(Colorado) – Receiving a DUI comes with serious consequences due to the threat an impaired driver poses to other roadside users in a vehicle, bicycle, or on foot. This is why every state in the United States, including Colorado, has some form of implied consent law on record. While the penalties are significant for DUI, drivers can make things even worse if they refuse or attempt to delay a chemical test (blood or breath) when requested by an officer who suspects impairment.
“In Colorado, with the privilege of receiving a license to drive in this state, you have agreed to submit a chemical test when requested if the officer places you under arrest for driving under the influence,” stated Col. Matthew C. Packard, chief of the Colorado State Patrol. “When a person refuses, this driver can receive additional penalties, and your refusal could work against you even further as you go through the court process.”
If a Colorado driver refuses a chemical test, one automatic consequence is a longer revocation of his license at the DMV. For a first offense, the driver’s license revocation will increase from 9 months to one year. This and other potential consequences could be applied regardless of whether the driver is convicted of the impaired driving offense in criminal court.
- Interlock ignition device requirement: Drivers who refuse a toxicology test are required to have an interlock ignition device for two years following the reinstatement of their driver’s license.
- Consequences in court: A refusal can lead to increased consequences if convicted of Driving Under the Influence (DUI) or Driving While Ability Impaired (DWAI).
- Identification as a Persistent Drunk Driver: Refusal to take the test results in being labeled a Persistent Drunk Driver (PDD). This can result in surcharges to benefit the crime victim compensation fund and other fees.
- SR22 insurance: Offenders may be required to get SR22 insurance — a certificate of financial responsibility required for high-risk drivers to prove they have the minimum auto insurance coverage mandated by the state. SR22 premiums tend to be much higher than standard car insurance premiums, and not all insurance providers offer it.
Refusing a chemical test compounds a driver’s problems. Facing automatic consequences for refusal will make your life much more difficult than it needs to be.
The Colorado State Patrol is highlighting the consequences an average Colorado driver experiences after being convicted of DUI this holiday season as part of their “Don’t Underestimate Impairment” campaign. 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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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.