(Colorado) – Taking stock of the consequences of DUI/D just might prevent you from getting one. If you’re a Colorado driver, it's essential to know that, under Colorado law, you can lose your license if you accrue 12 points in 12 months or 18 points in 24 months.
For a first-time DUI in Colorado, drivers can lose their license for up to 9 months. A DUI conviction results in 12 points on your license, which triggers a license suspension. However, it’s not uncommon for a single incident to result in multiple offenses, such as being ticketed for DUI, speeding, and reckless driving at the same time.
“Losing your license can cause immediate hardship for people, including struggling to commute to work, attend medical appointments, or even get to the grocery store,” stated Col. Matthew C. Packard, chief of the Colorado State Patrol. “If your job requires driving, you may face unemployment. And imagine the impact on your children if you can no longer drive them to school or activities.”
For repeat DUI convictions, the penalties become even more severe. The DMV may impose more extended suspension periods, and the courts may also increase the length of any license suspensions if the DUI conviction is part of a pattern of offenses.
Last year, Colorado State Troopers arrested 3,806 people for driving impaired. While marijuana, prescription medication, and other illegal substances were used, the most frequently encountered source of impairment involved in these arrests was alcohol. Last year, 61% (2,323) of these arrests were attributed to impairment by alcohol. An additional 15.5% (592) of these arrested were alcohol combined with marijuana or other drugs.
“The penalties set by the court and Division of Motor Vehicles are clear and serious to stop a driver from driving intoxicated again,” stated Col. Matthew C. Packard, chief of the Colorado State Patrol. “Losing a driver’s license can disrupt your life, but imagine if you ended someone else’s life by this reckless choice to drive impaired.”
A DUI can have a profound negative impact on your driver’s license. This often creates a ripple effect, leading to insurance price increases, ignition interlock costs, and other inconvenient and expensive consequences. You also must consider other negative penalties that result from a DUI conviction. These include jail time, fines, community service, drug and alcohol counseling, and probation.
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Since our origin in 1935, the Colorado State Patrol (CSP) has focused on preserving human life and protecting property within our communities. Our 1,100 members embody the core values of Honor, Duty, and Respect in their daily jobs. In addition to our expertise in motor vehicle safety on the state’s roadways, the CSP is responsible for the protection of the Governor and other dignitaries, commercial motor vehicle enforcement, hazardous materials, homeland security, communications, investigative services, criminal interdiction, community education, aviation operations, and more. For additional information, visit us online at Colorado State Patrol or follow us on X, Instagram, YouTube, or Facebook.