Driving on a suspended license in Colorado is a crime, and the penalties depend on why your license was suspended and whether you knew it was suspended

If you drive in Colorado while your license is suspended, you can be charged with driving with a suspended license — a separate offense from whatever caused the suspension in the first place. The charge is a misdemeanor, and the penalties include fines, jail time, and a longer suspension. Colorado law distinguishes between driving with knowledge of suspension and driving without knowledge, and between different reasons for suspension (like DUI, unpaid tickets, or medical reasons). Each combination carries different consequences.

The most important thing to know is that you cannot legally drive during a suspension period, even to work, to court, or to get to a doctor. Colorado does not issue "hardship licenses" or "work permits" that let you drive for essential purposes during a suspension. Your only legal option is to not drive, use other transportation, or resolve the suspension before getting behind the wheel.

Key Takeaways

  • Driving on a suspended license in Colorado is a misdemeanor with fines starting at $300 to $1,000 and possible jail time of up to 90 days.
  • Colorado does not issue hardship or work permits that allow you to drive during a suspension for any reason.
  • The penalty is harsher if you knew your license was suspended, and harsher still if the suspension was for a DUI or reckless driving conviction.
  • A second or later offense within seven years can result in up to six months in jail and fines up to $1,500.
  • You can request a hearing with the Colorado Department of Revenue to challenge the suspension or ask for reinstatement before the suspension period ends.

Penalties for a first offense

A first offense of driving with a suspended license in Colorado is a Class 2 misdemeanor. The fine ranges from $300 to $1,000, and you can be sentenced to up to 90 days in jail. The court may also impose probation, community service, or both. Additionally, your license suspension will be extended — the court can add time to your existing suspension or impose a new suspension period.

The exact penalty depends on whether you knew your license was suspended. If you did not know, the charge may be reduced or the sentence may be lighter. However, Colorado assumes you know the status of your own license, so claiming ignorance is difficult unless you can show you never received notice of the suspension or that the suspension was issued in error.

If your suspension was for a DUI, reckless driving, or habitual traffic offender status, the penalties are more severe. You may face higher fines, longer jail sentences, and mandatory completion of a substance abuse treatment program or traffic safety course.

Penalties for repeat offenses within seven years

If you are convicted of driving with a suspended license a second time within seven years of the first conviction, the charge becomes a Class 1 misdemeanor. The fine increases to $500 to $1,500, and jail time can be up to six months. A third or subsequent offense within seven years carries the same Class 1 misdemeanor penalties.

The seven-year window is measured from the date of the first conviction, not from the date of the offense. This means even if your suspension has ended, a new violation within seven years of your prior conviction will be treated as a repeat offense.

Why Colorado does not issue hardship or work permits

Many states allow drivers to obtain a restricted or hardship license during a suspension, permitting limited driving to work, school, or medical appointments. Colorado does not. Once your license is suspended, you cannot legally drive for any reason during the suspension period, regardless of hardship or necessity.

The only exception is if you are may be able to access for reinstatement before the suspension period ends. For some suspensions — such as those for unpaid traffic fines or failure to pay child support — you can resolve the underlying issue and request early reinstatement from the Colorado Department of Revenue. For other suspensions, such as those for DUI convictions, you must wait out the full suspension period.

How to check if your license is suspended in Colorado

You can check your license status through the Colorado Department of Revenue's online system or by calling the Driver License Section at 303-205-5613. You will need your driver's license number or Social Security number. The system will tell you whether your license is suspended, the reason for the suspension, and the date it will be reinstated.

If you are unsure whether your license is suspended, check before you drive. Claiming you did not know is not a legal defense, and the consequences of driving on a suspended license are serious. If you discover your license is suspended, do not drive. Instead, contact the Colorado Department of Revenue to understand your options for reinstatement.

Steps to reinstate a suspended license in Colorado

The reinstatement process depends on why your license was suspended. For suspensions related to unpaid fines, child support, or other financial obligations, you must pay the amount owed. For suspensions related to a DUI conviction, you must wait out the suspension period and then submit a reinstatement request and pay a reinstatement fee (typically $100 to $150).

For some suspensions, you may be required to complete a course or program before reinstatement. For example, if your suspension was for a DUI, you may need to complete a substance abuse treatment program or an alcohol education course. If your suspension was for a medical reason, you may need to provide a doctor's clearance.

Once you have met all requirements, submit a reinstatement request to the Colorado Department of Revenue. Processing typically takes one to two weeks. You will receive a new license in the mail or can pick it up at a driver license office.

What to do if you are stopped while driving on a suspended license

If a police officer stops you and discovers your license is suspended, you will likely be cited for driving with a suspended license. Do not argue with the officer or claim you did not know. Remain calm, provide your identification, and ask for a copy of the citation. The citation will include information about your court date and your options for responding.

After you are cited, you have the right to request a hearing in traffic court. At the hearing, you can contest the charge, present evidence, or negotiate a plea agreement with the prosecutor. If you cannot afford an attorney, you can request a public defender. Do not ignore the citation or fail to appear in court — doing so will result in an additional charge and may lead to arrest.

Frequently Asked Questions

Can I drive to work if my license is suspended in Colorado?

No. Colorado does not issue hardship or work permits during a suspension. Driving for any reason — including work, school, or medical appointments — is illegal and can result in a misdemeanor charge. Your only options are to use other transportation, resolve the suspension early if possible, or wait until the suspension period ends.

What is the difference between a suspended license and a revoked license in Colorado?

A suspended license is temporary — it will be reinstated after a set period or once you meet certain conditions. A revoked license is permanent, and you must reapply for a new license after a waiting period (usually one to five years). Revocation is typically imposed for serious violations like multiple DUIs or habitual traffic offender status. Driving on a revoked license carries harsher penalties than driving on a suspended license.

Will a driving on suspended license charge show up on my background check?

Yes. A misdemeanor conviction will appear on your criminal record and may show up on background checks conducted by employers, landlords, or other organizations. The conviction will remain on your record permanently unless you petition to have it sealed or expunged, which is possible in some cases but not may provide.

Can I get the charge dismissed if I reinstate my license before court?

Reinstating your license does not automatically dismiss the charge. You will still need to appear in court and respond to the citation. However, reinstatement before your court date may be viewed favorably by the judge and could result in a reduced sentence or dismissal, depending on the circumstances and the prosecutor's recommendation.

How long does a suspension stay on my driving record in Colorado?

The length of time depends on the reason for suspension. Most suspensions last from a few months to several years. After the suspension ends and your license is reinstated, the suspension itself remains on your driving record for seven years. This affects your insurance rates and can influence penalties if you receive another traffic violation during that seven-year period.