Your Colorado Springs Ignition Interlock Requirement

Nobody really plans to drink and drive, yet thousands of people are convicted of that crime each year. Colorado Springs isn’t any different, and even the slightest amount of alcohol or other legal drugs can be a problem.

You could be required to install an ignition interlock in Colorado Springs if:

• You are convicted of drinking and driving (DUI).
• You are convicted of driving while ability impaired (DWAI).
• You are convicted of driving under the influence of drugs (DUI-D).

Depending on the charge you’re facing, your ignition interlock requirement could be mandatory (at least seven months for a first offense) or at the discretion of a judge. Factors like the number of convictions on your record, your blood alcohol concentration (BAC) at the time of arrest, your obvious impairment due to drugs or other aggravating circumstances can increase the time you are required to install and maintain the device. Fortunately, an ignition interlock device is a consequence you can live with, especially as it allows you the freedom to drive as you did before you were arrested and/or convicted.

Not only is there an ignition interlock requirement for a DUI, you could have a DMV requirement, too.

Colorado is one of many states that has an administrative license revocation (ALR) policy for drunk driving that allows the DMV to impose its own penalties on you, even if you are never convicted of a crime.

Colorado Springs is full of vacation spirit, but that doesn’t mean you should let the spirits of vacation impair your ability to drive. While enjoying the scenery and the culture of the area, remember that you can always find a better way to get home (or to your hotel) than driving yourself, especially if you want those memories to remain full of great adventures.