Revoked Driver's License In Colorado
Colorado Revised Statutes 42-2-125 and 42-2-126 specify which traffic and criminal offenses are subject to mandatory or administrative revocation. Except for alcohol and drug violations, the mandatory revocation statute addresses all violations and penalties. The statute on administrative revocation addresses blood alcohol content, refusal, and the consequences of DUI and DUID.
Reasons For License Revocation
All Colorado driver's license suspensions and revocations are enforced by the Department of Revenue Division of Motor Vehicles (DMV). Your Colorado driver's license may be temporarily suspended or revoked for various reasons. The following are the most common requests for forfeiture:
- A conviction for Driving While Intoxicated
- Refusing a breathalyzer test
- Refusing blood tests
- A conviction for hitting and running or fleeing the scene
- a repeat traffic offender
- Unpaid traffic citations
- Warrants still outstanding
- Unpaid child support ordered by the court
- There is no proof of auto insurance.
Difference Between License Suspension And License Revocation
Revocations and suspensions can occur for similar reasons, but they are not the same. A suspension occurs when your valid license is temporarily rendered inoperable. You must either wait a set amount of time for it to reactivate or follow instructions to correct the errors that caused the suspension. A revocation is the permanent loss of your driver's license. It is far more serious than a suspension, and you must reapply for a new license (including passing the necessary tests).
If your driver's license were revoked, you'd have to restart the licensing process, including retaking your written and driving skills tests once the revocation period is over. This is because the offenses that result in revocation are typically more serious than those that result in suspension.
Hardship License
Driving with a suspended or revoked license is illegal. When an adult driver's license is suspended for accumulating too many points, a restricted license, also known as a red license, may be issued. Twelve traffic violation points in a year, or 18 in 18 months, will result in a license suspension in Colorado. You must request a hearing if you receive a notice from the DMV via first-class mail. Many people forget to update their address with the DMV when they move. As a result, the suspension is activated without the driver's knowledge. You must immediately update your address information to ensure you receive the hearing notice. To obtain a red license, the driver must demonstrate to the Hearing Officer that they are not a danger to the public and that there is a genuine need for them to be able to drive. Driving is usually restricted to work, school, the grocery store, doctors, and other necessities.
As inconvenient as losing your license is, the inconvenience of spending time in jail and paying fines is far worse. Driving while under suspension or with a revoked license is a misdemeanor. Driving while on revocation may result in being charged as a habitual offender, with harsher penalties and fines.
You will face serious consequences if caught driving while your license is suspended or revoked in Colorado. However, we sometimes rely on our cars to get to work or to run necessary errands. As a result, some Colorado drivers who have had their licenses suspended may apply for hardship licenses to drive to school, work, or complete other necessary tasks.
These probationary licenses are typically issued in point suspensions, child support suspensions, and some DUI cases. However, even if it is required for your job, you cannot have your commercial driving privilege reinstated before the suspension period ends.
If you are granted a hardship license, it will be valid for 90 days. In addition to surrendering your regular license, you must submit a letter of employment, proof of insurance, and a $6 fee to be considered eligible.
