Interlock Requirements

Colorado Law will require the installation and use of ignition interlock systems for most people convicted of DUI.  An ignition interlock is a device which requires the vehicle's driver to provide breath samples when the vehicle is started, and then, at random intervals while driving.  The interlock will prevent the vehicle from starting if it detects alcohol in excess of a setpoint  value or will work the vehicle's horn and lights to alert police if the setpoint is passed will the car is running.  Persons subject to the interlock are issued a  "restricted license," i.e., a license that reflects that they may only drive vehicles with an interlock installed.  During the period of the restricted driving, the Colorado DMV will monitor reports from the interlock provider to determine whether the restricted driver has been "locked out" or whether circumvention has been attempted.   Where three lockouts occur within any of twelve consecutive month, DMV may extend the interlock requirement.  Where circumvention occurs the interlock restricted driver will have his or her license revoked and may be subject to criminal prosecution.

Effective January 1, 2014,interlocks laws have significantly changed the previous law involving alcohol violations, Persistent Drunk Drivers (PDD) and the Ignition Interlock program.  Those changes include:  
 

• The reduction of the Blood Alcohol Content (BAC) on a chemical test from 0.17 to 0.15 to designate the driver as a Persistent Drunk Driver.  
• The refusal of a chemical test at a traffic stop on or after January 1, 2014, will now result in a Persistent Drunk Driver designation.  
• If a driver refused a chemical test prior to January 1, 2014, and was previously ineligible to reinstate early with Interlock, they may now either finish serving the remainder of their revocation and reinstate with full driving privileges, or serve at least two months and apply for early reinstatement with Interlock for one year.  They are not eligible for Financial Assistance in this case.   
• If a driver has multiple alcohol violations or refusals on their record, the wait time for early reinstatement with Interlock has been reduced to one or two months, respectively. 
  

​Colorado has contracted with the following Ignition Interlock providers: Many offer free installation. 

Intoxalock®
877-777-5020
www.intoxalock.com

A LifeSafer of CO
800-475-5490
www.lifesafer.com

Smart Start, Inc.
800-880-3394
www.smartstartinc.com

Guardian
800-499-0994
www.guardianinterlock.com

If you have been arrested for a DUI, you may be confused about what will happen to your driving privileges and what will happen with court. It is important to understand that these are two separate and distinct parts of the process in the aftermath of a DUI arrest. Each part has its own timeline and requirements.

To aid in understanding, No DUI Colorado has put together a website and video to help explain the process. 

After a DUI arrest, you have a limited amount of time to request a hearing with the Department or Revenue hearings division (this varies based on whether you chose a blood test or a breath test. If you do not request a hearing within the allotted time, your driving privilege will be revoked. How long it is revoked depends on whether or not you have had a previous DUI and what your alcohol content was for this arrest. Participation in the Interlock program, SR-22 insurance, treatment programs, and reinstatement fees may all be part of the process to regain your driving privilege.

This flowchart will show you a more detailed view of the administrative process.

The court process is separate from the administrative process and has a different timeline. Findings in one process have no effect on the other. In addition to what is required to reinstate your driving privilege, fines, jail time, treatment programs, restitution, or probation may be imposed by the court if you are found guilty of DUI.

A Colorado driver whose license has been suspended, revoked, cancelled or denied must go through a process of reinstatement to have their driving privilege restored. This process can only be initiated after the conditions of the revocation, suspension, cancellation, or denial have been satisfied. 

Skip the Trip and take care of your reinstatement online!  

Click the link below to start the process or renewing your license online. Also check out our video on the steps to gain your license back after getting a DUI.