AK HB256

Authorizes the commissioner of transportation and public facilities to designate portions of highways within traffic safety corridors as zero tolerance districts based on objective evidence of heightened accident risk or harm to highway users.

Establishes that violations of the Alaska Uniform Vehicle Code committed in zero tolerance districts are class A misdemeanors subject to minimum penalties including 90-day license suspension or $10,000 fine for first offense, 30+ days imprisonment and 180-day suspension for second offense, and 90+ days imprisonment plus vehicle forfeiture and permanent license revocation for third offense within four years.

Requires the department to erect signs designating zero tolerance districts and alerting the public to increased penalties, and mandates consultation with the commissioner of public safety and other traffic safety agencies before designation.

Shields the state and its officers and employees from liability claims related to designation and signage of zero tolerance districts.

Allows the legislature to appropriate 50 percent of collected fines from zero tolerance district violations to the Department of Transportation and Public Facilities for highway safety programs.