Suspended License in Colorado

Driver License Suspension in Colorado

The Colorado Department of Revenue – Division of Motor Vehicles (DMV) is charged with enforcing driver's license suspension in Colorado.

License suspension can affect your everyday life greatly. On top of not being able to legally drive, you may also face loss of income and car insurance premium increases.

Read more to learn about CO driver's license suspensions, reinstatement, and restricted licenses.

About Your Suspended License in CO

In Colorado your driver's license can be suspended (temporary loss of driving privileges) or revoked (indefinite and full loss of driving privileges) for several reasons, including but not limited to:

  • An excess of points on your driving record.
  • Refusing chemical tests for DUI during a traffic stop.
  • Testing over the legal limit for DUI during a traffic stop.
  • Criminal conviction of DUI.
  • Conviction for serious traffic violations.
  • Failure to pay traffic ticket.
  • Failure to pay court-ordered child support

DUI Suspensions in Colorado

If you are pulled over and your blood alcohol content tests over the legal limit OR you refuse to test for blood alcohol content, your driver's license will be revoked by the Department of Revenue regardless of a criminal court conviction. This suspension is known as Administrative penalties and will cause, not just a suspension, but also points against your license. These penalties are in addition to any punishment or fines given by a court.

You have 7 days after your revocation to request a hearing at a driver's license office.

Colorado Point System Suspensions

Convictions of traffic violations will earn you points on your driving record. The points assigned to you depend on your violation.

An excess of points during a specific amount of time, depending on your age, will lead to a suspension of your driver's license:

  • 21 years old and older:
    • 12 points in 12 months.
    • 18 points in 24 months.
  • Between 18 and 21 years old:
    • 9 points in 12 months.
    • 12 points in 24 months.
    • 14 points regardless of time.
  • Under 18 years old:
    • 6 points in 12 months.
    • 7 points regardless of time.

If your driver's license is suspended due to points, you will be notified by mail and given a hearing date. You may request a hearing while your license is suspended.

Reinstate Your Colorado License

The reinstatement process may differ depending on the reason for your license suspension.

To find out what steps you need to take to reinstate your license you can request your reinstatement requirements:

Once you have fulfilled your requirements you can complete and submit an Application for Reinstatement (DR 2870) form by mail to the address on the form.

Be sure to include:

  • Any required documents per your reinstatement requirements.
  • A check or money order for the $95 reinstatement fee.
  • Your license or ID number on your payment.

Some full service license offices will process your reinstatement in person for certain suspensions including:

  • Unpaid tickets suspensions.
  • Failure to pay child support suspensions.
  • Point suspensions.

The CO DMV website notes the offices that will not process reinstatements.

Reinstatement after DUI

Since a DUI or even a refusal to test for DUI results in a revocation of your driver's license, you will have to apply and test for a brand new driver's license once eligible.

Some drivers, upon first offense, may be eligible for early reinstatement on the condition of installation of an interlock system that will test a driver's breath for alcohol before vehicle ignition.

If you have lost your driving privileges due to an alcohol-related offense, CO law requires you to participate in a state-approved alcohol course before reinstatement of your license.

Obtain a Restricted License in CO

Probationary licenses are usually given to Colorado drivers who have a points suspension or child support suspension.

A probationary license will allow you to drive for limited purposes, typically involving driving to and from work.

You may be issued a probationary license during your suspension hearing. If you have not had your hearing, you will need to contact the DOR hearing office at (303) 205-5606.

Forms

DR 2870
Application for Reinstatement
Application to have your suspended CO driver's license reinstated.
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