RESTRICTIONS DUE TO DRINKING AND DRIVING

What kind of restrictions can a Court order following a conviction for DUI and/or Refusal?

  1. The court may prohibit you from purchasing alcohol. The DMV is required to place a “J” (restricted from purchasing alcohol) restriction on your driver license and/or identification card. The words “ALCOHOL RESTRICTED” will be printed on the vertical license.
    • This court order will cause the cancellation of your current ID and DL/CDL. You are to surrender non-restricted credentials to the DMV and purchase restricted credentials, if needed.
    • The fee is listed here.
  2. The court may order you to drive a vehicle with an ignition interlock device (IID) installed through a judgment. The restriction “C” is applied to the license to represent this requirement. The back of the license will state “IID REQUIRED” under the heading “Restrictions.” On a limited driver's license, “Ignition Interlock Device Required” is printed in bold letters on the paper license.

What will show on my driving record?

When DMV receives the court order, DMV enters one or both of the restrictions and the IID ending date on your driving record. If you obtain a license before the DMV received the IID or Alcohol Prohibited court order, your privilege to drive will be canceled. The cancellation will show on the driving record with the effective date and ending date of the restriction.

How long is the restriction?

J restriction:

Under AS 04.16.160, you can be prohibited from purchasing alcohol for as long as the court orders it.

C restriction:

AS 28.35.030(b), AS 28.35.030(n), AS 28. 35.032(g), or AS 28.35.032(p)

When sentencing you for your DUI/Refusal conviction, the court must order an IID. The length of time the IID is required depends on the number of previous convictions for DUI/Refusal. The court has minimum sentencing guidelines but can increase the time specified at its discretion.

What if I don't have a vehicle to install an ignition interlock device on?

If you choose to drive, you must have an IID installed on any vehicle you operate.

You will not be able to reinstate your driving privilege until you show proof of IID installation.
You do not need to own the vehicle you intend to drive.

What if ignition interlock devices are not available where I live?

IID providers are approved for installation throughout Alaska. If you live in a remote location where installers are not available, you may provide a proof of residence (examples are provided for in column C here). Your license will still show the restriction(s). An exemption based on residence location does not allow you to operate vehicles without an IID in areas requiring vehicle registration. 

How do I obtain an IID limited license?

You apply for a limited license using the Limited License Application based on your circumstance on this webpage.

For a first misdemeanor DUI conviction or administrative revocation for breath test result, you may be eligible for a limited following the first 30 days of the 90 day revocation. For subsequent offenses, you may be eligible after the first 90 days of the revocation period.

Limited licenses are not available for refusal to provide a breath test stemming from an arrest.


Who do I contact to have an ignition interlock device installed?

For a list a providers visit Department of Corrections site.

How do I obtain a restricted license?

J restriction:

Prior to the end of the revocation period, you can obtain a restricted identification card for a fee.

At the end of the revocation period, you can reinstate your driving privileges by successfully passing any required tests, providing proof of SR-22 insurance filing and ASAP satisfaction, and paying the reinstatement fees, $50 J fee and licensing fee.

C restriction:

At the end of the revocation period, you can reinstate your driving privileges by successfully passing the required tests, paying the reinstatement and licensing fees and providing proof of the following: SR-22 insurance filing, ignition interlock installation, and ASAP satisfaction.

What is the penalty for violating an ignition interlock order?

Driving in violation of a restriction can be a misdemeanor offense with jail, fines, and a further loss of driving privileges. It may also result in a revocation of your probation.

How can I get the restriction removed?

J restriction:

At the end of the alcohol purchase prohibited period, you must obtain a replacement license or identification card.

C restriction:

At the end of the IID required period, you can obtain a replacement license. Then take that license to the installer to have the IID removed.

What if I think the length of time for the restriction showing on my driving record is incorrect?

If you dispute the length of time, you must bring in your court judgment for the DMV to review. You may also email Anchorage Driver Services. Keep in mind that the IID is required when you have active driving privileges; any cancellations may cause the end date to be longer than expected.

We are here to assist you. Feel free to reach out.