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Colorado (CO) - State Requirements for Ignition Interlock Devices

The Colorado 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 a state-approved ignition interlock device from a certified ignition interlock provider.

What Happens if I Get a DUI in Colorado?

Colorado considers anyone with a blood alcohol content (BAC) of .08 percent or more to be legally intoxicated, which means they are at risk for a DUI conviction. Even first-time offenders risk serious penalties in Colorado if they’re arrested for DUI, and so do first-time offenders convicted of driving while ability impaired (DWAI).

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 a state-approved ignition interlock device from Intoxalock, a certified ignition interlock provider

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 a state-approved ignition interlock device from Intoxalock, a certified ignition interlock provider

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 a Colorado ignition interlock device from a certified ignition interlock 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 Intoxalock, a state-approved ignition interlock 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