(COLORADO)—Last year, Colorado State Troopers arrested 3,803 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% (2,320) 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. “As word travels, a DUI can have other consequences, including an effect on how a person is treated in all aspects of their life.”
Some of the consequences of a first-time DUI in Colorado include a license suspension of nine months, alcohol education/treatment and an ignition interlock device up to nine months after you are allowed to drive again legally.
“An ignition interlock device is not discreet, and many passengers likely won’t be comfortable getting into a vehicle with someone who has one,” explains Col. Packard. “These devices aren’t meant to embarrass the driver; they’re about safety. Impaired drivers account for 30% of all traffic deaths in Colorado, and this device stands in the way of someone making that horrible choice twice.”
The ignition interlock device has proven successful in reducing motorists' repeated poor choices to drive intoxicated. From July 1, 2024, to June 30, 2025, the Colorado Department of Motor Vehicles (DMV) reported 75,790 interlock preventions occurred in our state. Presently, the DMV is monitoring 35,552 ignition interlocks in use in Colorado.
In addition to a no-tolerance approach to enforcement with impaired drivers, the Colorado State Patrol is highlighting the consequences an average Colorado driver experiences after being arrested for DUI as part of their “Don’t Underestimate Impairment” campaign during the 100 Deadliest Days of Summer (Memorial Day through Labor Day). Making a good decision “in the moment” while already intoxicated is unlikely. Don’t underestimate the consequences of this choice, and plan ahead for a sober ride.
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ABOUT THE COLORADO STATE PATROL
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.