Colorado's Class R is a restricted license for certain traffic violations

A Class R driver's license in Colorado is a restricted license issued after you have been convicted of certain traffic offenses, most commonly driving under the influence (DUI) or driving with a suspended or revoked license. It allows you to drive, but only for specific purposes — typically work, school, medical appointments, and court-ordered programs — and only during hours set by the court or the Colorado Department of Revenue.

The Class R is not something you request. The court or the Department of Revenue issues it as part of a sentence or as a condition of license reinstatement. You cannot hold a Class R and a regular license at the same time; the Class R replaces your regular driving privilege during the restriction period.

The restrictions attached to a Class R vary depending on your offense and the judge's order. Some Class R licenses allow driving only between 5 a.m. and 8 p.m. Others may restrict you to driving only to and from work, or only to court-ordered treatment. Violating the terms of your Class R — for example, driving outside the permitted hours or for an unpermitted purpose — is a separate criminal offense and can result in additional charges.

Key Takeaways

  • A Class R license is issued by a Colorado court or the Department of Revenue as a restriction, not a choice, usually after a DUI or suspended license conviction.
  • You can drive only for purposes listed in your court order or Department of Revenue restriction, such as work, school, medical care, or treatment programs.
  • Your Class R license will show specific hours during which you are permitted to drive, and driving outside those hours is a criminal violation.
  • You must carry proof of your permitted purpose (such as an employment letter or school enrollment) when driving on a Class R license.
  • A Class R is temporary; once you meet the conditions for reinstatement, you can return to a regular license.

When Colorado issues a Class R license

Colorado courts issue a Class R license most often after a DUI conviction. If your license was suspended or revoked due to a DUI, the court may allow you to drive on a Class R for essential purposes while you serve the suspension period. The length of the restriction depends on whether it is your first offense, whether you refused a breath test, and whether anyone was injured.

A Class R can also be issued if your license was suspended for accumulating too many points, or if you were convicted of driving with a suspended or revoked license. In these cases, the Department of Revenue may issue a Class R as an alternative to a complete driving ban, allowing you to maintain limited driving privileges while you work toward reinstatement.

The court or the Department of Revenue will specify the exact terms in writing. You will receive a document listing the permitted purposes, the hours you may drive, and any other conditions. This document is as important as your physical license card — you must carry it with you whenever you drive.

What purposes you can drive for on a Class R

The permitted purposes on a Class R license are set by the court or the Department of Revenue and are written into your restriction order. Common permitted purposes include:

  • Driving to and from your place of employment
  • Driving to and from school or a training program
  • Driving to and from court-ordered treatment, counseling, or rehabilitation programs
  • Driving to medical appointments or to obtain medication
  • Driving to meet with your probation officer or attorney

Some Class R orders also allow driving for essential household purposes such as grocery shopping or paying bills, but this varies. You cannot assume a purpose is permitted unless it is explicitly listed in your restriction order. If you are unsure whether a particular trip is allowed, contact the court that issued your restriction or the Colorado Department of Revenue before you drive.

You should carry documentation of your permitted purpose when you drive. For example, if you are driving to work, carry a letter from your employer on company letterhead stating your job title and work schedule. If you are driving to treatment, carry an appointment card or letter from the treatment provider. If you are stopped by police, this documentation can prevent a citation for violating your restriction.

Hours and other restrictions on a Class R license

Most Class R licenses in Colorado come with time restrictions. A common restriction is that you may drive only between 5 a.m. and 8 p.m., Monday through Friday, though the exact hours vary by case. Some Class R orders may allow driving 24 hours a day for work purposes if you work a night shift, but this must be approved in writing by the court or the Department of Revenue.

In addition to time restrictions, your Class R may require you to install an ignition interlock device in your vehicle. An ignition interlock is a breathalyzer connected to your car's ignition; you must blow into it before the car will start, and it will not start if it detects alcohol. Ignition interlock is mandatory for most DUI convictions in Colorado, regardless of whether you receive a Class R license.

Your Class R order may also require you to maintain proof of insurance and to report any traffic violations or arrests to the court or the Department of Revenue within a set number of days. Failure to comply with any condition of your Class R — including maintaining insurance, installing an interlock, or reporting violations — can result in additional criminal charges and the when ready revocation of your Class R driving privilege.

How long a Class R license lasts

The duration of a Class R license depends on the offense and the court's sentence. For a first DUI offense, a Class R may last for several months to a year. For a second or subsequent DUI, or for other serious violations, a Class R may last longer. The court will specify the end date of your restriction in the order it issues to you.

A Class R is not permanent. Once you have completed the terms of your restriction — such as finishing a court-ordered treatment program, serving the suspension period, or meeting other conditions set by the court — you can petition the court or the Department of Revenue for reinstatement of your regular license. Reinstatement is not automatic; you must request it and may be required to pay a reinstatement fee, which varies by county.

If you are unsure of the end date of your Class R or what conditions you must meet for reinstatement, contact the court that issued your restriction or call the Colorado Department of Revenue's Driver License Services section at 303-205-5613.

Violations and penalties for breaking Class R terms

Driving outside the permitted hours, for an unpermitted purpose, or without the required documentation is a violation of your Class R restriction. This is not a minor traffic ticket; it is a criminal offense in Colorado. A violation can result in arrest, criminal charges, jail time, fines, and the when ready revocation of your Class R license.

If you are stopped by police while driving on a Class R, the officer will ask to see your license and your restriction order. You must provide both. If you cannot produce your restriction order, or if the officer determines you are driving outside the permitted hours or purposes, you can be cited or arrested on the spot.

Even a single violation of your Class R terms can extend your restriction period, add additional criminal charges to your record, and make it much harder to regain a regular license. If you receive a citation for violating your Class R, contact an attorney when ready. Do not ignore the citation or fail to appear in court.

Getting back to a regular license after a Class R

To return to a regular driver's license, you must complete all conditions of your Class R restriction and then request reinstatement from the court or the Colorado Department of Revenue. The conditions typically include:

  • Serving the full suspension or restriction period without violations
  • Completing any court-ordered treatment, counseling, or education programs
  • Maintaining continuous auto insurance
  • Paying all fines and court costs
  • If required, having an ignition interlock device installed and passing the required monitoring period

Once you have met these conditions, you can file a petition for reinstatement with the court or submit a reinstatement request to the Colorado Department of Revenue. There is a reinstatement fee, which varies by county but typically ranges from $100 to $200. After you pay the fee and your request is approved, you will receive a new regular driver's license in the mail.

If you were required to have an ignition interlock, you must complete the monitoring period (usually six months to one year of clean driving) before the interlock can be removed and your license fully restored. Until the interlock is removed, you will still be restricted to driving only vehicles equipped with the device.

Frequently Asked Questions

Can I drive to places not listed in my Class R order?

No. You can drive only for the purposes explicitly listed in your restriction order. Driving for any other purpose, even if it seems essential, is a violation and a criminal offense. If you need to add a purpose to your Class R, you must petition the court or contact the Colorado Department of Revenue to request a modification.

What happens if I am stopped by police while driving on a Class R?

You must provide your driver's license and your restriction order. The officer will verify that you are driving during permitted hours and for a permitted purpose. If you cannot produce your restriction order or if the officer believes you are in violation, you can be cited or arrested. Always carry your restriction order with you when you drive.

Can I get my Class R restriction removed early?

In some cases, yes. You can petition the court that issued your restriction to request early termination or modification. The court may grant this if you have complied with all terms, completed treatment programs early, or if there are other compelling reasons. However, early removal is not may provide and depends on the judge's discretion.

Do I need an ignition interlock if I have a Class R license?

If your Class R was issued because of a DUI conviction, yes. Colorado law requires an ignition interlock device for most DUI offenses, regardless of whether you have a Class R or a regular license. The interlock must remain installed for the period set by the court, typically six months to one year.

What if I move out of Colorado while I have a Class R license?

Your Class R restriction is tied to Colorado law and the Colorado court that issued it. If you move, you must notify the court and the Colorado Department of Revenue. Some states may not recognize a Colorado Class R, and you may not be able to drive legally in another state on a Colorado Class R license. Contact the court before you move to understand your options.