Drinking and Driving Laws in Colorado
Drunk driving laws in The State of Colorado are similar to other DUI laws in the United States, however Colorado also has a Driving While Ability Impaired (DWAI) law that makes it illegal to drive with a lower blood alcohol concentration (BAC) level that is lower than most states. The DWAI law starts at 0.05 percent (BAC) whereas most states start with a 0.8 percent BAC. The Colorado DUI law prohibits a person from driving when they have a concentration of .08 percent or more alcohol in their blood system. This is the standard measurement use by most states for the "impaired" driver.
2008 Changes to DUI Law in Colorado
SUMMARY of Change: Repeals and reenacts, with amendments, the statute authorizing the Department of Revenue to revoke a person's driver's license due to the presence of alcohol or drugs in the person's system or the person's refusal to take a test to determine whether there is alcohol or drugs in the person's system.
For More Information on this change Please View This Website .
2008 Change in Boating Under the Influence Law
On 04/25/08 the Governor of Colorado signed Senate Bill 159. This bill Lowers the blood alcohol limit at which a person operating a vessel is deemed to be under the influence from a blood alcohol content of 0.10 to 0.08, extends the scope of the law relating to the operation of a vessel while under the influence of intoxicating substances from motorboats and sailboats to all vessels.
Please CLICK HERE to read more information on Colorado's Boating Under the Influence Change.
How many drinks does it take to reach the legal limit in Colorado?
There are many variables that determine if a person has reached the legal limit, however what may make one person legally drunk, isn't always the case with another individual. There are calculators and charts that can serve as a point of reference, but again individual factors such as age, weight and the duration of time that has passed between drinks all play into the equation. There isn't a single formula that works for everyone. On average it takes very little alcohol to become legally drunk and the best answer to drinking and driving is to have zero drinks before you drive.
Drunk Driving Laws in Colorado
The following driving actions are illegal in the State of Colorado
Under 21- A blood alcohol content level (BAC) .02 and less than .08
Under 21- In possession of alcohol
Driving with a BAC of .05-.07 (Driving while Impaired)
Driving with a BAC of .08 or above (Driving under the Influence)
Driving under the influence of Alcohol or Drugs or Both. (DWAI)
Colorado Drunk Driving Fines & Penalties
Potential Penalties for Drinking and Driving or Drugs and Driving in Colorado. First Driving While Ability Impaired (DWAI)
If you are caught driving with a blood alcohol content of .05 but less than .08, you are guilty of driving while ability impaired. The fine for your first DWAI is from $100- $500. You will spend between 2 to 180 days in jail with mandatory public service from 24 to 48 hours. You will also receive 8 points towards a drivers license suspension.
Second Driving While Ability Impaired (DWAI)
The fine for your second DWAI is from $300- $1,000. You will spend between 45 days to 1 year in jail with mandatory public service from 48 to 96 hours. You will also have your license revoked for 1 year.
First Drunk Driving Conviction (DUI)
If you are caught driving with a blood alcohol content of .08 or above, you are guilty of driving under the influence. The fine for your first DUI is from $300- $1000. You will spend between 5 days to 1 year in jail with mandatory public service from 48 to 96 hours. You will also have your license revoked for 1 year.
Second Drunk Driving Conviction (DUI)
The fine for your second DUI will be from $500- $1500. You will spend between 90 days to 1 year in jail with mandatory public service from 60 to 120 hours. You will also receive 12 points towards a drivers license suspension.
Driving While Ability Impaired (DWAI) with Previous Driving Under the Influence (DWI)
The fine for a DWAI with a previous DUI will be from $400- $1200. You will spend between 60 days to 1 year in jail with mandatory public service from 52 to 104 hours. You will also have your license revoked for 1 year.
Driving Under the Influence (DUI) with Previous Driving While Ability Impaired (DWAI)
The fine for a DUI with a previous DWAI will be from $450- $1500. You will spend between 70 days to 1 year in jail with mandatory public service from 56 to 112 hours. You will also have your license revoked for 1 year.
In the State of Colorado, any time you have a second offense within five years of your first conviction for DUI or DWAI, your minimum jail time may be adjustable if it is allowed to be augmented with a alcohol treatment program.
The State of Colorado Express Consent Law
Colorado's express consent law is similar to laws in other states know as "Implied Consent Laws". The Colorado law means that , as a driver in the State of Colorado you automatically agree to take a chemical test of your breath, urine and blood. If you refuse to take a chemical test your drivers license will be revoked for a period of one year. Additional Information on Drunk Driving Laws in Colorado
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