Colorado DUI School Requirements

The Affidavit of Enrollment (DR 2643) serves as a provisional "pass" for the DMV. It proves the offender is currently in treatment, allowing for license reinstatement with Interlock before the treatment is finished.

Colorado DUI/DWAI Education Programs: A Comprehensive Guide

If you've been arrested for DUI (Driving Under the Influence) or DWAI (Driving While Ability Impaired) in Colorado, understanding the state's requirements for alcohol and drug education and therapy programs is crucial. Unlike some states with simple traffic schools, Colorado employs a clinically-driven, tiered system overseen by the Behavioral Health Administration (BHA). Completing these programs is often a requirement for license reinstatement and fulfilling court-ordered obligations.

Program Requirements: When is DUI School Required?

Colorado's impaired driving response is based on C.R.S. 42-4-1301.3 and managed by the BHA. The need for DUI education stems from either administrative action by the Division of Motor Vehicles (DMV) or a court order following a conviction.

• Express Consent Revocation: If you refuse a chemical test (blood or breath) or your test results show a BAC of 0.08% or higher, the DMV will administratively revoke your license under the "Express Consent" law. To be eligible for early reinstatement with an Interlock device, you typically must enroll in Level II Education/Therapy before your court date.
• Court-Ordered Education: If convicted of DUI or DWAI, the court will likely order you to complete a specific level of alcohol and drug education and/or therapy. The specific requirements depend on factors like your BAC level, prior DUI/DWAI offenses, and whether you refused to submit to chemical testing.
• Minor Drivers: Drivers under 21 who have their license revoked for a first DUI, DWAI, or "Baby DUI" (BAC ≥ 0.02) conviction are generally required to complete Level I education.

State-Approved Programs: Levels and Tracks

Colorado uses a "Level" system to tailor intervention based on the severity of the offense and the individual's clinical profile. Note that you don't "graduate" from Level I to Level II; you are assigned a specific level based on your situation.

Level I Education:

• Target Population: Primarily for minor drivers (under 21) with a first-time DUI, DWAI, or Baby DUI conviction where their license was revoked for one year. It is not appropriate for offenders with a BAC ≥ 0.15, prior impaired driving offenses, or refusal to submit to testing.
• Curriculum: 12 hours of alcohol and drug education.
• Duration: Delivered over a minimum of three calendar days, with no more than four hours of instruction per day.

Level II Education:

• Target Population: Most adult offenders and minors deemed higher risk. This includes adults with a BAC ≥ 0.08, minors with high BACs or prior offenses, and anyone designated a "Persistent Drunk Driver" (PDD) due to refusal or high BAC.
• Curriculum: 24 hours of cognitive-behavioral education.
• Duration: Delivered over 12 weeks.
• Format: Classes are typically conducted in group settings, capped at 12 regular attendees.

Level II Therapy Tracks:

Following (or concurrent with) Level II Education, you'll be assigned a therapy "Track" based on your BAC and legal history. These tracks have statutory minimums.

• Track A: First offense, BAC below 0.15, no refusal. Requires 42 hours of therapy over a minimum of 21 weeks.
• Track B: First offense, BAC ≥ 0.15 or refusal. Requires 52 hours of therapy over a minimum of 26 weeks. Refusal automatically triggers PDD designation.
• Track C: Multiple offenses, BAC below 0.15. Requires 68 hours of therapy over a minimum of 34 weeks.
• Track D: Multiple offenses, BAC ≥ 0.15 or refusal. Requires 86 hours of therapy over a minimum of 43 weeks.
• Track F (Level II Four Plus): Four or more impaired driving offenses (felony DUI). Requires a minimum of 180 clinical contact hours over a minimum of 18 months. This track requires a comprehensive clinical assessment for co-occurring disorders, TBI, and cognitive deficits, and enhanced case management. Success is determined by competency mastery.

Important Note: Asynchronous online "traffic school" models (reading slides, watching pre-recorded videos, taking quizzes at your own pace) are not accepted for Level II DUI credit. Approved online programs must be synchronous, meaning live video conferences with a licensed clinician and other group members in real-time (e.g., Zoom).

Program Duration: Hours Required by Offense Level

Refer to the "Level II Therapy Tracks" section above for specific hour requirements. Level I is 12 hours. Level II Education is 24 hours. Therapy tracks vary significantly, from 42 to 180+ hours.

Costs: Typical Program Fees Statewide (2025 Estimates)

DUI education in Colorado is privatized, so you will pay providers directly. While costs vary slightly, expect a consistent pricing structure. Many providers offer "Paid-in-Full" discounts (typically around 10%).

Completion Deadlines: When Must It Be Completed?

• DMV Requirements: To reinstate your license early with Interlock after an Express Consent revocation, you must enroll immediately and provide proof of enrollment (DR 2643) to the DMV. You must then submit the Discharge Referral Summary (DRS) upon completion to finalize reinstatement.
• Court Requirements: The court will set a deadline for completing your DUI education and therapy as part of your probation.

Consequences of Non-Completion

• Judicial: Failure to complete your education is a technical violation of probation. This can result in a revocation hearing and potentially the imposition of the original suspended jail sentence.
• DMV: If you stop attending treatment after submitting the DR 2643 to the DMV, the agency is required to report your non-compliance. This triggers a "Cancel and Deny" action, re-revoking your license until you re-establish compliance.

To ensure compliance, offenders must verify a provider's status through the state's official directory: OwnPath (https://ownpath.co/). Users must filter specifically for "DUI or DWAI education or treatment." This filters out general therapists or traffic schools that lack the specific DUI licensure.