FAQ: Colorado Interlock Requirements – Updated 2011

By Colorado Criminal Defense Lawyer – DUI Defense – H. Michael Steinberg

Interlock Restricted License

Ignition Interlock is a device that is installed on motor vehicles to prohibit individuals under the influence of alcohol from operating the vehicle. It requires your breath sample before the engine will start and you are periodically required to provide breath samples while driving. If the device detects an elevated alcohol concentration level the vehicle will not start.

You will be required to have an Ignition Interlock device if:

Driving Under the Influence

1st Per Se (.08 or higher) or DUI conviction

For violations on or after 1/1/09 and approved for early reinstatement after serving 30 days – 8 month Interlock requirement

1st Per Se with a blood alcohol content of .17 or greater

2 year Interlock requirement (all stops after 1/1/07)

2nd Per Se (lifetime) or DUI conviction in 5 years

2 year Interlock requirement

3rd + Per Se or DUI in lifetime

2 year Interlock requirement

Designated a Habitual Traffic Offender with one alcohol related driving offense after 7/1/00 –

4 year Interlock requirement after serving 1 year and approved for early reinstatement

Refusal To Take a Test

2nd offense

1 year interlock requirement after serving 1 year revocation and approved for early reinstatement

3rd + offense

2 year interlock requirement after serving 1 year revocation and approved for early reinstatement

Drivers who fall into these categories will be allowed to reinstate only with a restricted license that limits their driving to vehicles with an approved Ignition Interlock device.

Consequences of Non-Compliance

Any Interlock restricted driver who either drives a non-equipped vehicle or attempts to circumvent the proper functioning of the device is subject to a license revocation with no driving for at least 1 year.

Early Reinstatement with Interlock

Some individuals subject to driving restraints related to alcohol issues may be allowed to reinstate their driving privileges ahead of their normal eligibility date if they participate in the Ignition Interlock program.

Early reinstatement is limited to drivers who:

Are residents of Colorado

Currently have their driving privilege revoked for a 1st Per Se or DUI conviction and have already served at least 30 days for the alcohol related restraint;

or

Currently have their driving privilege revoked for an alcohol related restraint that is longer than a year in length and have already served at least one year for the alcohol related restraint

Must have satisfied all reinstatement requirements (other than time)

Eligibility for early reinstatement with the Interlock device is determined by the Driver Services Section.

Drivers wishing to know if they are eligible to participate in the program should call Driver Services at 303 205-5613 and request analysis for early reinstatement. The result of the analysis will be available within 2 business days. Drivers must call back for determination and eligibility date if applicable.

What will an Ignition Interlock cost per year?

Fees vary by vendor but a general estimate of the annual cost is $800-$1,000 per year.

What do I need to take the Ignition Interlock vender (IMPORTANT)?

You need to take either your license or State issued identification card, a copy of the correspondence received by the Department or a copy of your motor vehicle record. This will allow the Interlock provider to match the information as it appears on the Motor Vehicle system.

When is an Ignition Interlock required?

Click here for a list of the most common revocations requiring an Ignition Interlock. For additional information, call Customer Service at 303 205-5613.

Do I have to install an Ignition Interlock on all my cars?

Yes, you must have the Ignition Interlock installed on every vehicle you own, co-own or have access to operate.

I had an alcohol violation that requires an Interlock as part of my reinstatement.  What do I do now?

After you have confirmed your eligibility to reinstate and that an Ignition Interlock is part of your reinstatement requirements, contact an approved vendor for pricing and locations. Once you have selected a vendor, have the Interlock installed and obtain the following:

• Restricted License Ignition Interlock Agreement Affidavit DR2058
• Installation Certificate (issued by the Interlock provider)
• Application Form DR2870
• Payment of $95 (check or money order made payable to Department of Revenue)
• SR22 from your insurance company
• Required Alcohol and Drug Education document
• Certificate (form DR 2598) or Discharge Referral Summary (DRS) for a Level II education and Therapy program showing completion of courses or an Affidavit of Enrollment (form DR 2643)

• Colorado DUI Laws 2011 Getting My Driver’s License Back (Reinstatement) After Revocation Due to Excess Blood Alcohol Level
• Colorado DUI Cases – The Interlock Program
• FAQ Colorado Interlock Devices
• Colorado Sex Offender Registration – The Impact of Out Of State Convictions And The Requirement of Sex Offender Registration by Colorado State
• 2011 Law Changes to Colorado Expungement Record Sealing Laws

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