Colorado Ignition Interlock Requirements (2026): Costs & Approved Providers
Colorado’s interlock program is built around early reinstatement — install the device and you can drive immediately, even as a first offender. A 2023 law change made this available from day one of arrest. Here’s who qualifies, how long you’ll have it, and how to qualify for early removal after just four clean months.
| Who needs an interlock | Any driver reinstating early after a DUI/DWAI revocation; mandatory for BAC 0.15+ or refusal (Persistent Drunk Driver designation) |
| 2023 law change | Arrests on or after January 1, 2023: first offenders eligible for interlock-restricted license immediately — no hard suspension wait |
| Duration — standard 1st offense | 9 months; eligible for early removal after 4 consecutive violation-free monthly reporting periods |
| Duration — Persistent Drunk Driver (BAC 0.15+ or refusal) | 2 years minimum; no early removal |
| Duration — 2nd offense | 2 years minimum |
| Duration — 3rd+ offense | 2 years minimum per DMV; may run longer depending on revocation |
| Financial assistance | Up to $400 total, pro-rated against monthly lease — for income-qualified CO residents |
| Who approves devices | Colorado DMV — Ignition Interlock Restricted License |
| DMV reinstatement fee | $95 |
| Governing law | CRS §42-2-132.5; §42-4-1301; §42-2-125 |
| Offense terms | DUI (0.08+ BAC or impaired); DWAI (0.05–0.079 BAC) |
How Colorado’s interlock program works
Colorado uses an early-reinstatement model: rather than sitting out a hard suspension with no driving, you install the device and get an interlock-restricted license immediately. Under legislation effective January 1, 2023, first offenders whose arrest occurred on or after that date can apply for the restricted license from day one — no waiting period.
For standard first offenders (BAC under 0.15, no refusal), the term is 9 months. But here’s the key upside: you can qualify for early removal after just 4 consecutive clean monthly reporting periods — meaning as few as 4 months if your record is clean from the start. That’s one of the shortest early-removal paths in the country.
Colorado DMV-approved providers
Four providers are currently approved by Colorado DMV. Note: Dräger/RoadGuard and ALCOLOCK are not on the current Colorado approved list.
| Provider | Monthly est. | Coverage | |
|---|---|---|---|
| Intoxalock | $60–100 | Statewide | 888-283-5899 |
| Smart Start | $70–100 | Statewide | 800-831-3299 |
| LifeSafer | $65–95 | Statewide | 800-634-3077 |
| Guardian Interlock | $65–95 | Statewide | 800-499-0994 |
Monthly estimates are market ranges. Confirm your provider’s current approval on the CO DMV interlock page before signing. An unapproved provider won’t satisfy your reinstatement requirement.
What an interlock costs in Colorado
| Installation (one time) | $70–150 |
| Monthly lease + monitoring | $65–100 |
| Removal | $50–75 |
| DMV reinstatement fee | $95 |
| Financial assistance (if eligible) | Up to $400 total offset |
Over a 9-month standard first-offense term, expect roughly $800–1,100 in device costs before DMV fees. First offenders who qualify for early removal at 4 months cut that significantly. Estimate your exact cost →
How to get installed — 5 steps
- Confirm your revocation type and eligibility with CO DMV — your designation (standard vs. PDD) determines your term and early-removal eligibility.
- Call an approved provider above and book installation — eligible from day one for arrests on or after January 1, 2023.
- Bring your vehicle and DMV paperwork. Installation takes 60–90 minutes. Ask about financial assistance eligibility at this appointment.
- Submit installation proof to CO DMV to activate your interlock-restricted license.
- Complete 4 consecutive violation-free monthly reporting periods to apply for early removal (standard first offenders only).
Violations that extend your term
Colorado’s violation consequences are significant:
- Excessive-BAC lockouts in 3 of any 12 reporting periods → +12 months added to your term
- Tampering or circumvention → 1-year revocation or the remaining restraint period, whichever is longer
Any violation period also resets your 4-consecutive-clean-periods counter for early removal eligibility. A false positive from mouthwash or food can trigger a lockout — document it immediately and contact your provider the same day.