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Losing the ability to drive is one of the most immediate and disruptive consequences of a DUI in Colorado. For many people, the suspension of their driver’s license can affect work, family responsibilities, and daily routines. But how long does a DUI actually impact your driving privileges in Colorado?
The answer depends on several factors, including whether it’s your first offense, your blood alcohol content (BAC), and whether you complied with chemical testing laws. Colorado takes a tiered approach to license suspension, with longer penalties for repeat offenders or those who refuse to take a breath or blood test.
This post breaks down how long you can expect to lose your license after a DUI in Colorado, what rules apply to first-time versus repeat offenders, and how BAC levels influence the length of suspension. We’ll also cover the role of administrative penalties, reinstatement timelines, and options for getting limited driving privileges through ignition interlock or hardship licenses.
License Suspension for First-Time DUI Offenders in Colorado
For a first-time DUI in Colorado, the standard license suspension period is nine months. This applies if your BAC is 0.08% or higher and you did not refuse chemical testing. The suspension is typically enforced by the Colorado Division of Motor Vehicles (DMV) as an administrative penalty, separate from any court-related consequences.
The nine-month suspension can be shortened if the individual qualifies for early reinstatement. In many cases, drivers may be eligible for reinstatement after serving one month of full suspension, provided they install an ignition interlock device on their vehicle and comply with additional requirements, such as providing proof of insurance and completing an alcohol education program.
It’s important to note that a first-time offender may also face additional penalties from the court system. However, the DMV handles license suspension separately and may act based solely on the arrest or BAC results, even before a conviction is entered.
Drivers who refused to take a chemical test at the time of arrest face a one-year license revocation, even for a first offense. This is due to Colorado’s express consent law, which assumes a driver agrees to testing when operating a vehicle. Refusal can increase the severity of administrative penalties, including license suspension.
How BAC Levels Affect Suspension Periods in Colorado
In Colorado, your blood alcohol content at the time of arrest can impact not just criminal sentencing, but also how long your license is suspended. The higher the BAC, the more severe the penalties may be, including longer suspensions or added requirements for reinstatement.
For most drivers, the legal limit is 0.08%. If your BAC is between 0.08% and 0.149%, you fall under the standard DUI classification. This typically results in a nine-month suspension for a first offense. However, if your BAC is 0.15% or higher, it is considered a high BAC DUI, which triggers stricter penalties even for a first offense.
A high BAC DUI requires a mandatory ignition interlock period of at least two years upon license reinstatement. This is true even if you are otherwise eligible for early reinstatement. Courts and the DMV treat high BAC cases as more dangerous, which results in stricter monitoring once driving privileges are restored.
Refusing a chemical test is treated similarly to a high BAC DUI. The refusal automatically leads to a one-year revocation and can affect eligibility for early reinstatement options. In some cases, drivers may be required to install an ignition interlock device for two years after the one-year revocation is completed.
License Suspension Timeline for Repeat DUI Offenders
The more DUI offenses a person has in Colorado, the longer the license suspension periods become. The state enforces progressively harsher administrative penalties for each additional offense.
A second DUI within a five-year period results in a one-year license revocation, regardless of BAC level. Early reinstatement may be available after one month of no driving, but this is only possible if the driver agrees to install an ignition interlock device and meet other criteria. The required interlock period is typically two years.
A third DUI offense comes with a two-year license revocation. Reinstatement is possible after serving a portion of the revocation, but it also requires long-term interlock use and compliance with all conditions set by the DMV and courts. In these cases, the state is less flexible in offering driving privileges, even on a restricted basis.
If any of the offenses involve refusal to submit to testing, the penalties increase even further. Each refusal results in a separate one-year revocation, which can stack with other suspensions. This can lead to multi-year periods without full driving privileges.
Administrative vs Court-Imposed License Penalties
Colorado’s DUI laws include both administrative and criminal consequences. The administrative penalties are handled by the DMV, while criminal penalties are issued through the court system. Both can result in license suspensions or revocations, and they may operate on different timelines.
The DMV can suspend a license immediately after a DUI arrest, even before a court conviction. This is known as an administrative per se (APS) suspension. It is triggered when a driver fails or refuses a chemical test, and the suspension begins shortly after the DMV receives notice of the violation.
A criminal court conviction can also result in a license suspension, but this typically takes longer to process and is based on the final judgment. In some cases, a person may complete the administrative suspension before the court-imposed suspension begins. In other cases, they may run at the same time.
The DMV also requires a hearing if the driver requests to challenge the administrative suspension. These hearings are separate from court proceedings and are focused solely on whether the DMV has sufficient evidence to suspend the license based on BAC levels or test refusal.
Understanding the difference between administrative and court-related penalties is crucial. Even if you are not convicted in court, the DMV may still enforce a suspension based on test results or refusal.
Ignition Interlock Requirements After a DUI in Colorado
An ignition interlock device is often required for license reinstatement after a DUI in Colorado. This device measures a driver’s BAC before allowing the vehicle to start. The interlock requirement is common for high BAC cases, repeat offenses, and early reinstatement requests.
For a first-time DUI with a standard BAC, the interlock period may be as short as eight months. If the driver qualifies for early reinstatement after one month of suspension, they must agree to interlock installation and maintain it throughout the restricted driving period.
For those with a BAC of 0.15% or higher, Colorado law mandates a minimum two-year interlock requirement, even for a first offense. The same rule applies to drivers who refused chemical testing.
Repeat offenders typically face a two to four-year interlock requirement, depending on the number of prior violations and the specifics of the case. During this period, drivers must only operate vehicles equipped with interlock systems, and any violations can result in extended penalties or a return to full suspension.
The cost of installation, maintenance, and monitoring is the responsibility of the driver. Failure to comply with interlock requirements can delay or prevent license reinstatement altogether.
How to Reinstate Your Driver’s License After a DUI Suspension
Restoring your license after a DUI in Colorado involves a step-by-step process. The requirements depend on the nature of the offense, the suspension length, and whether you’re eligible for early reinstatement.
First, you must serve the mandatory suspension or revocation period. Once that time has passed (or after one month for early reinstatement), you may be eligible to apply for reinstatement through the Colorado DMV.
To begin the process, you’ll need to:
- Complete an alcohol education or treatment program approved by the state
- Provide SR-22 insurance (a certificate of financial responsibility)
- Pay a reinstatement fee
- Install an ignition interlock device (if required)
- Submit all necessary forms and documentation to the DMV
If you’re seeking early reinstatement, you’ll also need to comply with the conditions tied to that program, including monitored sobriety and interlock compliance. Drivers must follow all rules closely to avoid further penalties.
Once reinstated, the license may be classified as restricted, limiting the types of vehicles you can drive and requiring proof of compliance with interlock usage. Full license restoration only becomes available after the entire interlock and monitoring period has been successfully completed.
What Happens If You Drive With a Suspended License in Colorado?
Driving with a suspended or revoked license in Colorado is a separate offense and can lead to additional legal and administrative penalties. Even if your original suspension was for a first-time DUI, driving without a valid license can complicate your case and lead to harsher consequences.
This violation is often charged as Driving Under Restraint (DUR). If the restraint is alcohol-related, the penalties are more severe. A first offense for alcohol-related DUR can result in:
- 10 days to 1 year in jail
- Fines up to $1,000
- An additional one-year license revocation with no eligibility for a restricted license
For a second or subsequent DUR offense, the penalties increase, and the individual may face longer jail time, higher fines, and more extended license revocations. Courts also consider driving under restraint when determining future sentencing in DUI or related cases.
Driving while suspended also affects insurance, and the driver may be classified as high-risk, which leads to significantly higher premiums or loss of coverage altogether.
FAQ About DUI License Suspensions in Colorado
How long is a license suspended for a first DUI in Colorado?
A first-time DUI typically results in a nine-month suspension, though early reinstatement may be possible after one month with interlock requirements.
What happens if I refuse a breath or blood test?
Refusing testing results in an automatic one-year revocation of your license, even if it’s your first offense.
Can I get a restricted license to drive to work or school?
Colorado offers limited driving privileges through early reinstatement programs, which often require an ignition interlock and proof of enrollment in alcohol education.
Do court penalties and DMV penalties happen separately?
Yes, license suspensions can be issued by both the court and the DMV, and they may run concurrently or separately.
How long do I need an ignition interlock device?
It depends on the case. Most first offenses require 8 months to 2 years, while repeat offenses may require up to 4 years.
Can I challenge the license suspension?
Yes, you can request a DMV hearing, but you must do so within 7 days of your arrest to preserve the right to challenge the suspension.
Will a DUI always result in a license suspension?
Almost always, yes. Even if you avoid jail or other penalties, the DMV will usually suspend your license after a DUI arrest or conviction.
Conclusion
License suspension is one of the most common and impactful penalties for a DUI in Colorado. From first-time offenders facing a nine-month suspension to repeat offenses resulting in multi-year revocations, the consequences are serious and far-reaching. Your BAC level, prior history, and decision to comply with testing laws all influence how long your driving privileges are taken away. While early reinstatement options exist, they often come with strict conditions like ignition interlock use and mandatory monitoring.
For a broader look at DUI penalties and consequences, visit DUI Penalties And Consequences.
To learn more about this specific topic, explore our detailed post on License Suspension and Driving Restrictions After a DUI.