Driving on a suspended license in Colorado is a criminal offense that carries jail time, fines, and a longer suspension

If your Colorado driver's license is suspended, you cannot legally drive any vehicle on public roads. Driving anyway is a misdemeanor crime. A first offense carries up to 10 days in jail and a fine of $50 to $300. A second or subsequent offense within five years becomes a Class 4 felony, with 2 to 6 years in prison and fines up to $500. The Colorado Department of Revenue will also extend your suspension by at least one year for each violation.

The suspension itself is separate from the criminal charge. Even if you are not caught driving, the suspension remains active until you meet the conditions to restore your license. Those conditions depend on why your license was suspended in the first place.

Key Takeaways

  • Driving on a suspended Colorado license is a misdemeanor on the first offense and a felony on the second, with jail time and fines in both cases.
  • Your suspension will be extended by at least one year if you are convicted of driving while suspended, making it harder to get your license back.
  • Colorado allows limited driving privileges for work, school, or medical treatment in some suspension cases, but you must request them through the court or DMV.
  • To restore your license, you must satisfy the original reason for suspension (such as paying a fine, completing a DUI program, or serving a suspension period) and pay a reinstatement fee.
  • If you need to drive during a suspension, a restricted license or work permit is your only legal option; there is no way around the suspension itself.

Why Colorado suspends licenses and what that means for you

Colorado suspends licenses for many reasons: unpaid traffic fines, DUI convictions, accumulating too many points, failure to appear in court, unpaid child support, or medical conditions that make driving unsafe. Each reason has its own rules for how long the suspension lasts and what you must do to end it.

A suspension is not the same as a revocation. A suspension is temporary—you can eventually restore your license by meeting specific conditions. A revocation is permanent or nearly permanent and usually follows serious violations like multiple DUIs. Most Colorado suspensions last between 3 months and 3 years, depending on the cause.

While your license is suspended, you have no legal right to drive. This applies even if you own the vehicle, even if you are driving to work, and even if you are driving someone else's car. The suspension follows you, not the vehicle.

Limited driving privileges and work permits in Colorado

Colorado allows you to request limited driving privileges (also called a work permit or restricted license) in some suspension cases. These are not automatic—you must ask for them, and approval depends on the reason for your suspension and your circumstances.

Limited driving privileges are most commonly granted for suspensions related to unpaid fines, points accumulation, or administrative reasons. They are rarely granted for DUI suspensions, though some exceptions exist if you install an ignition interlock device. The privileges usually allow you to drive only to and from work, school, medical appointments, or court-ordered treatment.

To request limited driving privileges, contact the court that issued the suspension or the Colorado Department of Revenue. You will need to show that driving is necessary for your job, education, or health care. The court or DMV will decide whether to grant the request and what conditions explore. If approved, you will receive a restricted license that specifies where and when you can drive.

How to restore your Colorado driver's license after suspension

The steps to restore your license depend on why it was suspended. However, all restorations follow the same basic pattern: satisfy the original condition, pay a reinstatement fee, and submit proof to the Colorado Department of Revenue.

For suspensions due to unpaid fines, you must pay the full amount owed plus court costs. For DUI suspensions, you must complete a substance abuse treatment program and install an ignition interlock device (in most cases). For point-based suspensions, you straightforward wait out the suspension period—usually 3 to 12 months—and then request reinstatement. For failure to appear, you must resolve the underlying case in court.

Once you have met the condition, contact the Colorado Department of Revenue's Driver License Services. You will need to pay a reinstatement fee, which varies by the type of suspension but typically ranges from $100 to $150. Submit proof that you have satisfied the suspension requirement (a court order, a treatment completion letter, proof of payment, or a letter from the court). The DMV will process your request and mail you a new license.

The reinstatement fee and what it covers

Colorado charges a reinstatement fee to restore a suspended license. The fee is not a fine—it is an administrative cost to process your case and reissue your license. The amount depends on the type of suspension. Most reinstatement fees are between $100 and $150, though some specialized suspensions may cost more.

The reinstatement fee is separate from any fines, court costs, or treatment program fees you may owe. If your suspension was due to unpaid fines, you must pay both the original fine and the reinstatement fee. If you cannot afford the fee, contact the Colorado Department of Revenue to ask about payment plans or fee waivers based on financial hardship.

What happens if you are caught driving on a suspended license

If a police officer stops you and discovers your license is suspended, you will be cited for driving with a suspended license. You will be arrested or given a ticket, depending on the circumstances and the officer's judgment. A first offense is a Class 2 misdemeanor, carrying up to 10 days in jail and a fine of $50 to $300.

If you are convicted, the court will extend your suspension by at least one year. This means your original suspension period starts over, plus an additional year is added. A second or subsequent offense within five years is a Class 4 felony, with 2 to 6 years in prison and fines up to $500. You will also face a mandatory one-year license suspension on top of any existing suspension.

The criminal record from a driving-while-suspended conviction will appear on background checks and can affect employment, housing, and insurance. It is not a minor traffic violation—it is a criminal offense that stays on your record.

How to check if your Colorado license is suspended

You can check your license status through the Colorado Department of Revenue website or by calling their Driver License Services office. Go to the DMV's online portal, enter your driver's license number and date of birth, and you will see whether your license is active, suspended, or revoked. You will also see the reason for any suspension and the date it is scheduled to end.

If you do not have internet access, call the Colorado Department of Revenue at 303-205-5613. Have your driver's license number and date of birth ready. A staff member can tell you your status and explain what you need to do to restore your license.

Checking your status does not cost anything and does not trigger any action against you. It is a good idea to check before you drive, especially if you have received a notice of suspension or have not driven in a while.

Frequently Asked Questions

Can I drive to the DMV to restore my license if it is suspended?

No. Driving anywhere while suspended is illegal, even to the DMV. You will need to have someone else drive you, use public transportation, or request limited driving privileges first. If you have a work permit, check whether it allows you to drive to the DMV—most do not, since the DMV is not a work, school, or medical location.

What if I did not know my license was suspended?

Lack of knowledge is not a legal defense. Colorado sends suspension notices by mail to the address on file with the DMV. If you did not receive the notice, you are still responsible for knowing your license status. Check the DMV website or call to confirm your address is current. If you were driving without knowing about the suspension, you can still be charged with driving while suspended.

Can I get a hardship license or work permit for any type of suspension?

No. Limited driving privileges are granted at the discretion of the court or DMV and depend on the reason for suspension. They are most commonly available for administrative suspensions and point-based suspensions. DUI suspensions rarely may have access to unless you install an ignition interlock device. Contact the court or DMV to ask whether your specific suspension allows for a work permit.

How long does it take to restore my license after I pay the reinstatement fee?

Processing typically takes 5 to 10 business days after the DMV receives your reinstatement fee and proof that you have satisfied the suspension requirement. Your new license will be mailed to your address on file. If you need to drive before the new license arrives, ask the DMV for a temporary driving permit, which you can use for a limited time.

Will a driving-while-suspended conviction affect my car insurance?

Yes. A conviction for driving while suspended is a serious violation that will significantly increase your insurance rates or cause your insurer to cancel your policy. Some insurers will not cover drivers with this conviction. If you are convicted, contact your insurance company to report it and ask about your options. You may need to find a high-risk insurer that specializes in drivers with violations.