Courts in the State of Alaska are required to order the installation of ignition interlock devices (IID) for convictions related to driving under the influence (DUI)/refusal of a breath, blood or urine test. IIDs measure the alcohol content of a person’s breath and prevent motor vehicles from being operated by those who have consumed alcohol. The amount of time that the IID must remain installed in the offender’s vehicle is determined by the court and depends on previous convictions for DUI/refusal. The State of Alaska has minimum sentencing guidelines, but the courts have the discretion to require IIDs for longer periods. In order to satisfy the court order, IIDs must be certified by the Alaska Department of Corrections and installed by a company authorized by the manufacturer of the device. Approved IID providers are located throughout the state. A list of authorized IID providers can be found at http://doa.alaska.gov/dmv/reinst/iid.htm
IIDs must be installed on all vehicles driven by the offender. The device must be installed on the day that the offender regains driving privileges. Driving privileges will not be reinstated until the offender provides the Alaska Department of Motor Vehicles (DMV) with proof of IID installation. Violating the court order by driving a vehicle without an IID installed may result in a misdemeanor offense which includes jail, fines, further loss of driving privileges and revocation of probation. If the offender lives in an area where vehicle registration is not required, the judge may allow the offender to operate a vehicle without an IID within the exemption area. If the offender operates a vehicle outside the exemption area, an IID must be installed on the vehicle. A list of exemption locations is available at www.Alaska.gov/dmv/reg/exempt.html. For offenders who are required to drive their employer’s vehicles as a condition of employment, the court may allow limited privileges to drive these vehicles without an IID. The offender must provide the court with written documentation from the employer indicating that, as a requirement of employment, the offender is required to drive a vehicle leased or owned by the employer, that there is no substantial danger involved in the operation of the vehicle and that no commercial vehicles will be operated by the offender. 
Limited licenses may be issued by the Alaska DMV for non-commercial driving with an IID installed in the vehicle. For a first misdemeanor DUI conviction, the limited license may be issued after the first 30 days of the 90-day license revocation. For subsequent offenses, limited licenses may be obtained after the 90-day revocation period. The offender must complete the limited license application and pass any required tests. The offender must also pay a $100 processing fee, show proof of IID installation, satisfy the Alcohol Safety Action Program requirements and provide proof of financial responsibility for the future by filing SR-22 or by posting a $125,000 bond.
Ignition Interlock Devices must be properly functioning, monitored and maintained at all times. The offender is responsible for having the device checked periodically by an authorized installer for calibration, tampering and removal. The authorized installer determines the frequency of these checks, but it will be no less than every 90 days. Offenders are required to pay any and all costs associated with the IID including installation, repair and monitoring. Some judgments may allow these costs to be credited against the fine related to the case. To receive this credit, the offender must provide the court clerk with proof of payment before the deadline set by the court.
Additional Resources About Ignition Interlock Laws in Alaska
Frequently Asked Questions
Ignition Interlock Device Information Sheet
General Information Ignition Interlock Limited Licenses
Need An Ignition Interlock Device In Alaska?
LifeSafer has been a leader in the ignition interlock industry since 1991. LifeSafer was instrumental in convincing lawmakers to implement ignition interlock laws that allow drivers back on the road legally and safely.LifeSafer interlocks have been used by more than 500,000 people and are the most widely used in the U.S. today.
Get back on the road legally and safely… with LifeSafer!
