Laws On Colorado Ignition Interlock DUI

If you are arrested for DUI or DWAI in Colorado and have a blood alcohol concentration (BAC) of.08 or higher, your license will be confiscated and suspended immediately. You will be given a temporary seven-day license to get your affairs in order, and you may be eligible for early reinstatement if you install an ignition interlock device.

Overview

In general, you can apply for early reinstatement after serving a 30-day suspension for a first DUI offense or a 60-day suspension for a first refusal to take a chemical test. Depending on your BAC at the time of the arrest, you will be required to have an ignition interlock installed for eight months to two years. During your 30-day suspension, do not drive. You may be required to complete alcohol treatment classes and provide proof of enrollment or completion forms for certain offenses. A court imposes criminal penalties following a trial or plea agreement. DUI (Driving Under the Influence) and DWAI (Driving While Ability Impaired) are the two designations for impaired driving in Colorado (Driving While Ability is Impaired). Drivers with BACs between 0.05 and 0.08 are classified as DWAI. In Colorado, the penalties for a first DUI range from five days to one year in jail, fines ranging from $600-$1000, and 48-96 hours of community service. A first DWAI carries a sentence of two to 180 days in jail, a fine of $200-$500, and 24-48 hours of community service.

Colorado Interlock License Process

  • To find out if you qualify for early license reinstatement with an interlock, call the Colorado Division of Motor Vehicle Driver Services at 303-205-5613 or go online.
  • Request an SR-22 bond from your insurance company.
  • Complete the following online forms: Alcohol Certification (DR2598), Reinstatement Application (DR2870), Restricted License Ignition Interlock Agreement Affidavit, and Restricted License Ignition Interlock Agreement Affidavit (DR2058).
  • Bring your completed forms and the $95 fee to the Colorado Department of Revenue. You can pay your fee online as well.

Fees

In Colorado, restricted license holders are responsible for the costs of installing and maintaining the ignition interlock device. In general, interlock lease agreements cost up to $200 for the installation and up to $90 a month to maintain (bringing the car to the provider for regular calibrations) (bringing the car to the provider for regular calibrations). You may, however, be eligible for financial assistance to obtain an IID if you are:
  • A first-time DUI offender or a persistently drunk driver (PDD);
  • An American citizen:
  • A resident of Colorado:
  • At least 21 years old at the time of the DUI; and
  • According to state tax returns, you are poor.
In Colorado, an ignition interlock device (IID) costs around $3 per day. Naturally, you want to save money by purchasing the cheapest blow-and-go device possible. When shopping around, however, there is more to consider than just the purchase price. Quality control, competent installation, and excellent customer service are all required for a successful program.

IID Tampering

Suppose you are caught tampering with your ignition interlock device. In that case, the Colorado DMV will revoke your restricted license, and you will have to serve the remainder of the revocation without driving. Tampering is also a class 2 misdemeanor in Colorado, according to CRS 42-2-132.5. A conviction can result in up to 120 days in jail and a $750 fine. Tampering includes:
  • Removing the IID.
  • Modifying it.
  • Having a non-driver provide a breath sample.
  • Violating any other interlock restrictions.
Most IIDs have cameras, so anyone who tries to trick the device will have their actions captured on film.

IID Early Removal

If you do the following, you may be able to have your IID removed sooner.
  • You are a first-time DUI offender;
  • The DUI chemical test revealed a blood alcohol content (BAC) of less than 0.15%;
  • Were over the age of 21 at the time of the DUI;
  • You live in Colorado; and
  • Completely complied with all ignition interlock requirements for four months in a row.
  • As a result, repeat DUI offenders or persistent drunk drivers are ineligible for early driver's license reinstatement.