If you have been required by the court or the Department of Motor Vehicles (DMV) in Colorado to install an ignition interlock device (IID), one of the first questions that may come to mind is simple yet important: Can I legally drive my car to the appointment to have the interlock installed?
This is a question that drivers in Colorado Springs and throughout the state face every day. The laws surrounding ignition interlock devices can be confusing, especially if this is your first experience dealing with one. The rules depend on your driving status, the specific requirements of your license reinstatement, and whether you have obtained the proper documentation from the DMV.
In this guide, we will break down everything you need to know about driving to your interlock installation appointment in Colorado Springs. We will explore how ignition interlock laws work in Colorado, whether you are allowed to drive before installation, what steps you should take to stay compliant, and what risks you face if you ignore the rules.
By the end of this article, you will have a clear understanding of the legal and practical issues surrounding ignition interlock installation so you can move forward with confidence.
What Is an Ignition Interlock Device?
An ignition interlock device (IID) is a small, breathalyzer-like tool that is installed in your vehicle’s ignition system. Before you can start the car, you must blow into the device. If alcohol is detected above a set limit, the car will not start.
In Colorado, ignition interlock devices are often required after a DUI conviction or when a driver’s blood alcohol concentration (BAC) was above the legal limit. The purpose of the device is not only to deter repeat offenses but also to allow drivers to regain limited driving privileges while proving their commitment to sober driving.
The Legal Framework in Colorado
Colorado has strict DUI laws, and ignition interlock requirements are a key part of its enforcement. If you are convicted of driving under the influence or have your license revoked for alcohol-related reasons, the DMV may require you to have an interlock installed before you can legally drive again.
To drive legally with an interlock, you must:
- Apply for early license reinstatement through the Colorado DMV.
- Provide proof of SR-22 insurance (a high-risk insurance certificate).
- Enroll in and maintain alcohol education or treatment programs if required.
- Have an approved ignition interlock device installed by a certified provider.
Until you complete these steps, you are not legally permitted to drive.
The Big Question: Can You Drive to the Installation Appointment?
The answer depends on your driving status. Here are the key scenarios:
1. If Your License Is Revoked and Not Yet Reinstated
If your license has been revoked due to a DUI or other offense and you have not yet applied for early reinstatement, you cannot legally drive under any circumstances. This includes driving to your interlock installation appointment. Doing so could result in serious consequences, including extended license suspension, additional fines, and even possible jail time.
2. If You Have Conditional or Early License Reinstatement Approval
If you have already gone through the DMV process and received approval for early reinstatement contingent upon installing an ignition interlock device, you may be able to drive to the appointment. However, this usually requires a specific written instruction or restricted license that permits driving to and from the interlock service provider. Without this authorization, driving is still illegal.
3. If You Are Unsure of Your Status
If you are not certain whether you are legally allowed to drive before the installation, the safest approach is to avoid driving and arrange alternate transportation. This could mean asking a family member, friend, or using a rideshare service to get to the installation center.
Why You Should Avoid Risking It
It might seem tempting to simply drive to the appointment, especially if the service center is only a few miles away. However, doing so can put you at significant risk. Here are some reasons why you should think twice before taking that chance:
- Additional Penalties: Driving on a revoked license is a criminal offense in Colorado. If caught, you could face additional suspension time, fines, and possible jail time.
- Insurance Issues: If you drive without a valid license and get into an accident, your insurance may not cover damages, leaving you financially responsible.
- Court Violations: Violating the terms of your suspension or reinstatement could damage your case and reduce your chances of regaining full driving privileges in the future.
Practical Solutions for Getting to Your Appointment
Since driving without a valid license or without proper authorization is risky, here are safe alternatives for getting to your interlock installation appointment in Colorado Springs:
- Have a friend or family member drive your car to the service center. Once the device is installed, you will be able to operate the car legally if you have reinstated your license with restrictions.
- Use a rideshare service such as Uber or Lyft to get to the appointment. You can have the device installed and then legally drive home afterward, provided your license has been reinstated.
- Check with your interlock provider. Some companies may offer mobile installation services, where a technician comes to your location and installs the device on-site. This eliminates the need for you to drive at all.
- Public transportation is also an option if available and convenient in your area.
What Happens During the Installation?
When you arrive at the interlock service center, the process is straightforward:
- Inspection: The technician will inspect your vehicle and explain how the interlock works.
- Installation: The device will be wired into your vehicle’s ignition system. This usually takes one to two hours.
- Training: You will be shown how to properly use the device, including how to blow into the mouthpiece and how to respond to rolling retests while driving.
- Paperwork: You will receive proof of installation that must be submitted to the DMV to confirm compliance.
Once the process is complete, you are legally allowed to drive with the device, provided your restricted license is active.
Staying Compliant After Installation
Having the device installed is only the beginning. To keep your driving privileges, you must follow strict rules:
- Always blow into the device before starting the car.
- Submit to rolling retests when prompted while driving.
- Attend monthly service visits for calibration and data downloads.
- Avoid tampering with the device. Attempting to remove or disable it can lead to further legal trouble.
- Stay sober. Any failed test is recorded and sent to the DMV. Multiple violations can result in license revocation.
Common Misconceptions About Driving to an Installation Appointment
Many drivers in Colorado Springs have questions or misconceptions about interlock rules. Let’s clear up a few:
- “It’s just a short drive, no one will know.” Even a short drive is risky if you are stopped by police. Colorado takes driving under revocation very seriously.
- “The DMV will understand since I was heading to an installation.” Unfortunately, the law does not allow exceptions unless you have received explicit written authorization.
- “I can install the device myself.” This is not allowed. Only state-approved providers can install and certify interlock devices.
- “Once I have the device installed, I can drive anywhere without restrictions.” Driving privileges remain restricted until you have served the required interlock period and the DMV lifts your conditions.
Tips for a Smooth Process
If you are preparing for your ignition interlock installation, here are some tips to make the process easier:
- Confirm your legal status with the Colorado DMV before scheduling your appointment.
- Schedule early to avoid delays in regaining your driving privileges.
- Bring all necessary paperwork including reinstatement approval letters and proof of insurance.
- Ask your provider questions about maintenance, fees, and monitoring so you know what to expect.
Conclusion:
So, can you drive to get your interlock installed in Colorado Springs? The short answer is only if you have been legally authorized to do so through early reinstatement and proper documentation from the DMV. If your license is still revoked and you do not have official approval, driving to your appointment is not allowed and could result in serious consequences.
The safest choice is to arrange for alternate transportation until the device is installed and your restricted license is in effect. Once the interlock is in place and your license reinstatement is confirmed, you will have the freedom to drive legally again, though under monitored conditions.
Understanding and following the rules may feel overwhelming, but staying compliant ensures that you stay on the right path to regaining your independence. With careful planning and the right support, you can successfully navigate this process and move forward with a clean driving record.