Under 21 and Driving
AS 28.35.280 — any alcohol at all, a $500 fine and 20 to 40 hours of service, and no driving for 24 hours
A person at least 14 and under 21 commits an offense by driving, or operating an aircraft or a watercraft, after having consumed any quantity of alcohol. An officer with probable cause may arrest them, ask for a breath test, and take them where it can be given.
Who handles this in Alaska: Alaska Bar Association Lawyer Referral Service; and legal aid programs and the state offices, listed in the Alaska directory.
| Earlier convictions | Fine | Community work service |
|---|---|---|
| Earlier convictionsNone | Fine$500 | Community work service20 to 40 hours |
| Earlier convictionsOne | Fine$1,000 | Community work service40 to 60 hours |
| Earlier convictionsTwo or more | Fine$1,500 | Community work service60 to 80 hours |
If the test shows any alcohol, the person is cited and released, at 18 or older on their own recognizance, and under 18 to a parent, guardian or custodian. The offense is an infraction.
The next 24 hours. A person cited for this, or for refusing the breath test, may not drive a vehicle, aircraft or boat for the 24 hours after the citation. Doing it is a separate infraction with the same fines and service.
Sources for this section (3)
- AS 28.35.280 — Minor operating a vehicle after consuming alcohol
- AS 28.35.285 — Minor's refusal to submit to chemical test
- AS 28.35.290 — Driving during the 24 hours after being cited for alcohol or breath test offenses
Legal information, not legal advice. Verified as of October 2026. Applying it to a particular situation is the work of a licensed Alaska attorney.