The ignition interlock law came into effect in Colorado on January 1st, 2007. It requires all drivers who test over 0.17 BAC (blood alcohol content) to install and drive with an interlock device in their car for at least two years after your license is un-suspended. Repeat offenders may be required to have the interlock system for up to five years.

So what is the ignition interlock system? It's a breathalyzer in your car. Every time you put your key into the ignition, the interlock system boots up and requires you to blow into it. If you have alcohol on your breath, your car will not start. It also requires you to blow into it at random times while you're driving, and if it detects alcohol your car will cease to operate. This is because it's not hard to find a sober person to start your car, but unless they're going home with you, you will get caught.



In 2005, New Mexico became one of the first states to require interlocks for all first time DUI offenders. Since then, alcohol-related fatalities in the state have fallen by 20 percent.

The cost of an interlock system is about $75 dollars per month, plus an installation fee. Each car registered to you must have an interlock device installed in it. There are very few places in Colorado who have been contracted by the state to install the interlock system, and here they are:

Smart Start Inc.
1-800-880-3394
Westminster, CO 80030

National Interlock Services Ltd.
1-800-475-5490
Aurora, CO 80011

Guardian Interlock Systems
1-800-499-0994
Denver, CO 80022

Draeger Safety Diagnostics, Inc.
1-800-332-6858
Denver CO 80216

For a non-state-contracted store, you can check out this list of stores at Smart Start Colorado.

Here is The Official Interlock Brochure from the Colorado Department of Revenue.