Colorado has DUI laws that are pretty much in line with other states and prohibit operation of a motor vehicle with BAC level of 0.08 percent or above. However, Colorado also has a Driving While Ability Impaired (DWAI) law that makes it unlawful for anyone to operate a motor vehicle with BAC level of 0.05 percent or above. Specifically, the driving laws of Colorado prohibit the following conduct:
- Anyone under the age of 21 operating a vehicle with BAC 0.02 or above;
- Anyone under the age of 21 driving while in possession of alcohol;
- Drivers over the age of 21 driving with BAC level between 0.05 to 0.07 (Driving while Impaired);
- Drivers over the age of 21 operating a vehicle with BAC of 0.08 or above (DUI); and
- Drivers operating a vehicle under the influence of drugs or alcohol or both (DWAI).
First DUI Conviction:
For a first DUI conviction, drivers may face jail time ranging from 5 days to 1 year and monetary fines ranging from $600 to $1000. Jail time, however, could be suspended if the drivers complete an alcohol treatment program. In addition, drivers will likely face suspension of their drivers’ license for up to 9 months and be required to complete 48 to 96 hours of community service.
First DWAI Conviction:
For a first DWAI (BAC between 0.05 to 0.08) conviction in Colorado, drivers may face jail time ranging from 48 hours to 180 hours and fines ranging from $200 to $500. There is, however, no required license suspension. Drivers may also be required to complete 28 to 48 hours of community service.
Second DUI Conviction:
Drivers convicted of a DUI within 5 years of their first DUI conviction will face jail time ranging from 90 days to 1 year and fines ranging from $1000 to $1500. In addition, drivers will face license suspension for up to a year and before their license can be reinstated, the drivers will be required to install an Ignition Interlock Device. Drivers will also be required to complete 60 to 120 hours of community service.
Second DWAI Conviction:
Drivers facing a second DWAI conviction may face jail time ranging from 90 days to 1 year and fines ranging from $1000 to $1500. Also, they will face license suspension for up to a year and be required to complete 60 to 120 hours of community service.
Third DUI Conviction:
For a third DUI conviction, which is considered a very serious offense, drivers will face 70 days to 1 year of jail time and fines ranging from $900 to $1500. In addition, for a third DUI conviction, license will be suspended for 2 years and in order to reinstate the license, the drivers will be required to install Ignition Interlock Device in their vehicle at the drivers’ own expense. In addition, drivers will be required to complete 56 to 112 hours of community service.
Third DWAI Conviction:
For a third DWAI conviction, drivers will face jail time ranging from 45 days to 1 year and fine from $600 to $1000. In addition, drivers will face license suspension for up to 2 years and be required to complete 48 to 96 hours of community service.
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