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Ignition Interlock Device

Ignition Interlock Device Installation

Our DUI Lawyers in Denver Explain Your Options

Ignition interlock is a device that is installed on motor vehicles to prohibit individuals from operating a vehicle while under the influence of alcohol. It requires your breath sample before the engine will start and you are periodically required to provide breath samples while driving. If the device detects an elevated alcohol concentration level the vehicle will not start.

Colorado, like many other states, is requiring repeat offenders and excessive BAC first-time offenders to install the ignition interlock device in all vehicles they own in order to reinstate driving privileges. As of January 1, 2009, Colorado requires all offenders to install the ignition interlock device in their vehicles in order to obtain a restricted license.

There are only five licensed and approved ignition interlock providers in Colorado. They are listed below:

Smart Start, Inc. 
1-800-880-3394 
Westminster, CO 80030 
www.SmartStartInc.com

Guardian Interlock Systems 
1-800-499-0994 
Denver, CO 80022 
www.GuardianInterlock.com

Intoxalock 
1-877-777-5020 
Denver, CO 80216 
http://www.intoxalock.com

LifeSafer of Colorado 
1-800-475-5490 
Aurora, CO 80011 
http://www.lifesafer.com

Draeger Safety Diagnostics 
1-800-332-6858 
Denver, CO 80216 
http://www.dsdi4life.com

To determine if you will be required to have the ignition interlock device installed on all vehicles you own or may drive, visit the driver’s license reinstatement section of our site or contact the Colorado Department of Revenue, Division of Motor Vehicles (DMV) at 303.205.5631 for full reinstatement requirements.

When Am I Required to Install an IID?

You will be required to have an ignition interlock device in the below situations.

Driving Under the Influence

  • 1st Excess BAC or DUI conviction
    • For violations on or after 1/1/09 and approved for early reinstatement after serving 30 days - 8 month Interlock requirement
  • 1st Excess BAC with a blood alcohol content of .150 or greater
    • 2 year Interlock requirement (all stops after 1/1/07)
  • 2nd Excess BAC (lifetime) or 2nd Alcohol/Drug-related driving (DUI/DWAI) conviction in 5 years
    • 2 year Interlock requirement
  • 3rd + Excess BAC or Alcohol/Drug-related driving (DUI/DWAI) conviction in a lifetime
    • 2 year Interlock requirement
  • Designated a Habitual Traffic Offender with one alcohol related driving offense after 7/1/00
    • 4 year Interlock requirement after serving 1 year and approved for early reinstatement
  • Refusal
  • 1st offense -2 year interlock requirement after serving 2 months of the 1 year revocation period
  • 2nd offense - 2 year interlock requirement after serving 2 months of the 2 year revocation period
  • 3rd + offense -2 year interlock requirement or remaining length of restriction; whichever is longer - after serving 2 months of the 3 year revocation period

Drivers who fall into these categories will be allowed to reinstate only with a restricted license that limits their driving to vehicles with an approved ignition interlock device.

Talk with our Denver DUI attorney about your case today. We can review your legal options when you call (303) 747-4247 for a free initial phone consultation.