We know that navigating a DUI or DWAI can be overwhelming. Understanding the requirements and process after an alcohol related driving offense in Colorado is an important step to getting back on the road. We’ve put together some general information to help you get started.
Smart Start Ignition Interlock: We’re Here for the Rocky Mountain State
After a DUI in Colorado, you may be required to install an Ignition Interlock Device (IID) to regain your driving privileges. Not sure what to expect? Smart Start is here to help. Keep reading to learn more about DUIs and the Ignition Interlock process in Colorado.
How do you get your license back in Colorado after a DUI?
To get your license reinstated after a DUI in Colorado, you’ll need to follow the steps of the DUI administrative process, as described by the Colorado DMV, which operates separately from the DUI court process.
The following is general information, not legal advice, about the conditions you might have to complete before applying for a reinstated license.
Phase 1: Get Started
Consult Your Legal Counsel
Request a Motor Vehicle Hearing
Phase 2: Ignition Interlock Device
Schedule Installation
Obtain SR-22 Certificate
Phase 3: Judicial Requirements
Assessment and Education
Pay Fees and Complete Forms
Phase 4: Monitoring and Calibration
Service Appointments
Phase 5: Device Removal
Removal or Early Removal
Information as of Dec 1, 2024.
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Disclaimer
Please note that the information in the following sections is for general informational purposes only. The materials contained herein are not intended to and should not be relied upon or construed as a legal opinion or legal advice or to address all circumstances that might arise. Information may be dated and may not reflect the most current developments. You should contact your attorney to obtain advice with respect to any particular legal matter. Only your individual attorney can provide assurances that the information contained herein – and your interpretation of it – is applicable or appropriate to your particular situation. Smart Start expressly disclaims all liability regarding actions taken or not taken based on any or all content.
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Get In Touch With A Program Advisor Or Call (800) 831-3299 Now!Understanding Colorado DUI Requirements
Basic DUI Requirements
According to Colorado law, if your blood alcohol content (BAC) is 0.08 or more, you are driving under the influence (DUI). If your BAC is between 0.05 and 0.079 and an officer suspects you are unable to safely drive your vehicle due to drugs or alcohol, you may face a Driving While Ability Impaired (DWAI) offense.
Additionally, as defined by Colorado law, you may be considered a Persistent Drunk Driver (PDD) if your BAC is 0.15 or more or if you refuse chemical testing, which could result in additional penalties.
DUI Processes
Colorado has two paths in the DUI process, as described by the Colorado Division of Motor Vehicles (DMV), which operate separately from one another and on their own timelines.
The DUI administrative process: The Colorado DMV administers any restrictions on your driving privileges. It’s important to know that in the first 7 days after a DUI arrest, you have the opportunity to request a hearing with the Colorado Motor Vehicle Hearings Division before driving restrictions begin.
The DUI court process: The Colorado Judicial Branch determines any criminal penalties, which may include fines, jail time, alcohol and drug treatment, and other consequences.
License Reinstatement
Depending on your BAC when arrested, as well as whether it was your first DUI, you may be able to have your license reinstated if you install an Ignition Interlock Device (IID) in your vehicle. You can contact the Colorado Division of Motor Vehicles (DMV) at (303) 205-5600 to verify your eligibility and requirements.
As described by the Colorado DMV, if you were arrested for a first DUI after Jan. 1, 2023, you may be required to have an IID for 9 months. You may also be eligible for early removal of the Interlock in CO if you demonstrate strict compliance with the program requirements.
For a first DUI with a BAC above 0.15, a second or subsequent DUI, or if you refused a chemical test, you may be required to have an IID for 2 years.
DWAI in Colorado
Colorado is one of a few states that has an additional category of impaired driving offense besides DUI, called DWAI or Driving While Ability Impaired. Some drivers may be required to install an Ignition Interlock Device to regain their driving privileges after a DWAI.
How much does an Ignition Interlock Device cost in Colorado?
We understand that a DUI can be a major financial challenge, so we offer an affordable solution for getting your Ignition Interlock in CO.
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Free, fast, and customized quotes from our friendly Program Advisors -
No long-term contracts required
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Affordable pricing
Free, fast, and customized quotes from our friendly Program Advisors Note that Colorado also offers financial assistance for obtaining an IID if you meet certain financial requirements. For more information on the cost of an Ignition Interlock near you, see our IID cost guide for Colorado.
Why Choose Smart Start in Colorado?
Your DUI doesn’t have to define your life. With our knowledgeable Program Advisors who are ready to listen and address your needs, Smart Start is here to help you get on the road to a brighter future.
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No need to buy equipment or sign long-term contracts
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Dozens of service centers, often with same-day installation options
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24/7/365 multilingual customer support
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Easy-to-use Interlock Device technology
Colorado Forms
As part of your Ignition Interlock requirement and getting your license reinstated, the Colorado Division of Motor Vehicles (DMV) may require specific forms to be completed. Here’s a quick overview of some of these forms, which can be found on the Colorado DMV’s website.
Restricted License Ignition Interlock Agreement Affidavit – DR 2058
Used by individuals to agree to install and maintain an Ignition Interlock Device as a condition of obtaining a restricted driver’s license after a DUI.
Reinstatement Application – DR 2870
Used by individuals seeking to have their driving privileges reinstated after a DUI and may require the installation of an Ignition Interlock Device as part of the reinstatement conditions.
Affidavit of Enrollment, Levell II Drug and Alcohol Education and Treatment – DR 2643
Used by individuals required to complete Level II Drug and Alcohol Education and Treatment as a condition for the reinstatement of driving privileges.
Colorado FAQs
It’s important to thoroughly understand how IIDs work, and what you’ll need to do to stay in compliance with your program. Get fast answers to your most common questions about Interlocks in Colorado.
What is an Ignition Interlock Device (IID)?
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How Does It Work?
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How Do I Get An Appointment?
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How Can We Help?
Show 1 Topics
What Is An Ignition Interlock Device (IID)?
An Ignition Interlock Device (IID), also called a car breathalyzer, is a device that measures breath alcohol content (BrAC). It is typically installed in your vehicle as part of an administrative or legal requirement after drunk driving. Learn more about Smart Start's Ignition Interlock here.
How much does an IID cost in Colorado?
ID costs can vary based on the state you are in and the length of time you’re required to have the device. Please see our Colorado cost page for more information or contact our friendly Program Advisors 24/7 at (800) 831-3299 for a free quote.
How do I know if Smart Start’s devices are compliant with my program?
Smart Start’s Ignition Interlock has been approved by the Colorado Department of Public Health and Environment as required by the Colorado Division of Motor Vehicles. Smart Start’s devices are tested and certified to meet the standards set by the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA).
What if I have an Ignition Interlock requirement, but I don’t own a vehicle?
The Colorado Division of Motor Vehicles (DMV) has an Affidavit of Non-Ownership that can be filed with the DMV.
How often does my IID need to be serviced?
Colorado requires that your Ignition Interlock Device (IID) be serviced every 60 days.
Where can I go for Ignition Interlock service?
You may service your Smart Start Ignition Interlock Device at any Smart Start service center in Colorado. In most cases, you may also service your IID at a Smart Start service center in another state if needed. However, we strongly suggest checking with your state authority before doing so.
Where do I send a record of my service appointments?
Smart Start will send a record of your service appointments to the Colorado Division of Motor Vehicles on your behalf.
What happens if I receive an Ignition Interlock violation?
If you receive an Ignition Interlock violation in Colorado, a notification of your violation is sent to the Colorado Division of Motor Vehicles (DMV). The DMV will determine any potential consequences.
What do I need to bring to my installation appointment?
Once you have scheduled your installation with Smart Start, you will need to bring a photo identification (ID) and your vehicle registration. It may also be helpful to bring any documents that have been provided to you by the Colorado Division of Motor Vehicles.
What should I bring back to my state authority after my device is installed?
Once your IID is installed, Smart Start will send proof of your installation to the Colorado Division of Motor Vehicles on your behalf.
What do I need for removal?
Once you have completed your program requirements, confirm with the Colorado Division of Motor Vehicles (DMV) that you’re eligible for removal. After you have received removal authorization from the DMV, you can submit a Smart Start Device Removal Request online. Some first time DUI offenders may be eligible for early removal of the Interlock Device after completing four months with no IID violations.
What is an Ignition Interlock Device (IID)?
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What Is An Ignition Interlock Device (IID)?
An Ignition Interlock Device (IID), also called a car breathalyzer, is a device that measures breath alcohol content (BrAC). It is typically installed in your vehicle as part of an administrative or legal requirement after drunk driving. Learn more about Smart Start's Ignition Interlock here.
How much does an IID cost in Colorado?
ID costs can vary based on the state you are in and the length of time you’re required to have the device. Please see our Colorado cost page for more information or contact our friendly Program Advisors 24/7 at (800) 831-3299 for a free quote.
How do I know if Smart Start’s devices are compliant with my program?
Smart Start’s Ignition Interlock has been approved by the Colorado Department of Public Health and Environment as required by the Colorado Division of Motor Vehicles. Smart Start’s devices are tested and certified to meet the standards set by the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA).
What if I have an Ignition Interlock requirement, but I don’t own a vehicle?
The Colorado Division of Motor Vehicles (DMV) has an Affidavit of Non-Ownership that can be filed with the DMV.
How Does It Work?
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How often does my IID need to be serviced?
Colorado requires that your Ignition Interlock Device (IID) be serviced every 60 days.
Where can I go for Ignition Interlock service?
You may service your Smart Start Ignition Interlock Device at any Smart Start service center in Colorado. In most cases, you may also service your IID at a Smart Start service center in another state if needed. However, we strongly suggest checking with your state authority before doing so.
Where do I send a record of my service appointments?
Smart Start will send a record of your service appointments to the Colorado Division of Motor Vehicles on your behalf.
What happens if I receive an Ignition Interlock violation?
If you receive an Ignition Interlock violation in Colorado, a notification of your violation is sent to the Colorado Division of Motor Vehicles (DMV). The DMV will determine any potential consequences.
How Do I Get An Appointment?
Show 2 Topics
What do I need to bring to my installation appointment?
Once you have scheduled your installation with Smart Start, you will need to bring a photo identification (ID) and your vehicle registration. It may also be helpful to bring any documents that have been provided to you by the Colorado Division of Motor Vehicles.
What should I bring back to my state authority after my device is installed?
Once your IID is installed, Smart Start will send proof of your installation to the Colorado Division of Motor Vehicles on your behalf.
How Can We Help?
Show 1 Topics
What do I need for removal?
Once you have completed your program requirements, confirm with the Colorado Division of Motor Vehicles (DMV) that you’re eligible for removal. After you have received removal authorization from the DMV, you can submit a Smart Start Device Removal Request online. Some first time DUI offenders may be eligible for early removal of the Interlock Device after completing four months with no IID violations.
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