How to get your license back after a DUI

Just as with an alcohol-related DUI, getting your Colorado driver’s license back after a cannabis-related DUI isn’t just a matter of waiting it out — it’s a structured, lengthy and expensive process aimed at ensuring your return to driving is a safe and sober one. Colorado takes cannabis impairment behind the wheel seriously because impairment is impairment, no matter the substance.

What happens after a drug-related DUI conviction?

Once your sentencing is complete, the court will notify the Colorado Department of Revenue Department of Motor Vehicles (DMV), and you’ll receive an Order of Revocation letter. This letter confirms that your driving privileges are revoked under C.R.S. § 42-2-125(1).

Revocation Period

The first step of reinstating your license is to serve a revocation period during which you cannot drive. The length of these periods depends on factors such as prior offenses and details specific to your arrest. Typically, the revocation period for a first-time DUI conviction in Colorado is nine months and can extend to a year or longer for second, third and subsequent convictions.

If this conviction is your first offense, you have two options:

1. Early reinstatement with an ignition interlock device — To reinstate your license immediately, you can install an ignition interlock device, a tool used to ensure you are sober before starting your vehicle by measuring your breath alcohol concentration. If the device detects impairment, the vehicle will not start. Additionally, you may need to provide breath samples periodically while driving. Even though a case may involve drugs and not alcohol, this interlock device is required to reinstate your license.
2. Full revocation period — If you prefer to avoid an interlock device, you can opt to serve the entire nine-month revocation period and then apply for reinstatement.

If you have any prior DUI or DWAI convictions on your record, or if you refused a breath or blood toxicology test upon your arrest, you must maintain an interlock device for two years without the option to remove it early. In addition, if you refused a toxicology test, even if the police obtained a warrant to draw your blood afterward, you will not be able to reinstate for at least two months.

Reinstating Your License

Once the revocation period has been served and/or you’ve installed an interlock device, you may begin the reinstatement process.

SR-22 Insurance

You’ll need to obtain SR-22 insurance, a certificate of financial responsibility required for high-risk drivers. This proves to the Colorado DMV that you have the minimum auto insurance needed to legally drive. The cost of SR-22 insurance can be up to 50% more expensive than typical insurance and it must be maintained for up to three years. Any lapse in coverage can result in additional license suspension.

Education and Treatment Programs

As assigned by the court, you’ll be required to complete state-mandated treatment and education programs. After an alcohol and drug evaluation, the most common assignment is a Level II Alcohol and Drug Education and Additional Therapy course. The length of the course depends on the details of your case but can last up to 13 months.

Education and therapy courses are not just about showing up or checking boxes — they’re designed to address the risks of impaired driving and help you understand the impact substances can have on your ability to drive. Whether it’s learning about the delayed reaction time caused by cannabis or the overconfidence fueled by any impairing substance, these classes aim to shift your behavior and attitude regarding driving while impaired.

Fines and Fees

In Colorado, the average cost of a first DUI is $13,530. To apply for driving privileges, you will have to pay the $120 reinstatement fee as well as any additional fines associated with your case.

Examples and estimates of the fees and fines you may be required to pay include:

• Increased Auto Insurance - $3,600
• Ignition Interlock Service - $2,180
• Alcohol/Drug Treatment & Education - $1,000
• Defense Attorney - $5,000 or more
• Arrest, Court & Legal Fees - ~$2,300
• Department of Revenue & DMV Fees - $750

The Paperwork

Once all necessary steps have been completed, you will submit the Application for Reinstatement (Form DR 2870) to the Colorado DMV, along with payment, proof of completed courses, SR-22 insurance, and any other required documentation depending on the details of your case. You must also retake the written, vision and driving tests before officially getting back on the road.

How to avoid a cannabis DUI

As covered above, reinstatement of your license is a lengthy and costly journey — but the good news is, it’s entirely avoidable. Impairment from any substance impacts your ability to drive safely, and making the choice to always drive sober is the easiest way to keep yourself, your finances, your time and others in good hands.

Author and Bio - Jay M. Tiftickjian

Jay Tiftickjian is a Colorado DUI attorney, and owner of Tiftickjian Law Firm. P.C. Mr. Tiftickjian has 25 years of experience representing clients in DUI cases and is the author of Colorado DUI Defense: The Law and Practice, now in its second edition. Jay is also a member of the Colorado Task Force on Drunk and Impaired Driving.