When a law enforcement officer in Colorado charges you with driving under the influence and the charge results in a conviction, you may lose your driver’s license for a period, among other penalties. Losing your license because of a drunk driving violation may make it difficult for you to earn a living and support yourself and your family. However, obtaining a restricted license, which requires that you install an ignition interlock device on your vehicle, may help you regain your ability to drive early.
Whether you may pursue an ignition interlock restricted license depends on the details of your DUI conviction. It also depends on whether you have any related offenses in your driving history.
Eligibility after a first conviction
After a first-time DUI conviction, you may be able to request an early license reinstatement after serving one month of revocation. However, to do so, you must use an ignition interlock on your car for at least six months. If your blood alcohol concentration exceeded 0.15% at the time of your DUI arrest, you must use the ignition interlock device for at least two years.
Eligibility after a second conviction
If you wish to secure a restricted license after a second Colorado DUI conviction, you may be able to do so after serving one month of your revocation period. However, doing so requires that you install and use an ignition interlock device on any vehicles you drive for at least two years.
Receiving and using a restricted license offers several advantages. First, it may make it possible for you to commute to and from work or school. Second, it may help show that you do, in fact, have the ability to drive responsibly if the state restores your driving privileges.
