Colorado Related Laws and Regulations

Where to Buy Alcohol
In Colorado, retail stores sell spirits, wine, and beer. From 6 a.m. to 2 a.m., convenience and grocery stores sell beer that is 3.2 percent alcohol. Package stores are closed Sundays, but are open every other day from 8 a.m. until midnight. No alcohol can be served in bars from 2 a.m. to 7 a.m.

Legal Age for Drinking/Serving Alcohol
The legal age to consume alcohol is 21 years of age, which is also the age required to work in a bar or package store. At 18, a person can serve alcohol in a restaurant if they are supervised by someone over the age of 21.

Open Container Laws
If a container of alcohol has been previously opened, it must be transported in the trunk of the vehicle so no one has access to it.

BAC Limits
If a person has a BAC (blood-alcohol content) of .08 or higher, they are considered ‘per se intoxicated’ and can be arrested and convicted of DUI without further evidence.

More severe minimum mandatory penalties will be given to drivers that refuse to comply with an officer’s request of BAC testing or if their BAC level is .17 percent higher than the legal limit of .08 percent.

‘Zero tolerance laws’ attempt to deter underage drivers from drinking. If a driver under the legal age of 21 tests with a BAC level of .02 percent or higher, they face DUI penalties.

Penalties
If a driver does not show their license and proof or insurance or comply with an officer’s request to submit to a breath, blood, or urine test to determine their level of intoxication when they are suspected of being under the influence, they can face penalties due to ‘implied consent laws.’ Their refusal can result in the mandatory suspension of their driver’s license for up to one year.

When a driver is convicted of DUI, the DMV (Department of Motor Vehicles) can suspend a driver’s license for 90 days for the first offense, one year for the second, and one year for the third.

In Colorado, it is not a possibility to confiscate a driver’s vehicle when they are convicted of DUI. However, they may be required to attend alcohol education classes or have an ignition interlock device installed in their vehicle.