Close Free Consultation:
Tap Here to Call Us

DUI Laws 2011 Getting My Driver’s License Back (Reinstatement) After Revocation due to Excess Blood Alcohol Level

Often in my practice of defending Colorado DUI cases – I am asked – how do I drive again if my driver’s license has been revoked because of a Blood Alcohol Level (BAC) of 0.08 or more -(but less than 0.170)

First – write down the phone number for Colorado’s Driver’s Services – 303-205-5613.

Second: Here is what you need to know to reinstate your driver’s license on a FIRST OFFENSE for a blood alcohol level of 0.08 (BAC) – ( AND BELOW – HIGH BAC CASES- 0.170 and higher).

I. Non – High Bac Cases ( 0.08 TO 0.169 BAC)

Revocation: Your first episode of driving with a B.A.C. of 0.08 or greater results in a 9-month revocation.

  1. It is very important to understand that the revocation remains in effect until you complete the reinstatement process.
  2. ALL Excess B.A.C. reinstatements are processed by mail. You should begin the reinstatement process approximately 1 month before you expect to reinstate.
  3. If you were 21 or older at the time of the violation, are a Colorado resident, and have no other unsatisfied license restraints, you may reinstate after only 1 month of revocation provided you install an Ignition Interlock Device (Interlock) in every vehicle you own or may drive.
  4. If your B.A.C. was below 0.17, you reinstate early, drive only an Interlock vehicle and do not have any B.A.C. when you drive, you may be eligible for an unrestricted license after 4 consecutive months of successful Interlock driving.
Actual Reinstatement Process (9-month revocation):

To Reinstate – your need to:

  1. Provide an SR22 ( proof of insurance coverage) from your insurance company and maintain it for 9 months following reinstatement (3 years if you were involved in an accident);
  2. Complete an Alcohol Certification, Form DR2598; Here is the link to the form.
  3. Complete an Application for Reinstatement, DR2870; Here is the link to the form.
Early Reinstatement Explained Further

(This is a 1-month revocation plus 8-months with the Interlock) device:

  1. In addition to items 1-3 above, you must maintain the SR22 for a minimum of 3 years regardless of whether there was an accident and
  2. Have an Interlock Device installed in every vehicle you either own or you may drive (call any provider for appt.); include the notarized Restricted License Ignition Interlock Agreement Affidavit, DR2058, and include a signed copy of each interlock lease agreement and of each installation certificate.
II. High B.A.C. Offender

If this is a first offense and you are a HIGH B.A.C. OFFENDER. In addition to the above items, if your B.A.C. was 0.17 or more, whether or not you reinstate early, you must:

  1. enroll in and complete Level II Alcohol Education and Therapy; include the Affidavit of Enrollment, DR 2643.
  2. have an Interlock restricted license for at least 2 years following reinstatement.
Note theTiming Requirements

It takes the DMV at least 3 weeks after they receive your Application with ALL required documents, to send a Letter of Clearance. It is only then that you can and MUST apply for a license at any Colorado Driver License Office. Only after you have the license in hand is it lawful for you to drive.

If you are still confused CALL THEM at this number – Driver Services at 303-205-5613.

Colorado’s Only Authorized Interlock Providers

Draeger Guardian National Smart Start 800-332-6858 800-499-0994 800-475-5490 800-880-3394

While your privilege to drive is Interlock Restricted

Your Interlock restriction may be extended if you on 3 or more occasions drink ANY alcohol before you attempt to drive – even if you drink the night before you attempt to drive.

Your privilege to drive will be revoked for at least 1 year if even once you drive a non-equipped vehicle or try to circumvent or bypass the Interlock under any circumstances.


Practice Areas
Client Reviews
★★★★★
"Mr. Steinberg provided my family with expert handling of my son's case. He took extra time understand the case, to consult with us during the pretrial proceedings, and to support him for a plea agreement. Mr. Steinberg is very knowledge about the law and very professional. He guided us in achieving the best possible outcome for my son. If I am ever in need of law services again, I will certainly have Mr. Steinberg handle my case. l also highly recommend his services to anyone that might be in need of an excellent defense attorney!" Tanya Witt
★★★★★
"I found myself in criminal trouble, that I wasn't guilty of and thanks to Mr. Steinberg's dedication and hard work, right before we we're looking at having to continue on to trial level Mr. Steinberg was able to use his vast knowledge of the law and his many respected years in the system to find a way to show my innocence. After a very unsure and somewhat difficult time for me, this very skilled and knowledgeable attorney was able to find the right path to take to reach a dismissal in my case. For that I can't tell you how much I appreciate his representation and his excellent understanding and helpful personality. He's a great man and an even better attorney but don't misunderstand him, he is an attorney not a therapist. Thanks H." Josh
★★★★★
"Working with Michael Steinberg was a wonderful experience. Truly people need to know that he is a expert in what he does. His personality is compassionate, intellectual, and down to earth. I glean that Michael is fun to be around. In the time I worked with him, it was a pleasure to be around him. As for my case, the outcome was amazing and couldn’t be better. He has made my life more manageable because of the outcome of my case. I’ve worked with other lawyers in the Denver area. He is superior to them all. If you’re in need of a lawyer and you come across Mr. Steinberg look no further he’s going to be the one you need. Thank you again Michael." Renee Taylor
★★★★★
Mr. Steinberg, It has been an honor working with you. I very much appreciated your style, demeanor, patience, and determination. I was well instructed in every step of the court process, and I felt that I received excellent guidance and timely information regarding my case. You have been extremely thoughtful with your time, and I was very impressed with your sensitivity in responding to my requests. Thank you. Anonymous
Contact Us