DUI in Colorado: What Really Happens to Your License

Driving under the influence is never a smart idea. No matter what state you are in. Getting behind the wheel of a vehicle after you have been drinking or getting high is dangerous not only for you, but for everyone else on the roads.

Colorado Law Has Serious Consequences

Like with everything else in life, actions do have consequences. While you may think you are fine to drive, if you get in an accident, you could destroy your life or someone else's. Even if you don't cause an accident, there are still major consequences if you choose to drive under the influence of drugs or alcohol.

Before you take a drink or smoke a joint and decide that you want to go for a drive, just know it can ruin your financial, personal, and work life. The Colorado State Patrol says that under Colorado law, you can lose your driver's license for up to nine months, even on your first offense.

How Colorado’s Points System Works

The state of Colorado has a points system for driver's licenses. For every point you get, you are one step closer to having your driving privileges revoked. Colorado drivers have 12 points on their license. If you are caught and convicted of driving under the influence, 12 points will automatically be deducted, resulting in license suspension.

READ MORE: Colorado Troopers Share Important Roadside Safety Tips

When driving under the influence in Colorado, it is not uncommon for the incident to result in multiple offenses, such as speeding, reckless driving, and more. The more of those offenses you commit, the more points come off your Colorado driver's license.

Losing your license can cause immediate hardship for people, including struggling to commute to work, attend medical appointments, or even get to the grocery store. If your job requires driving, you may face unemployment. And imagine the impact on your children if you can no longer drive them to school or activities.

Said Col. Matthew C. Packard, Chief of the Colorado State Patrol.

One Bad Decision Can Change Everything

All of the above is just for the first conviction for driving under the influence. Repeat offenders see much harsher penalties. Losing your license can really put a cramp in your everyday life.

READ MORE: Colorado Highway Patrol Warns Drivers About Speeding

So the next time you think you can drive after a couple of drinks, just don't. Call a friend, call an Uber, just don't drive under the influence; it's simply not worth it.