Troopers want drivers to be aware of the long-term impacts of DUI/DUID
Evaluating the consequences of a DUI/D can prevent you from getting one. If you’re a Colorado driver, it’s essential to know that, under Colorado law, you can lose your license if you accumulate 12 points on your driving record in 12 months or 18 points in 24 months.
Upon receiving their first DUI in Colorado, drivers can lose their license for up to nine months. A conviction can result in 12 points on their driving record, which leads to a license suspension. However, it’s common for a single incident to result in multiple charges, such as a DUI, speeding, and reckless driving violation.
“Losing your license causes immediate hardships for people, such as not being able to get to work, keep medical appointments, or even go to the grocery store,” said Colonel Matthew C. Packard, Chief of the Colorado State Patrol. “If your job requires you to drive, you could find yourself unemployed. Imagine the impact on your children if you can no longer take them to school or their activities.”
For those with multiple DUI convictions, the penalties are even more severe. The DMV can extend suspension periods, and the court can also increase the length of the license suspension if the DUI conviction is part of a pattern of offenses.
Last year, Colorado State Troopers arrested 3,806 drivers for impaired driving. While marijuana, prescription drugs, and other illegal substances were used, the most common source of impairment in arrests was alcohol. Last year, 61 percent (2,323) of these arrests were caused by alcohol impairment. An additional 15.5 percent (592) of these arrests were caused by alcohol combined with marijuana or other drugs.
“The penalties imposed by the court and the Department of Motor Vehicles are clear and serious and are intended to prevent the driver from driving impaired again,” said Colonel Matthew C. Packard, Chief of the Colorado State Patrol. “Losing your license can derail your life but imagine if you end someone else’s life because of this dangerous decision to drive impaired.”
A DUI can have a profound negative impact on your license. This sometimes creates side effects, such as increased insurance costs, vehicle ignition interlock rentals, and other expensive and inconvenient consequences. You also have to consider other negative penalties that result from a DUI conviction. These include jail time, fines, community service, alcohol and drug classes, and probation.
