Recent Colorado DUI Law Changes
What changed, when it took effect, and who it affects.
June 1, 2027 (signed May 28, 2026)
Nine months on an interlock-restricted license after a first DUI
House Bill 26-1242 requires a person convicted of a first DUI-related offense to hold an interlock-restricted license for 9 consecutive months after reinstatement before getting any other license, with limited exceptions. It also repeals the 2-month waiting period before early interlock reinstatement and creates financial help with interlock costs for eligible drivers.
August 10, 2022 (DMV applies the reinstatement change to violations on or after January 1, 2023)
Immediate early reinstatement with an interlock; more alcohol monitoring
Senate Bill 22-055 (2022 Session Laws, chapter 467) lets a driver revoked for a DUI, DUI per se, DWAI or excess BAC conviction apply right away for early reinstatement with an interlock-restricted license, and requires at least 90 days of continuous alcohol monitoring on probation after a third or felony impaired-driving offense, unless the court finds it not in the interest of justice.
Official sources
- Colorado DMV — DMV Administrative Hearing Process
- Colorado DMV — Reinstating After a DUI or Alcohol Offense
- Colorado DMV — Basic Case Lifespan of an Express Consent Per Se or Refusal
- Colorado DMV — Ignition Interlock Program
- Colorado DMV — Early Reinstatement (Interlock)
- Colorado DMV — Suspension and Reinstatement FAQs
- Colorado Dept. of Revenue — Express Consent Cases Procedures
- Colorado Dept. of Revenue — Alcohol and Drug Related Offenses
- Colorado Legislative Council — Colorado Drunk Driving Laws (law summary)
- Colorado Legislative Council — DUI Issue Brief
- Colorado Revised Statutes 2024, Title 42
- CDOT — DUI consequences rack card
- CDOT — Colorado Impaired Driving Enforcement Manual 2025
- Colorado Judicial Branch — JDF 611 How to Seal Criminal Conviction Records
- Legislative Council Staff — Sealing and Expunging Criminal Records memo
- Colorado DMV — The DUI Process
- Colorado Judicial Branch — Probation FAQ
- Colorado Judicial Branch — Denver Adult Probation
- Colorado Behavioral Health Administration — Information for People with a DUI or DWAI
- Colorado DMV — DR 2643, Affidavit of Enrollment Level II
- Colorado General Assembly — HB26-1242 Interlock Device for Impaired Drivers
- Colorado General Assembly — HB26-1242, signed act
- Colorado General Assembly — SB22-055 Alcohol Monitoring for Impaired Driving Offenders
- Colorado Session Laws 2022 — chapter 467 (SB22-055)
- Colorado Judicial Branch — Trial Courts by County
- Colorado Judicial Branch — Denver courts
- Colorado Judicial Branch — El Paso County Driving Under the Influence (DUI) Court
- Colorado Judicial Branch — Arapahoe County
- Colorado Judicial Branch — Larimer County Justice Center DUI
Educational information, not legal advice. Colorado law changes and every case is different. Confirm deadlines with Colorado Division of Motor Vehicles and talk to a licensed Colorado attorney about your situation.
Some details on this page are still being verified against official sources. Check the linked sources before relying on a specific number or deadline.
Last reviewed October 1, 2026.