When you are facing DUI charges in Colorado, meeting court-ordered requirements like ignition interlock devices often feels overwhelming. Beyond the legal implications, these requirements can affect your driving privileges, personal life, and financial well-being.
At Fife Luneau, P.C., we make it our mission to walk clients through every step of Colorado’s ignition interlock system. We help you understand what to expect, how to avoid common pitfalls, and what your rights are.
What Is an Ignition Interlock Device and Why Do Colorado Courts Require It?
An ignition interlock device is a breathalyzer installed in your car, truck, or other vehicle. This device requires you to provide a breath sample before your car will start. If the device detects alcohol above a programmed threshold, usually 0.025% BAC, the engine remains locked. The system also requires periodic “rolling retests” while driving to ensure you stay compliant, adding an additional monitoring layer throughout your journey.
Colorado’s ignition interlock program is based on state statutes such as C.R.S. 42-2-132.5. The law requires ignition interlock devices for people whose licenses have been revoked due to DUI, DWAI, or refusal of a chemical test. Since requirements can vary and change, staying informed on Colorado ignition interlock law will help you avoid unexpected repercussions and protect your driving rights.
Who Has to Install an Ignition Interlock Device After a Colorado DUI?
Not every individual charged with a DUI in Colorado must use an ignition interlock device, but the vast majority who hope to reinstate their driving privilege will encounter this requirement:
- First-time DUI offenders with a BAC of 0.08% or more often must install an ignition interlock device to qualify for early license reinstatement.
- Those considered “persistent drunk drivers,” meaning individuals with a BAC of 0.15% or above, face mandatory device use even for a first offense.
- Repeat offenders, or drivers with multiple DUI charges or drug-related driving convictions in the past five years, have even less room to avoid the requirement.
- Those who refuse a chemical breath or blood test during a DUI investigation will almost always result in at least a two-year device requirement, regardless of any later acquittal or plea outcome.
Situations do exist where a device may not be ordered—such as license expiration before reinstatement or waiving the privilege to drive. However, drivers seeking to regain or preserve limited driving privileges will find that ignition interlock devices are standard.
Consulting with a legal team that understands the latest Colorado ignition interlock requirements ensures you meet state rules and access every lawful opportunity to restore your license.
How Long Are You Required to Use an Ignition Interlock Device in Colorado?
How long you must use an ignition interlock device in Colorado depends on your exact DUI circumstances.
A first-time DUI offender with a BAC between 0.08% and 0.149% can often pursue early reinstatement after a one-month revocation, followed by a minimum of eight months on the interlock device. However, any violation—such as a failed breath test or missed calibration—can result in a significant extension of your interlock requirement.
If the offense meets the state’s “persistent drunk driver” standard (BAC of 0.15% or above), or you refused a breath or blood test, you will face at least two years of ignition interlock as a condition of any reinstated driving privilege.
Repeat DUI offenders with two or more incidents within five years also face a two-year minimum. The DMV may extend your ignition interlock period if new violations occur or if data from the device suggests tampering or noncompliance.
Completing the minimum period does not always guarantee immediate removal of the device. To end the interlock requirement, you must demonstrate a clean compliance record—free of failed tests, missed appointments, or tampering events—for a set number of consecutive months. Organizing your records and addressing potential issues early can help you avoid unnecessary extensions.
What Is the Process for Installing & Maintaining an Ignition Interlock Device in Colorado?
Regaining limited driving privileges after a DUI in Colorado means following a detailed process for ignition interlock installation and ongoing maintenance. Missing any step, deadline, or requirement could result in continued suspension or future penalties.
Here’s how most drivers complete the ignition interlock process:
- Secure a letter of eligibility and reinstatement requirements from the Colorado DMV, including any outstanding alcohol education, treatment, or compliance requirements.
- Choose a state-approved ignition interlock provider based on location, reputation, and pricing structure. Colorado maintains a list of authorized service centers for your convenience.
- Arrange for device installation, which includes setting up payment, providing vehicle information, and allowing up to several hours for technicians to complete the work and explain device operation.
- Present proof of installation to the DMV, along with SR-22 financial responsibility forms (if required) and any reinstatement fees.
- Attend all scheduled calibration and monitoring appointments as set by your ignition interlock provider, usually every 30 to 60 days.
Missing or rescheduling device monitoring appointments can create significant setbacks, including license lockouts, additional device time, or fees. Best results come from keeping detailed calendars, confirming all appointments, and requesting reminders from your provider. Most ignition interlock systems will record and report failures, so following usage instructions carefully and reaching out promptly about any issues can help avoid complications.
Monthly or bi-monthly data downloads from your ignition interlock device are reviewed by providers and forwarded directly to the DMV. If you experience technical issues, act quickly; contact your provider and document every step you take. If your situation requires administrative review—such as addressing violation points or contesting penalty extensions—legal guidance will often prove invaluable in protecting your driving privilege.
What Does an Ignition Interlock Device Cost in Colorado and Can You Lower Expenses?
The costs for ignition interlock devices in Colorado can add up. Installation usually ranges from $70 to $150, while monthly monitoring and calibration fees typically cost around $60 to $90 per month. Most providers charge a fee to remove the device at the end of your required period, often $50 or more. Expenses can increase if you need devices for multiple vehicles or if you miss appointments, resulting in penalty fees or rescheduling charges.
In some cases, the financial burden can be substantial, especially over a two-year period. The Colorado Department of Revenue offers a financial hardship program for qualifying drivers who meet specific income criteria. If you believe you may qualify, discuss the application process with your ignition interlock provider.
You will need to prove eligibility with up-to-date income documentation and complete the necessary forms. The program may pay for part or all of your basic device costs, depending on funding and approval.
To keep your overall cost down, follow these steps:
- Compare prices among state-approved vendors to find the most cost-effective option for your needs.
- Ask about hardship options, payment plans, or discounts for more than one device, if applicable.
- Stay meticulously organized to prevent missed appointments or calibration fees, which can result in further financial penalties.
For many, understanding total out-of-pocket costs up front is one of the most important steps in managing ignition interlock requirements with confidence and control.
What Happens If You Violate or Tamper with a Colorado Ignition Interlock Device?
Ignition interlock violations can stem from failed breath samples (alcohol over the threshold), missed rolling retests while driving, or suspected tampering with the device. These violations will be reported to the DMV and can have immediate consequences.
Depending on the severity or frequency of a violation, outcomes can range from warning notices to extended restrictions, full license revocation, or even new criminal charges if you’re found driving in violation of court or DMV orders.
Colorado ignition interlock regulations treat tampering as a serious offense, including physically removing, disabling, or attempting to bypass the device. Providing false breath samples—such as asking another person to blow into the device—also counts as tampering.
Providers may detect and report even accidental violations, like failed tests caused by mouth alcohol from certain foods or mouthwash. Recording your daily activities and communicating with your provider about any issues that arise can help clear up misunderstandings quickly.
If you believe a device malfunction or accidental event led to a violation report, address it immediately. Ignoring false positives or failing to submit supporting documentation may result in automatic penalties. With support from a knowledgeable legal team, you can challenge an inaccurate report by gathering evidence, requesting a DMV hearing, and demonstrating full compliance with all ignition interlock requirements.
Can You Challenge an Ignition Interlock Violation or Device Error in Colorado?
Colorado law allows drivers to contest ignition interlock violations, false positives, or device errors through administrative hearings. If you face a violation that threatens your driving status, act promptly. Most drivers begin by requesting an official hearing with the DMV, where they can present supporting evidence, including calibration logs, repair invoices, and clear records of all service appointments.
Administrative hearings give you the right to dispute device accuracy, question a provider’s procedures, or show clear proof of compliance. Success in these hearings often relies on thorough organization and the strength of your supporting documentation. Keeping a complete file—appointment records, communications, and device maintenance receipts—puts you in the best position to argue your case.
In the event a device error or provider mistake caused your violation, presenting technical data or arranging for independent expert analysis may help clarify your situation. If the hearing officer finds in your favor, you may be eligible for early device removal, reduced penalties, or the lifting of administrative restrictions.
How Does Having an Ignition Interlock Device Affect Your Daily Life, Insurance, and Employment?
Living with an ignition interlock device can make daily routines more complicated. Every trip starts with a breath sample, and missing a rolling retest while driving results in a permanent recordable event. Many drivers must adjust commuting, errands, and family obligations around routine device requirements—including frequent monitoring appointments and occasional device alarms.
Insurance costs almost always increase when a DUI conviction leads to an interlock requirement. Colorado drivers are typically required to obtain SR-22 insurance, a form of high-risk coverage that can dramatically raise premiums. Employers who require driving may ask to be notified when a worker’s license is restricted, and jobs that include driving company vehicles or transporting clients may be out of reach until the restriction ends.
Privacy considerations are also real. Passengers, family members, and even coworkers may notice the device, raising questions or concerns. Understanding these practical impacts, planning ahead, and communicating openly with those affected—especially employers—can help minimize disruption.
The Value of Legal Support When Facing Colorado Ignition Interlock Requirements
Experienced legal teams assist clients with every stage—from reviewing your eligibility and requirements to preparing for DMV hearings or challenging violation reports that could lengthen your restriction. At Fife Luneau, P.C., we prioritize rigorous case preparation and diligent evidence gathering to address your concerns and uphold your rights throughout the process.
Our team helps you organize paperwork, anticipate DMV scheduling, and respond quickly to unexpected developments like device malfunctions, appointment scheduling, or allegations of tampering. If problems occur, we prepare your response and supporting evidence for administrative review.
We also stay current on all regulatory updates to ensure you are always operating from the latest information on Colorado’s ignition interlock requirements.
If you face ignition interlock requirements in Colorado or need answers about your options, we invite you to reach out. Taking the right steps—early and consistently—can greatly reduce the stress and disruption these restrictions cause in your daily life. To schedule a consultation or speak to our team, call (720) 408-7130 today.