A DUI conviction involves more than fines and a suspended license; courts and the DMV often mandate an ignition interlock device (IID) for driving reinstatement. Once you have been ordered to use an interlock device, it is worth asking yourself How many interlock violations can you have?
At McAdams Law Office, we help drivers in Greeley and Weld County sort through these exact situations. Colorado generally tracks failed breath tests by month, with a BAC (Blood Alcohol Content) of 0.025% or higher marking a recorded event. Fail in three separate months within any 12 months, and the DMV will suspend your license and tack on up to one additional year to your interlock requirement.
The IID connects directly to your vehicle’s ignition and demands a clean breath sample before the engine turns over. Colorado drivers on an interlock-restricted license must follow both DMV requirements and the conditions tied to their approved interlock provider.
Your provider forwards every breath sample result to the Colorado DMV through monthly monitoring reports. According to the Colorado Department of Revenue’s interlock program, DMV staff comb through those reports regularly to confirm ongoing compliance.
Several actions trigger a violation under Colorado’s IID program:
The device records and reports all of these events to the DMV. Many IID units include cameras, so actions drivers assume go unnoticed rarely do.
¨We’re not just a business in Weld County; we’re a part of the community. Living and working here, we’re dedicated to supporting the people of Greeley. Our office is right by the courthouse, deep in the heart of the local legal scene. With over 140 jury trials in 20 years, our experienced attorneys understand that everyone deserves respect and a strong defense, no matter the situation¨
In Colorado, excess BAC events in three separate months within any 12 months trigger a formal penalty from the DMV.
Any month where your device records a BAC of 0.025% or higher counts as an excess BAC event, regardless of how many times a failure occurs in a single month. Once the DMV identifies excess BAC events in three separate months within any 12-month window, the agency steps in to extend your interlock requirement.
Repeated interlock failures carry real consequences for your license and your timeline. If the DMV records three or more months of excess BAC events within 12 months, they will mail a notice extending your interlock requirement by up to one year. Drivers who do not dispute the extension automatically receive a full one-year addition.
Losing your restricted driving privileges entirely remains a real possibility. Requesting a DMV hearing gives you a genuine opportunity to challenge these reports and avoid the unpleasant outcomes.
Tampering brings consequences far heavier than a failed breath test. Under C.R.S. § 42-2-132.5, interfering with an IID rises to a Class 2 misdemeanor. Colorado law treats the following actions as tampering:
A tampering conviction carries criminal penalties as provided under Colorado’s Class 2 misdemeanor sentencing guidelines. The state also pulls your license for either one full year or the time remaining on your original interlock requirement, whichever runs longer.
Facing interlock violations in Greeley or anywhere in Weld County means navigating both DMV hearings and potential criminal court proceedings at the same time.
If you have been wondering How many interlock violations can you have? The answer depends heavily on your specific record and circumstances. The good news: you have the right to contest extensions and tampering allegations before a hearing officer.
Call McAdams Law Office at (970) 353-0000 to speak with a Greeley DUI attorney who knows Colorado’s interlock laws and can protect your driving record.
| DUI/DWAI Victories | Criminal Defense Wins |
|---|---|
People v. S.M.Two DUIs downgraded to DWAI, |
People v. M.J.Assault and child abuse charges |
People v. S.D.DUI dismissed, pled to |
People v. S.C.Theft charge dropped, |
People v. B.S.Breath test challenged, |
People v. A.E.Drug charges dismissed, |
People v. E.B.No jail, favorable plea despite |
People v. J.K.Burglary plea reduced, |
People v. R.G.One DWAI dismissed, another reduced with minimal work release. |
People v. C.R.Traffic offense reduced, |
William T. McAdams, known as Bill, is a highly experienced criminal defense attorney and former prosecutor. Since establishing McAdams Law Office in 2006, he has represented clients in cases including DUI, domestic violence, and theft, handling over 100 jury trials. Bill serves clients predominantly in Weld and Larimer counties, including Greeley, Evans, Windsor, Loveland, and Fort Collins. An active community volunteer and member of multiple legal associations, he is dedicated to protecting his clients’ rights.
This page has been written, edited, and reviewed by a team of legal writers following our comprehensive editorial guidelines. This page was approved by Founding Partiner, William McAdams who has more than 25 years of legal experience as a personal injury attorney.