For a first DUI conviction in Colorado, the driver’s license suspension is nine months. For a second offense, the suspension period is one year. If you pick up a third or subsequent DUI conviction, you will be facing a two-year suspension.
Note that a first-time DWAI conviction does not trigger a driver’s license revocation, though successive convictions carry the same license revocation periods as DUIs. 1 2
Meanwhile, under-21 drivers arrested for underage drinking and driving (UDD) face shorter license revocation periods in Colorado:
- 3 months for a first UDD,
- 6 months for a second UDD, or
- 1 year for a third or subsequent UDD.3
Finally, refusing to take the chemical breath or blood test following a drunk driving arrest in Colorado carries longer revocation periods – even if your criminal case is dropped:
- 1 year for a first refusal,
- 2 years for a second refusal, or
- 3 years for a third or subsequent refusal.4
See our related articles, What if I’m caught driving with a suspended license in Colorado? and How long is the license suspension for a chemical test refusal in Colorado?
2. Can I get my license reinstated early? When and how?
If your Colorado driver’s license has been revoked due to drunk- or drugged driving, you can apply for an interlock-restricted license immediately. Though there are two exceptions:
- You need to wait two months to apply if you refused to take the chemical breath or blood test; and
- You need to wait one year to apply if you were under 21 at the time of the DUI or chemical test refusal.
An interlock (short for “ignition interlock device”, or IID) is a breathalyzer attached to your steering wheel that disables your car if it detects alcohol. As a condition of getting an interlock-restricted license, you need to secure SR22 insurance (“proof of financial responsibility”).5
To see if you are eligible for an interlock-restricted license and for instructions on how to apply, call the Colorado DMV’s Driver Services at 303-205-5613.
See our related articles, How much does an interlock cost in Colorado? and Colorado DMV Reinstatement – A Guide to How to Do It.
DUI arrests trigger a mandatory license revocation in Colorado.
3. How long do I have to keep an interlock in my car?
For a first-time Colorado DUI with a BAC below 0.15%, you need to use an interlock for nine months. Though the DMV can restore your unrestricted driver’s license after only four months (five months early) if you are fully compliant and have no failing IID tests.
In most other DUI cases and test refusal cases, you need to drive with an interlock for two full years.6
See our related article, 7 steps to get early removal of an interlock device in Colorado.
4. What about for commercial driver’s licenses?
A first-time DUI test refusal or a first-time DUI while driving a commercial vehicle triggers a one-year CDL revocation in Colorado. If you were transporting hazardous materials at the time, the revocation period is three years.
Any subsequent violation will cause your CDL to be stripped for life. Though it may be possible to get another CDL after ten years if you complete an alcohol and drug rehabilitation program.7
Note that commercial drivers under the age of 21 who commit UDD (but no other offense) while driving a commercial vehicle will have their CDL revoked as follows:
- 3 months for a first UDD,
- 6 months for a second UDD, or
- 1 year for a third or subsequent UDD.8
See our related article, Will I lose my “commercial driver’s license” for a Colorado DUI?
5. Can I fight my license revocation?
Yes, you can contest your license revocation at a DMV hearing with the Colorado Department of Revenue. DMV hearings are small, administrative trials where you can present evidence and witnesses in support of your case.
Note that you must request a DMV hearing within seven days of:
- the police confiscating your driver’s license following your DUI arrest; or
- the DMV notifying you by mail that they are revoking your driver’s license.
Your criminal defense attorney can request the DMV hearing for you and represent you at the hearing.9
See our related articles, How to request a DMV hearing after a Colorado DUI arrest – 5 steps and Can I appeal if I lose my DMV hearing in Colorado?
You can contest your license suspension at a DMV hearing.
Are you facing criminal charges for a drug- or alcohol-related driving offense in Colorado? Our Colorado DUI lawyers fight to save your driver’s license and to get your case reduced or dismissed.
See our related articles on Colorado DUI laws, DUI per se, DUID (driving under the influence of drugs), DUI of marijuana, license revocations for underage DUI defendants in Colorado, suspended licenses in Colorado, and points on your Colorado DMV driving record.
Arrested in Nevada? See our articles on Nevada laws for license revocations in DUI cases and restricted licenses in Nevada DUI cases.
Colorado DMV Resources
- Process to Reinstate Driving Privilege
- Early Reinstatement (Interlock)
- Ignition Interlock Restricted License
- Basic Case Lifespan of an Express Consent Per Se or Refusal
- Reinstatement: Frequently-Asked-Questions,
Legal References
- CRS 42-2-126; CRS 42-2-125; CRS 42-2-132; CRS 42-2-1301; see also Edwards v. Colo. Dept. of Rev., (COA 2016) 406 P.3d 347. DUI is per se illegal with a BAC of 0.08% or higher. DUIs also cause 12 demerit points to be added to your license.
- CRS 42-2-125. DWAIs are typically charged when your BAC is greater than 0.05% but less than 0.08%. DWAIs also cause 8 demerit points to be added to your license.
- CRS 42-2-126. UDD occurs when an under-21 motorist drives with a BAC of .02% to .05%. UDDs cause 4 demerit points to be added to your license.
- Same; see also Neppl v. Dept. of Rev., (COA 2019) 439 P.3d 76.
- CRS 42-2-132.5. CRS 42-7-408.
- Same.
- 49 CFR 383.51(“Excess BAC CDL”).
- CRS 42-2-126 (“Excess BAC underage CDL”).
- Same.