Getting Your License Back After An Interlock Device In Colorado

Losing your license after a DUI is more than an inconvenience. Without your license, you may suddenly find yourself struggling to find transportation to work, school, and even the grocery store. In fact, your top goal is probably to get your license back fast. The best way to achieve this goal is to have an ignition interlock device installed in your car. Below is a look at the steps you need to take to make this happen and regain your independence as a driver.

What is an ignition interlock device?

“An Ignition Interlock is a device that is installed on motor vehicles to prohibit individuals from operating a vehicle while under the influence of alcohol. It requires your breath sample before the engine will start and you are periodically required to provide breath samples while driving.” – Colorado Division of Motor Vehicles

An ignition interlock device is a tool that is installed on your car or truck to prevent you from driving your vehicle after drinking alcohol. It requires you to provide a breath sample in order to start your engine. If your breath sample shows too much alcohol in your blood, your vehicle will not start.

What are Colorado’s requirements for interlock devices?

Colorado now requires repeat DUI offenders as well as first-time offenders with an excessive blood alcohol content to install an interlock device in order to reinstate their driver’s license. Colorado introduced these requirements after they were proven to decrease the incidence of DUI cases in other states.

A lack of awareness of these requirements is no excuse for failure to adhere to them. If you are unsure about how these requirements apply to you, then seek the expertise of a DUI attorney. A skilled lawyer will be able to review your case and immediately confirm how you need to proceed.

Who can install an interlock device?

Installing an interlock device requires expertise and precision. The state of Colorado DVM has a list of approved interlock vendors to help ensure that all devices are expertly installed and monitored. The list of vendors includes the following:

• 1A Smart Start, Inc.: 866-348-4294
• Intoxalock: 844-611-3710
• Guardian Interlock: 800-499-0994
• #1 A Life Safer CO: 800-475-5490

It is important to remember to use an approved vendor in order to ensure that your results are considered legitimate. If you have any questions about device vendors, a DUI lawyer can provide answers and guidance.

Are there any costs involved with the installation process?

Yes. In addition to an installation fee of $50 to $100, you can expect to pay monthly maintenance and leasing fees of $50 to $100. Then, at the end of your monitoring period, you can expect to pay another $50 to $150 to have the interlock device removed from your vehicle. The exact amount you pay will depend on the make and model of your vehicle.

What if you are unable to pay for an interlock device?

“The Department of Revenue administers an account established to provide financial assistance for first-time offenders installing an ignition interlock device or those designated as persistent drunk drivers completing their initial installation on or after January 1, 2014, who are unable to pay the full costs of the device.” – Colorado Department of Revenue, Division of Motor Vehicles

If you are not able to pay the required fees for an interlock device, you may be eligible for financial assistance. Your eligibility will depend on several factors, including the following:

• Your Federal Adjusted Gross Income (FAGI) as reported on your taxes
• Proof that you were 21 or older at the time of your violation
• The date of your violation

The key to securing financial aid is to file an appeal quickly. The faster you file your appeal, the faster you can receive an approval notice and have your device installed.

How does having an interlock device help you drive again faster?

The DMV may authorize early reinstatement of your driving privileges if you have an interlock device installed. In order to be considered for early reinstatement, you must be a legal Colorado resident and satisfy any other requirements outlined by the DMV. If your license is reinstated, it will be on a restricted basis and you must comply with all terms set by the DMV hearing officer.

Remember that you are prohibited from operating a vehicle without an interlock device during your reinstatement period. If you are caught driving a vehicle without an approved device, you could be subject to additional delays and legal charges.

What step can you take today to get your license back quickly?

As outlined above, an ignition interlock device plays an important role in helping you get your license back while staying safe on the roads. The single best step you can take to jump-start the installation process is to contact a Colorado DUI lawyer. A trusted DUI attorney will help you get an interlock device installed quickly while guiding you through the court system. With the help of a DUI lawyer, you can get your license back faster and reduce your chances of a conviction.