Colorado Requirements
Colorado allows some offenders who have committed an alcohol-related driving offense to regain their driving privileges if they install an ignition interlock device. This guide will explain penalties and how the interlock process works in Colorado.
The CO Ignition Interlock Program
Colorado has strict laws for alcohol-based driving offenses. The penalties include criminal penalties, like fines and jail time, as well as administrative penalties like license suspensions. The courts decide criminal penalties, and the department of revenue is responsible for the administrative penalties. Even first-time offenders risk having their license suspended for up to nine months. Eligible offenders may be able to regain their driving privileges if they install an ignition interlock device approved by the state.What Happens if I Get a DUI in Colorado?
First DUI Offense
- Nine-month license suspension (none for DWAI)
- 12 points added to motor vehicle record (eight for DWAI)
- Five days to one year in jail (two to 180 days in jail for DWAI)
- 48-96 hours of community service (24-48 hours of community service for DWAI)
- $600 to $1,000 fine ($200 to $500 fine for DWAI)
Second DUI Offense
- 12-month license suspension
- 12 points added to motor vehicle record (eight for DWAI)
- 10 days to one year in jail
- $600 to $1,500 fine
- 48 hours to 120 hours of community service
- May be required to install an IID
Third DUI Offense
- 24-month license suspension
- 12 points added to motor vehicle record (eight for DWAI)
- 60 days to one year in jail
- $600 to $1,500 fine
- 48 to 120 hours of community service
- May be required to install an IID
For those under 21, their license can be suspended for three months on a first offense, six months on a second offense, and a full year for a third offense. They also risk 10 to 90 days in jail, a fine of up to $300, and up to 24 hours of community service.
In some cases, the jail sentence may be lessened in favor of community service or attendance in a treatment program. Colorado drivers can apply to regain their driving privileges if they agree to install an ignition interlock device (IID). An interlock device prevents drivers from starting their car with alcohol in their system.
In many cases, the offender may also be required to install an ignition interlock in Colorado from an approved provider like Intoxalock. The requirement could be a condition of parole or a requirement to regain driving privileges.
In Colorado, penalties increase for repeat offenders, and if you commit a fourth DUI, the offense may be considered a felony as opposed to a misdemeanor. A felony carries harsher penalties and may impact employment opportunities. Colorado also adds 12 points to a driver’s license record for each DUI offense.
How Do I Get a Restricted License in Colorado?
Drivers in Colorado can regain partial driving privileges if they install an ignition interlock device. Restricted licenses typically allow offenders to drive to work, school, home, treatment, and other necessary appointments. To regain their driving privileges in Colorado, DUI offenders need to:
- Offenders arrested after September 1, 2022 can apply for early reinstatement of their revoked license if they have an ignition interlock device installed, and may no longer have to wait out the one-month suspension period.
- Install an ignition interlock from an approved provider
- Pay all fines and complete all necessary jail time or public service
- Contact Colorado Driver Services to verify eligibility at 303-205-5613
- Repeat offenders may need to complete assigned treatment programs
- Complete proper forms and applications for reinstatement
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The Process: What to Expect
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Consult with Legal Counsel
Seek guidance from a DUI lawyer to understand your legal options and rights following a DUI violation.
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Get an Assessment
Complete a court-ordered or voluntary assessment to evaluate your risk level and determine any required interventions.
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Obtain Proof of SR-22 Insurance, If Required
If applicable, provide proof of financial responsibility and insurance coverage with an SR-22 certificate.
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Schedule Interlock Install
Speak to our State Specialists to schedule your IID installation to meet court or state requirements.
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Regular Monitoring
Your ignition interlock usage will be regularly monitored to maintain compliance with legal requirements.
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Device Removal
After fulfilling your IID requirement and receiving approval from your monitoring authority, you can arrange to have your ignition interlock device removed at your local service center.
Interlock Cost in Colorado
Expert DUI Attorneys in Colorado
Black & Graham, LLC
Colorado Springs, CO 80903
The Law Office of Andrew Bryant
Colorado Springs, CO 80903
Antony J Di Cola
Hot Sulphur Springs, CO 80451
Gard Law Firm
Boulder, CO 80302
Colorado FAQs
An ignition interlock device is a mobile breathalyzer that is installed in your vehicle to prevent driving while intoxicated. It is made up a handheld unit that is attached to your vehicles ignition system. You are required to blow into the mouthpiece to test your Breath Alcohol Concentration (BrAC) before starting your car. For more information see our what is an interlock page.
To view Colorado IID requirements, please visit the Colorado state page.
For pricing information, see Colorado pricing.
Please visit the Colorado state page to learn what steps you need to take to get back on the road.
To learn more about the steps to regaining your license, please visit our Colorado state page.
To find the Colorado Intoxalock service center closest to you, please visit our Colorado Ignition interlock installation locations.
The only way to confirm you are eligible to remove the device is to check with your monitoring authority.
Contact your monitoring authority to ensure you are eligible for removal.
Please visit the Colorado state page to learn about other DUI requirements.
For pricing information, see the Colorado pricing page.
To find a DUI attorney, please visit Intoxalock’s Colorado DUI attorney partners page.
To find a treatment center, please visit Intoxalock’s Colorado DUI treatment center partners page.
To see how an ignition interlock device works, visit our ignition interlock page and watch our video demonstrating how to use the device.
To learn more about ignition interlock information, please visit our ignition interlock device page.
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