{"id":372048,"date":"2016-04-11T01:21:32","date_gmt":"2016-04-11T06:21:32","guid":{"rendered":"https:\/\/content.findlaw-admin.com\/ability-law\/state\/colorado-law\/what-are-the-colorado-dui-laws.html"},"modified":"2025-01-02T14:34:07","modified_gmt":"2025-01-02T19:34:07","slug":"what-are-the-colorado-dui-laws","status":"publish","type":"page","link":"https:\/\/www.findlaw.com\/state\/colorado-law\/what-are-the-colorado-dui-laws.html","title":{"rendered":"Colorado DUI Laws"},"content":{"rendered":"\n
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Colorado DUI Laws<\/h1>\n
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\n By Amy Vandervort-Clark, J.D.<\/a> | Legally reviewed by Melissa Bender, Esq.<\/a>\n | Last updated\n
\n \n <\/i>\n Legally Reviewed\n <\/summary>\n\n
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This article has been written and reviewed for legal accuracy, clarity, and style by FindLaw\u2019s team of legal writers and attorneys<\/a> and in accordance with our editorial standards<\/a>.<\/em><\/p>\n\n <\/div>\n <\/details>\n\n

\n \n <\/i>\n Fact-Checked\n <\/summary>\n\n
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The last updated date refers to the last time this article was reviewed by FindLaw or one of our contributing authors<\/a>. We make every effort to keep our articles updated. For information regarding a specific legal issue affecting you, please contact an attorney in your area<\/a>.<\/em><\/p>\n\n <\/div>\n <\/details>\n<\/section>\n

Driving under the influence of alcohol or drugs in Colorado can cost upwards of $13,000 in fines, court costs, legal fees, probation supervision fees, ignition interlock device (IID) rental, and other fees. Criminal penalties can include jail, probation, and hours of community service. Defense attorneys are expensive. You might lose time from work or even lose your job.<\/p>\r\n

The other costs of a DUI can be much worse. These can include life-altering injuries or death. Colorado reports a 44% increase in traffic fatalities<\/a> involving impaired drivers since 2019. You may confront vehicular homicide or assault charges.<\/p>\r\n

Colorado has a wide range of impaired driving offenses. They can land you in jail, even below the legal limit. And you are liable if you host a party serving alcohol and a guest drives drunk.<\/p>\r\n

Get yourself up to speed on the DUI laws<\/a> enforced by Colorado. It will help you avoid committing the offense and plan your next steps if charged.<\/p>\r\n\r\n

Colorado DUI Laws: Blood Alcohol Concentration (BAC) Limits and Implied Consent<\/b><\/p>\r\n<\/th>\r\n<\/tr>

"Per Se" BAC Limit<\/a><\/td>\r\n0.08%<\/td>\r\n<\/tr>
Zero Tolerance (Underage) BAC Limit<\/a><\/td>\r\n0.02%<\/td>\r\n<\/tr>
Enhanced Penalty (Aggravated) BAC Limit<\/a><\/td>\r\n0.15%<\/td>\r\n<\/tr>
Implied Consent<\/a> to Submit to BAC Test?<\/td>\r\nYes<\/td>\r\n<\/tr>
 <\/td>\r\n<\/tr>

Colorado DUI Laws: Select Penalties<\/b><\/p>\r\n<\/th>\r\n<\/tr>

Minimum License Suspension or Revocation<\/a> (1st \/ 2nd \/ 3rd offense)<\/td>\r\n9 months \/ 1 year \/ 2 years<\/td>\r\n<\/tr>
Mandatory Alcohol Education, Assessment and Treatment<\/a><\/td>\r\nBoth<\/td>\r\n<\/tr>
Vehicle Confiscation<\/a> Possible?<\/td>\r\nYes, after 2nd offense<\/td>\r\n<\/tr>
Ignition Interlock Device<\/a> Possible?<\/td>\r\nYes (mandatory in some cases)<\/td>\r\n<\/tr><\/tbody><\/table>\r\n

Note: State laws are constantly changing through legislative, judicial, or other means. While FindLaw works hard to ensure the accuracy of its legal resources, it’s a good idea to thoroughly research the law or check with an attorney to ensure you have the most recent information.<\/i><\/p>\r\n

Colorado DUI and DWAI Laws<\/h2>\r\n

Colorado’s driving under the influence law covers a wide range of blood alcohol contents (BAC), marijuana use, and substance abuse. In fact, if you show signs of intoxication, law enforcement may arrest you for a DUI even if you are below the legal limit,<\/p>\r\n

DUI and Drugged Driving Penalties<\/h3>\r\n

If your BAC is 0.08% or higher, you are \u201cper se" intoxicated under Colorado’s driving under the influence law. This means law enforcement needs no further proof of your impairment. The police officer can administer a breathalyzer or chemical tests, or you may go to a hospital. You may also undergo field sobriety tests.<\/p>\r\n

A first-time DUI per se or a first DUI conviction carries the possibility of:<\/p>\r\n