Colorado · DUI · Checked October 2026
DUI License Suspension in Colorado: Hearing Deadline and Hardship License
DUI License Suspension in Colorado: What Are the Rules?
You have 7 days to challenge a license suspension after a DUI arrest in Colorado.
- Deadline to challenge
- 7 days
- How it is counted
- The day you receive the notice of revocation (or the date on the DMV letter if you took a blood test)
- Failed test
- 9 months (first), 1 year (second), 2 years (third or later) for BAC 0.08 or more
- Refused test
- 1 year (first), 2 years (second), 3 years (third or later)
- Hardship license
- Early reinstatement with an interlock-restricted license
How to Request a Hearing in Colorado
Request an Expressed Consent Hearing online through myDMV (Driver/ID Services tab, Appointments and Hearings). Hearings are held virtually by Zoom, and a temporary permit is issued until the hearing if you are eligible.
Suspension if You Fail a Test in Colorado
9 months (first), 1 year (second), 2 years (third or later) for BAC 0.08 or moreC.R.S. § 42-2-126(3), (6)(d), (7)(b)
Suspension if You Refuse a Test in Colorado
1 year (first), 2 years (second), 3 years (third or later)C.R.S. § 42-2-126(3), (6)(d), (7)(b)
Getting a Early Reinstatement With an Interlock-Restricted License in Colorado
Colorado residents 21 or older at the time of the violation who meet all other reinstatement requirements may reinstate early with an ignition interlock. For violations on or after January 1, 2023, DUI or per se drivers are eligible on the first day the revocation goes active; refusal drivers must first serve 2 months. Out-of-state drivers and drivers under 21 are not eligible.
Official source: getting a early reinstatement with an interlock-restricted license (Colorado)
More on DUI Law in Colorado
See the full overview of DUI laws in Colorado and read about hardship licenses in every state.
This page summarizes Colorado law from official sources, checked October 2026. It isn't legal advice; a lawyer licensed in Colorado can advise on your case.
Frequently Asked Questions
How Long Do You Have to Request a Hearing in Colorado?
7 days. How it is counted: the day you receive the notice of revocation (or the date on the DMV letter if you took a blood test).
How Long Is the License Suspension for Failing a Test?
9 months (first), 1 year (second), 2 years (third or later) for BAC 0.08 or more
Can You Get a Hardship License in Colorado?
Colorado residents 21 or older at the time of the violation who meet all other reinstatement requirements may reinstate early with an ignition interlock. For violations on or after January 1, 2023, DUI or per se drivers are eligible on the first day the revocation goes active; refusal drivers must first serve 2 months. Out-of-state drivers and drivers under 21 are not eligible.