Colorado’s Interlock Exemption Form

You can usually continue driving after a Colorado DUI as long as you get a breathalyzer called an ignition interlock device (IID) installed in your car(s). However, drivers with asthma or other lung conditions may have a difficult time providing an adequate breath sample. If you have a medical condition that prevents you from blowing hard into the IID, your IID provider can lower the required breath volume on your device. For this to happen, you must first:

1. Get a notarized statement by your physician explaining why you are unable to provide a regular breath sample; and
2. Provide this statement to the Colorado Department of Motor Vehicles (DMV) and wait for their approval.

There is no special form for you to fill out. Just make sure that your physician’s statement is properly notarized, and you are advised to bring this form personally to the DMV so it does not get lost in the mail backlog. Continue reading for more information about driving following a Colorado drunk driving arrest.

What are the requirements for getting an IID restricted license?

To obtain an IID restricted driver’s license in Colorado, you first must have an IID installed in all the cars you drive by a DMV-approved provider, such as:

• Guardian,
• Intoxalock,
• LifeSafer, and
• Smart Start.

Then submit the completed affidavit and application forms with the Colorado DMV as soon as possible. You must include a check or money order for $95 made out to “The Department of Revenue.” Note that you must also have completed any other requirements that the court ordered in your case. This often includes getting an alcohol assessment and obtaining SR22 insurance (“proof of financial liability”). If you have other questions about requirements for your particular case, you can contact the Colorado DMV customer service line at 303-205-5613.¹

How do IIDs work?

Ignition interlock devices (IIDs) are small breathalizers attached to your steering wheel. It disables your vehicle if it registers are blood alcohol content (BAC) of .025% or higher. These test results are logged and transmitted to the Colorado DMV. If you fail three tests within a year, the DMV may require you to drive with the IID for additional time.²

What if I tamper with the IID?

Tampering with your IID will cause your restricted license to be revoked. This means you may not drive during the remainder of your license revocation period.

“Tampering” comprises removing, disabling, or having a non-driver breathe into the IID. (IIDs have cameras that record who is blowing into the device.)

Note that you also face Colorado criminal charges for tampering with an IID. It is a class 2 misdemeanor carrying up to 120 days in jail and/or up to $750 in fines.³

How much does it cost?

In Colorado, installing IIDs costs about $200, and the monthly lease payment is about $90. However, you may be eligible for financial assistance if you are indigent.⁴ As discussed above, getting an IID restricted license costs $95. Plus, all of this is in addition to any DUI-related costs, such as criminal fines and SR22 insurance. Learn more in our article, How much does an interlock cost in Colorado?

How long do I need to keep my IID?

In Colorado, the typical IID requirement is nine months for a first-time DUI and two years for successive DUIs. Though if it is your first DUI, you may be able to get your IID removed after only four months (five months early) if all of the following are true:

1. Your blood alcohol content (BAC) was less than 0.15%;
2. You were at least 21 at the time of the DUI;
3. You are a Colorado resident; and
4. You were in full compliance with all IID requirements for four consecutive months (for example, no failed tests and no tampering).⁵

Learn more in our article, How can I get early removal of an IID in Colorado?

Additional Resources

For more information, refer to these Colorado DMV websites:

• Ignition Interlock Restricted License – Overview of how you can continue driving with an IID in your car.
• Early Reinstatement (Interlock) – How you can get your IID removed early.
• Approved Interlock Vendors – List of where you can get IIDs recognized by the courts.
• Financial Assistance for Ignition Interlock – Information on how to get financial help to pay for IIDs.
• SR-22 and Insurance Information – Current laws on when you need proof of financial responsibility and for how long.

Also see our article, Colorado’s Interlock Rules – 6 Key Questions Answered.

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