Colorado CDL DUI Consequences
Colorado's I-70 and I-25 corridors carry significant freight. A DUI (or even DWAI) means federal CDL disqualification plus Colorado's state penalties with a lifetime lookback for felony DUI.
Federal + State: You Face Both
As a CDL holder arrested for DUI in Colorado, you're subject to federal CDL disqualification (1 year minimum) AND Colorado state criminal penalties. Colorado also has DWAI (Driving While Ability Impaired) at 0.05% BAC—a lower threshold than standard DUI.
Colorado DUI/DWAI Criminal Penalties
Colorado has both DWAI (0.05-0.079%) and DUI (0.08%+) charges
| Offense | Jail Time | Fines | License |
|---|---|---|---|
| 1st DWAI (0.05-0.079%) | 2-180 days | $200 - $500 | 8 points |
| 1st DUI (0.08%+) | 5 days - 1 year | $600 - $1,000 | 9 months revocation |
| 2nd DUI | 10 days - 1 year | $600 - $1,500 | 1-year revocation |
| 3rd DUI | 60 days - 1 year | $600 - $1,500 | 2-year revocation |
| 4th+ DUI (Felony) | 2-6 years prison | $2,000 - $500,000 | Revoked |
Colorado's Felony DUI: A fourth or subsequent DUI is an automatic felony with a lifetime lookback. All prior alcohol-related driving offenses count, no matter how long ago.
Commercial Vehicle Impound in Colorado
Denver metro and the I-70 mountain corridor present unique towing challenges
Towing Costs
- •Base hook-up: $275-$450
- •Per-mile charges: $5-$10/mile
- •Mountain recovery: $800-$3,000+/hour
- •I-70 mountain corridor adds significant premium
Storage Fees
- •Tractor: $50-$100/day
- •Trailer: $30-$60/day (separate)
- •Administrative fee: $50-$100
- •Mountain facilities may have higher rates
Colorado Impound Release Requirements
To retrieve a commercial vehicle from a Colorado impound lot:
- • Valid government ID
- • Proof of ownership or registration
- • If carrier sending another driver: Written authorization from registered owner
- • Full payment of all fees
Colorado Express Consent
Colorado's Express Consent law requires you to submit to chemical testing if arrested for DUI. Refusal results in automatic license revocation. CDL holders face this AND federal CDL disqualification.
7-Day Deadline
You have only 7 days to request a DMV hearing after arrest or test refusal. Missing this deadline results in automatic license revocation.
Finding a SAP in Colorado
Colorado has DOT-qualified Substance Abuse Professionals in the Denver metro, Colorado Springs, Fort Collins, and Grand Junction areas.
Telehealth SAP evaluations are available statewide, particularly useful for drivers based in the mountain communities or eastern plains.
How to find and work with a SAPFederal CDL Regulations
For information about federal CDL disqualification, the FMCSA Clearinghouse, and the Return-to-Duty process that applies nationwide:
CDL DUI Federal GuideRelated Colorado DUI Guides
Sources & Official Resources
Information on this page is sourced from Colorado state statutes and federal regulations.
- Colorado Revised Statutes Title 42 - DUI/DWAI Laws
- 49 CFR § 383.51 - Federal CDL Disqualification
- Colorado DMV - License Revocation
Last updated: January 8, 2026
Need a Colorado CDL DUI Attorney?
Colorado's DWAI/DUI distinction and express consent laws require specialized defense. Find an attorney who understands both Colorado law and federal CDL consequences.
Find Colorado CDL Attorney