to get their first driving license can access these DMC instructions: https://dmv.alaska.gov/credential-services/your-first-alaska-drivers-license/
New residents or foreign nationals can follow these instructions to get their Alaska license: https://dmv.alaska.gov/credential-services/new-to-alaska-from-another-country/
Full list of traffic offenses and their equivalent points: https://public.courts.alaska.gov/web/forms/docs/pub-131.pdf
Drivers can look up currently active Alaska projects through the DOT&PF website: https://dot.alaska.gov/projects-status/

Counties in Alaska

List of Content

Types of Driving Records Available in Alaska
How To Request an Alaska Driving History Report?
Uses of Alaska Driving Records
Understanding Alaska Driving Laws
The Points System in Alaska
1. Retaining and Reducing Points
Criminal vs. Civil Driving Offenses in Alaska
1. Criminal Driving Offenses
2. Civil Driving Offenses
Alaska Driving Statistics and Goals
Frequently Asked Questions About Alaska Driving Records
1. Can an Individual Get Driving Records for Another Individual?
2. What Should an Individual Do if There Is an Error on Their Driving Record?
Helpful Links and Resources