Drink-driving limits in Colorado (2026)
Last reviewed: 29 October 2026
In short: The state sets a limit of 0.08% blood alcohol for ordinary drivers. Drivers under 21 can lose their licence at 0.02%, and commercial drivers at 0.04%. Sobriety checkpoints are permitted.
| Rule | What applies |
|---|---|
| Maximum penaltiesDriving after drinking alcohol | ⚠ Not yet verified |
| Blood alcohol limit for ordinary driversDriving after drinking alcohol | 0.08 % blood alcohol [1] |
| Random breath tests without suspicionDriving after drinking alcohol | Yes [1] |
| Lower limit for novice or young driversDriving after drinking alcohol | Under 21: the driver licence may be revoked if the blood or breath alcohol content was between 0.02 and 0.079 (express consent revocation): 3 months for a first offence, 24 months for a second and 36 months for a third. [2] |
| Limit for professional or commercial driversDriving after drinking alcohol | Commercial motor vehicle: a commercial driver may have the licence revoked for driving a commercial motor vehicle with a blood alcohol content of 0.04 (for drivers under 21 in a commercial vehicle, at least 0.02 but less than 0.04). [3] |
Notes
- The state's official statute pages could not be read in this round, so nothing is stated for this field.
Sources
- Colorado Department of Transportation: Impaired Driving | Colorado Department of Transportation (consulted 29 October 2026) · all sources
- Colorado Department of Revenue, Motor Vehicle Hearings: Alcohol and Drug Related Offenses (consulted 30 October 2026) · all sources
- Colorado Department of Transportation, Highway Safety Office: State of Colorado Impaired Driving Enforcement Manual 2025 (consulted 30 October 2026) · all sources
National rules that also apply
These rules are set at national level in the United States and apply here too, alongside the rules above. All national rules for the United States
| Limit for professional or commercial drivers | 0.04% alcohol concentration or more: a driver subject to commercial driver's licence rules must not report for or remain on duty performing safety-sensitive functions, and an employer who knows of it must not let the driver continue. (source: Electronic Code of Federal Regulations (Office of the Federal Register)) |
|---|
Colorado and neighbouring states
| State | Blood alcohol limit for ordinary drivers | Lower limit for novice or young drivers | Limit for professional or commercial drivers | Random breath tests without suspicion | Maximum penalties |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Colorado | 0.08% | 0.02% under 21 | 0.04% (commercial vehicle) | Yes, sobriety checkpoints | ⚠ Not yet verified |
| Kansas | 0.08% | 0.02% (under 21) | 0.04% (commercial vehicle) | ⚠ Not yet verified | Min. 48 hours; $750-$1,000 fine |
| Nebraska | 0.08% | 0.02% (under 21) | 0.04% (commercial vehicle) | ⚠ Not yet verified | Class W misdemeanour; 6-month revocation |
| New Mexico | 0.08% | ⚠ Not yet verified | 0.04% (commercial vehicle) | Yes (sobriety checkpoints) | First: up to 90 days / $500; 8th: 12 years |
| Utah | 0.05% | Any alcohol (under 21) | 0.04% (commercial) | Yes (magistrate-approved checkpoints) | Class B misd.; min. 2 days jail, $700 fine |
| Wyoming | 0.08% | 0.02% (under 21) | 0.04% (commercial vehicle) | ⚠ Not yet verified | First: up to 6 months / $750 |
More rules in Colorado
- CannabisGrowing at home: Up to 6 plants per person; 12 per home
- Car speed limitsBuilt-up areas: 25 mph business, 30 mph residential · Outside built-up areas (single carriageway): 55 mph (40 mph open mountain highways)
- Minimum age for a car driving licenceMinimum age for a car licence: 16 (minor licence) · Earliest age to drive a car supervised: 15 (learner's permit)
- E-bikes and speed pedelecsLegal class: Class 1-3, bicycle rules · Minimum age: Class 3: 16
- FireworksConsumers may buy and use category F2 fireworks: Yes (permissible fireworks only) · Minimum age to buy: 16
- Knives and pepper sprayFolding pocket knives: Concealed: banned over 3.5 in blade · Locking or one-handed knives: Only ballistic knives banned outright
- Statutory minimum wageNational statutory minimum wage: Yes · Current adult minimum wage (gross): $15.16 per hour (2026)
- Using a mobile phone while drivingHolding a phone while driving banned: Banned · Hands-free use: Hands-free allowed
- Seat belts and child seatsSeat belt compulsory in front seats: Yes (adults: secondary enforcement) · Seat belt compulsory in rear seats: Under 18 only
- Tobacco and nicotine age limitsMinimum age to buy tobacco: 21 · Minimum age to buy e-cigarettes: 21
- Drinking age and alcohol salesMinimum age to buy beer and wine: 21 (under 21 may not be served or buy) · Minimum age to buy spirits: 21 (under 21 may not be served or buy)
Related pages
General information, not legal advice. Rules change: check the official source before you fly or ride.