A new bill introduced in the 2026 Colorado legislature—HB26-1242—proposes significant changes to the way ignition interlock devices are used in DUI cases. The bill is still in the early stages of the legislative process and may change substantially before becoming law. However, its current form signals a clear policy direction: expanding ignition interlock requirements so that virtually all first-time Colorado DUI offenders must use an interlock device if they want to drive.

Current Colorado Law

Under current Colorado law, many first-time DUI offenders have two options after their license is revoked:

1. Install an ignition interlock device and obtain early reinstatement of driving privileges, or

2. Wait out the revocation period and later reinstate their license without an interlock requirement.

For example, a first DUI conviction typically results in a 9-month license revocation, though drivers can often reinstate earlier by installing an ignition interlock device.

Similarly, drivers who refuse a chemical test under Colorado’s express consent law face a 1-year revocation, though they may apply for reinstatement after a mandatory waiting period.

This structure means some drivers—particularly those who can tolerate a period without driving—can eventually regain full driving privileges without ever installing an interlock device.

What HB26-1242 Would Change

The proposed bill would significantly alter that framework.

According to the bill summary, the legislation would eliminate the waiting period to apply for an interlock-restricted license and require certain first-time DUI offenders to hold an interlock-restricted license for the entire period of license revocation.

In practical terms, this means:

• First-time DUI offenders would effectively be required to drive with an ignition interlock device if they want to drive during the revocation period.

• The ability to simply wait out the revocation and reinstate a license without interlock would largely disappear.

• The policy goal appears to be moving Colorado closer to a “universal interlock” model for impaired driving offenses.

Ignition interlock devices are breath-testing instruments installed in a vehicle that prevent the engine from starting if alcohol above a preset limit is detected.

Potential Policy Goal: Universal Interlock

Supporters of expanded interlock programs often argue they improve roadway safety by allowing offenders to drive while ensuring they cannot operate a vehicle after drinking.

By removing the ability to avoid interlock simply by waiting out a revocation period, the bill appears designed to ensure that every impaired-driving offender who returns to the road does so with an interlock device installed.

An Important Practical Consequence

If enacted as currently written, the bill could also have unintended strategic consequences in DUI investigations.

Under existing law, a driver who refuses a chemical test typically faces a one-year revocation and must wait two months before becoming eligible for reinstatement.

If that waiting period is eliminated—as contemplated by the bill—then refusing a test could become more attractive for some drivers, particularly those concerned about producing a very high BAC result that could significantly worsen the criminal case.

In other words, if interlock will be required regardless, and if the refusal waiting period disappears, then refusing a chemical test may carry fewer practical downsides than under the current system, especially when compared with providing potentially incriminating BAC evidence.

This dynamic could unintentionally shift decision-making during DUI investigations.

Early Legislative Stage

It is important to emphasize that HB26-1242 is only in the early stages of the legislative process. The bill was introduced in the Colorado House and assigned to committee for consideration.

As with many legislative proposals, it could be:

• amended significantly,

• narrowed or expanded, or

• ultimately fail to pass.

Looking Ahead

Colorado has steadily expanded ignition interlock requirements over the past two decades, particularly for repeat offenders and “persistent drunk drivers.” The proposal in HB26-1242 appears to continue that trend by moving toward mandatory interlock usage even for first-time DUI offenses.

If enacted, the bill would represent one of the more significant changes to Colorado’s DUI license-restraint framework in recent years.