What Happens When You Violate Colorado’s Ignition Interlock Requirement

The state of Colorado has spent a lot of time, energy and money on their programs for DUI offenders in the state. That includes, perhaps most importantly, the ignition interlock requirement that most DUI offenders must face. As such, when you have a DUI conviction and an interlock in Colorado, it may be tempting to try to drive without submitting your breath sample, even if you have not been drinking. But, considering the additional penalties you will face, you may want to really think twice about any attempts to drive without a properly functioning ignition interlock on your vehicle.

Colorado law states specifically that if you are caught driving a vehicle without an ignition interlock installed, or that you try to circumvent or “get around” the interlock on your vehicle, you could lose your license for a year. That means you will no longer have the ability to drive yourself around, to get to your job or to take care of your family’s needs without asking others for help. Violating Colorado’s ignition interlock requirement puts you right back where you did not want to be: trying to find a ride, no matter the reason.

Other Colorado ignition interlock violations include:

• Failure to service your ignition interlock every 60 days, or as ordered by the court.
• Cancelling your ignition interlock service agreement before your requirement has ended, without beginning a new requirement with a different service provider.
• Registering three or more breath samples above the set blood alcohol concentration (BAC) limit within 12 consecutive months.

An ignition interlock device is a compromise and a tool to help you get your life back together after a DUI, and you certainly do not want to “blow it off,” even if by mistake. Once you get the hang of the device, your road back to freedom is a lot less bumpy, and without temptation to take any shortcuts that could result in a violation.