House OKs Legislation to Extend Alcohol Suspensions

Last week, the Colorado House passed HB1194, which extends mandatory revocations and suspensions of drivers licenses for alcohol-related offenses. Most noteworthy is the extension of first-time revocations of persons testing over the .08 limit from the current 3-month period to 9 months. First-time offenders would be eligible to apply for a restricted license with ignition interlock after a minimum revocation period of 30 days. The bill also more than doubles the current reinstatement fee from $60 to $130. If enacted, the new law would go into effect January 1, 2009.