Routt County License Hearing Guide

How to request your Administrative License Hearing and protect your driving privileges after a DUI arrest.

Last verified: January 27, 2026

15-Day Deadline

You have exactly 15 days from your arrest to request a hearing. Miss this deadline and your license is automatically suspended. No exceptions.

Enter your arrest date to see your deadline:

Select arrest date

If You Request in Time

  • • Temporary permit until hearing
  • • Chance to keep your license
  • • Gather evidence for defense

If You Miss the Deadline

  • • Automatic 90-180 day suspension
  • • No hearing, no appeal
  • • Starts after waiting period

How to Request Your Hearing

Fastest Method

Online Request

Fee: Typically $50-$125

Available: 24/7

Instant confirmation

Alternative

Phone Request

Fee: Same as online

Hours: Business hours only

Expect hold times

Information You'll Need

From Your Notice:

  • • Driver License Number
  • • Date of Arrest
  • • Arresting Agency
  • • Arresting Officer Name

Personal Information:

  • • Full Legal Name
  • • Current Address
  • • Date of Birth
  • • Phone Number & Email

After You Request

1

Temporary Permit

Immediate

Drive legally until your hearing

2

Hearing Notice

20-40 days

Date, time, and format mailed to you

3

Prepare Defense

Before hearing

Gather evidence, hire attorney

4

Attend Hearing

Scheduled date

Usually phone or video

5

Decision

Same day

Win: keep license. Lose: suspension starts

What to Expect at the Hearing

Most hearings are by phone or video

You usually don't need to travel. When you receive your hearing notice, it will specify whether it's phone, video, or in-person.

Duration

30-60 minutes typically

Who's There

You, your attorney (optional), state attorney, hearing officer

What They Review

Probable cause for stop, proper arrest procedure, test validity

Evidence That Can Help

  • Dashcam or bodycam footage showing procedural errors
  • Breathalyzer calibration records (if not current)
  • Witness statements about your sobriety
  • Medical conditions affecting field sobriety tests

Should You Hire an Attorney?

With an Attorney

  • Can subpoena arresting officer
  • Knows how to challenge evidence
  • Uses hearing to strengthen criminal defense
  • Higher success rate at hearings

Without an Attorney

  • State has experienced attorney present
  • May not know proper objections
  • Can't effectively cross-examine officers
  • Lower win rate statistically
Find DUI Attorneys in Routt County

If You Lose Your Hearing

Losing the hearing isn't the end. You still have options to maintain limited driving privileges:

Ignition Interlock

Drive with device installed

Occupational License

Limited driving for work/essentials

FAQ

Related Guides

Court Process
Criminal case timeline
Bail & Bond
Getting released

The "Seven-Day Rule" for DMV hearing requests acts as a primary filter in Routt County, often catching DUI defendants unaware before they have secured legal counsel. This means you have a very limited window to protect your driving privileges after a DUI arrest.

Understanding the Colorado DMV Hearing (Express Consent)

In Colorado, a DUI arrest triggers two separate legal processes: a criminal case in court and an administrative case with the Department of Motor Vehicles (DMV). The DMV case, often referred to as an "Express Consent" or "ALR" (Administrative License Revocation) hearing, determines whether your driver's license will be suspended. This is entirely separate from the criminal court case.

The Critical 7-Day Deadline in Routt County

After a DUI arrest in Routt County, you have only 7 calendar days to request a hearing with the Colorado DMV to contest the suspension of your driver's license. This deadline is strict and unforgiving. Missing it results in an automatic license suspension. Given the operational tempo of the Routt County justice system, acting swiftly is critical.

Requesting Your DMV Hearing

While an online request URL is not available, contact information to request a hearing is:

  • Phone

Consequences of License Suspension

Failing to request a hearing, or losing the hearing, will result in a driver's license suspension.

Why You Need a Routt County DUI Attorney Immediately

Given the short timeframe, consulting with a DUI attorney who is familiar with the Routt County legal landscape is crucial. An attorney can:

  • Ensure the hearing request is filed correctly and on time.
  • Gather and present evidence to challenge the suspension.
  • Represent you at the DMV hearing.
  • Navigate the complexities of Routt County's judicial system.

The Routt County Detention Center (Jail) is located at 2027 Shield Drive, Steamboat Springs.

Sources
  • Colorado Department of Motor Vehicles / Public Safety
  • Colorado Administrative Code - License Suspension Procedures

Last updated: January 27, 2026

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