The 10 Most Common Ways to Get a Suspended License in Alaska

Whether it’s from unpaid fines or a DUI, driving with a suspended license in Alaska can get you up to five years in jail.
Written by Amber Reed
Reviewed by Kathleen Flear
There are many reasons you could get your driver’s license suspended in Alaska, ranging from failure to appear in court, being found guilty of a DUI, or committing vehicular homicide. The length of the suspension varies according to the offense and can be anywhere from 90 days to permanent. 
Driving is something that most of us take for granted, and you may think that committing a major offense is the only way your license could get suspended or revoked. Truth is, there are a lot of things that could result in the loss of your driving privileges, from the fairly minor to quite severe, and it’s important to be aware of them. 
Good thing you have
car insurance
comparison shopper and super app
Jerry
on your side! In this article, we’re looking at some reasons you might get your license suspended in Alaska. Read on to get informed and stay legal!
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What’s the difference between a license suspension and revocation?

You’ll often hear the words “suspension” and “revocation” both used in a discussion about the loss of driving privileges and sometimes it seems like they’re used interchangeably. In reality, they have two very different meanings and it’s important to know the difference:
  • A license suspension is a temporary loss of your driver’s license for a set period of time.
  • A license revocation is more serious and may be permanent. In some cases, getting your license back after a revocation involves reapplying from scratch. 
The Alaska Division of Motor Vehicles (DMV) can suspend a driver’s license for a wide variety of reasons and for a wide range of time. The process of getting it
reinstated
depends on the reason why it was revoked or suspended. 
If you are caught driving with a suspended license, it can mean anything from having more time added to your suspension period to serving five years in jail. 

What can your license be suspended for in Alaska? 

The Alaska DMV can suspend your license for a variety of infractions, but here are some of
the most common reasons:

1. Collecting too many points on your license

Alaska uses a points-based system to track traffic violations. Getting more than 12 points in a 12-month period or 18 points in a 24-month period could result in the suspension of your license. 

2. Failure to appear in court

If you are summoned to court, make sure you show up! Failure to appear in court when legally requested to do so can be grounds for a suspended license, even if the case has nothing to do with driving. 

3. Non-payment of fines, traffic tickets, or child support

In Alaska, failure to pay certain financial obligations like child support or other fines can be grounds for a suspended license until payment has been made. 

4. DUI or refusal of a chemical test

Being
convicted of a DUI in Alaska
will result in a suspended license. If you are under 21 and are found to have a negligible BAC, your license will be suspended. Refusing to take the breathalyzer or consent to a blood draw won’t help you either, as that is also grounds for license suspension. 

5. Reckless driving or being at fault in a fatal accident

If you have been found guilty of reckless driving, vehicular homicide, or are found to be at fault in an accident where someone was killed, your license will be suspended or possibly revoked. 
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6. Fleeing in a vehicle to avoid arrest

Don’t ever try to outrun the police. It’s incredibly dangerous and will only make things worse. If you attempt to flee from a police officer in a motor vehicle and are caught, you can add license suspension to whatever other penalties are heading your way. 

7. Not stopping to render aid after an accident

If you are involved in an accident where someone was injured, you are legally required to stop and render aid. Failure to do so can mean a suspension of your driving privileges.

8. Perjury to the Alaska DMV

If you are found to have lied or falsely represented yourself to the DMV, you could have your license suspended or revoked. Honesty is the best policy. 

9. Medical reasons

The Alaska DMV’s Chief Administrator can order a re-examination of any individual who is suspected of being mentally or physically unfit to drive. If the exam shows any physical or psychological reasons why you can’t drive safely, then your license will be suspended. 

10. Failure to maintain minimum car insurance

Not maintaining car insurance that meets Alaska’s
minimum legal requirements
is not only a bad idea, but it can also result in the suspension of your driver’s license. 

How to save money on car insurance in Alaska

Even if your driving record in Alaska is less than perfect,
Jerry
can still help you find the lowest possible rate on car insurance. No phone calls or paperwork needed—just a simple, friendly app that is quick and easy to use. 
As a
licensed broker
, Jerry shops from over 50 of the nation’s best car insurance providers and brings the best deals of the bunch to you. All you have to do is pick the policy that suits your needs and your budget, and Jerry will take care of the rest! You can even get help canceling your old insurance policy. 
“I’m 21 and my insurance rates have been really high for a while. In less than 30 minutes,
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