A suspension of your license as the result of a DUI offence can come about in two ways in the state of Colorado.
Administration: The suspension happens automatically when you’re arrested for driving with BAC of .08 or higher. It is imposed by the Colorado Department of Revenue.
Judicial: A suspension may also be imposed by the court as the result of a judgment or as part of a plea agreement with the prosecutor.
In the state of Colorado, there are two classes of impaired driving offences. In addition to the standard DUI (a BAC of .08 or higher) there is also a DWAI, which stands for driving while ability is impaired. This covers individuals who operate a motor vehicle with a BAC between .05 and .08.
| Violation | Suspension Period | Points |
| .08 or higher BAC | 9 months | |
| 2nd offence .08 or higher BAC | 1 year | |
| 3rd offence and all others of .08 or higher BAC | 2 years | |
| DWAI | None | 8 |
| 1st DUI offence | 9 months | 12 |
| 2nd DUI or DWAI | 12 months | DWAI: 8DUI: 12 |
| 3rd DUI or DWAI | 24 months | DWAI: 8DUI: 12 |
| Offense | Jail | Fine | Public Service |
| 1st DWAI | 2 to 180 days | $200 – $500 | 24 to 48 hours |
| 1st DUI | 5 days to 1 year | $600 – $1000 | 48 to 96 hours |
| DWAI or DUI with previous DWAI or DUI | 10 days to 1 year | $600 – $1500 | 48 to 120 hours |
| DWAI or DUI with two or more previous DWAI or DUI | 60 days to 1 year | $600 – $1500 | 48 to 120 hours |
It’s possible to get an early reinstatement of your license following a first offense. However, in order to do this, you will have to install an ignition interlock device in your car.