Alaska Open Container Laws, Penalties, and Consequences

Alaska law prohibits driving with an open container of alcohol in the vehicle unless the beverage is:

• in the original unopened container with an unbroken seal
• locked in the trunk
• in another enclosed container behind the seat of a trunkless vehicle or motorcycle
• on a statutorily authorized for-hire bus (capacity of 12 or more people) and not accessible to the driver, or
• behind a solid partition that separates the driver from the passenger area.

Fines and Jail

An open container violation is an infraction in Alaska. A conviction will result in a fine of up to $300 but is not considered a criminal offense and will not result in imprisonment. A conviction will result in two points against the motorist’s driving record, which can lead to other penalties, including license suspension.

Open Container in Commercial Vehicles

The exemptions listed above do not apply to commercial vehicles. A commercial vehicle driver is not allowed to have any alcohol within the vehicle unless part of the documented cargo. Such a violation will result in a fine up to $500, a maximum 90 days in jail, and possible license suspension/revocation. Additionally, the officer will issue an out-of-service order along with the citation, immediately prohibiting the licensee from driving for the next 24 hours.