Colorado BAC Limits & DUI Consequences

0.08%

Source: Colorado Driver Handbook (2023), Driving Under the Influence section and Table 1

0.02%

Source: Colorado Driver Handbook (2023), Driving Under the Influence section

0.04%

Source: Colorado Driver Handbook (2023), Driving Under the Influence section

Colorado's Express Consent Law (C.R.S. 42-4-1301.1) provides that by operating a motor vehicle in the state, you agree to take a chemical test of your blood, breath, saliva, or urine when a law enforcement officer has reason to believe you are driving impaired by alcohol, drugs, or a combination. Refusal to test, or failure to complete the testing procedure, results in a one-year driver license revocation and a mandatory ignition interlock device on any vehicle you drive for two years. If other suspensions or revocations arise from the same incident, those are added consecutively to the refusal revocation. Refusal does not block prosecution; the refusal itself can be used as evidence.

Source: Colorado Driver Handbook (2023), Driving Under the Influence, Express Consent Law (C.R.S. 42-4-1301.1)

A first DUI conviction in Colorado (driver substantially incapable of safe driving, typically BAC 0.08% or greater) carries a nine-month license revocation, a fine of $600 to $1,000, jail of 5 to 365 days, and 48 to 96 hours of useful public service. A first DWAI (driver impaired to the slightest degree, BAC 0.05% threshold) carries 8 points toward suspension, a fine of $200 to $500, jail of 2 to 180 days, and 24 to 48 hours of public service. Colorado law does not allow plea-bargaining out of an alcohol- or drug-related driving offense. Drivers under 21 face revocation on any first DUI or DWAI conviction if they fail to complete a court-ordered evaluation or program, and mandatory revocation on any second or third conviction. Additional fees, education, and treatment costs apply.

Source: Colorado Driver Handbook (2023), Driving Under the Influence, Table 1 (Possible Penalties for Impaired Driving for 21 and Older)

conditional

Source: Colorado Driver Handbook (2023), Driving Under the Influence, Express Consent section