The Alaska Point System Explained: How to Keep Your Driving Record Clean from Day One

As a new driver in Alaska, your primary focus is on safety—for yourself, your passengers, and everyone else on the road. One of the ways the state encourages safe driving is through a traffic violation point system. Understanding this system from the moment you get your license is crucial for maintaining a clean driving record and avoiding serious consequences.

Think of your driving record like a report card. Just as good grades are important in school, a clean record is essential for driving. The point system is the method the Alaska Division of Motor Vehicles (DMV) uses to track traffic convictions. Accruing too many points in a short period signals to the state that a driver may be a risk, leading to penalties that can include license suspension.

How Does the Alaska Point System Work?

When you are convicted of a moving traffic violation, the DMV adds a specific number of points to your driving record. The number of points depends on the severity of the offense. These points serve as a running tally of your driving behavior.

The consequences of accumulating points are significant:

• Warning Letter: If you accumulate 6 points in a 12-month period, you will likely receive a warning letter from the DMV. This serves as a "wake-up call" to improve your driving habits.
• License Suspension: The penalties become much more severe if you continue to accumulate points. If you get 12 or more points in any 12-month period, or 18 or more points in any 24-month period, the DMV will suspend your driving privileges.

A suspended license means you cannot legally drive for a set period. Getting your license back often involves paying reinstatement fees, and in some cases, completing a defensive driving course.

Common Traffic Violations and Their Point Values

While the specific point values can be updated, this list provides a general idea of how different offenses are weighed in Alaska. More serious violations carry a higher point value.

• Speeding: This is one of the most common violations for new drivers.

  • 3-9 MPH over the speed limit: 2 points
  • 10-19 MPH over the speed limit: 4 points
  • 20 MPH or more over the speed limit: 6 points

• Reckless Driving: 10 points

• Careless Driving: 6 points

• Failure to Yield Right-of-Way: 4 points

• Following Too Closely (Tailgating): 6 points

• Running a Red Light or Stop Sign: 4 points

• Improper Passing: 4 points

• Driving on the Wrong Side of the Road: 4 points

Certain major offenses, such as Driving Under the Influence (DUI) or leaving the scene of an accident, carry severe penalties that often go beyond the point system, leading to immediate and lengthy license revocations, fines, and even jail time.

How to Keep a Clean Driving Record

The best way to deal with the point system is to avoid getting points in the first place. For new drivers, this means building a strong foundation of safe and defensive driving habits from day one.

1. Obey All Traffic Laws: This sounds simple, but it's the most effective strategy. Always adhere to speed limits, stop completely at stop signs, and obey all traffic signals.
2. Drive Defensively: Don't just focus on your own driving; anticipate the actions of others. Be aware of your surroundings, leave a safe following distance, and avoid distractions like using your cell phone.
3. Know the Rules for Your License: If you have a provisional license, strictly follow the passenger and nighttime driving restrictions. Violating these GDL rules can lead to convictions and points on your record. [1, 13]
4. Manage Your Time: Many traffic violations, like speeding, happen when a driver is in a hurry. Plan your trips to allow for plenty of time to get to your destination without rushing.
5. Consider a Defensive Driving Course: Even if you haven't accumulated points, taking a defensive driving course can be a great way to sharpen your skills. In some cases, the DMV may allow you to take an approved course to remove points from your record, though this is not always an option and shouldn't be relied upon.

Your driver's license is a privilege, not a right. The Alaska Point System is in place to ensure that all drivers who hold this privilege do so responsibly. By understanding the consequences and committing to safe driving practices, you can protect your license, keep your insurance rates down, and, most importantly, contribute to the safety of everyone on Alaska's roads.