SB 18-257

Senate Bill 18-257 in Colorado increases the penalties for driving under restraint due to alcohol-related offenses. For a first offense, drivers will now face at least 60 days in jail and a minimum fine of $1,000 instead of the previous 30-day minimum and $500 fine. For second or subsequent offenses, the penalty is increased to at least 120 days in jail and a minimum fine of $2,000. This bill affects individuals who have been ordered not to drive due to alcohol-related incidents but choose to do so anyway. Since the status shows it has been signed, these new penalties are now law.

Official Summary

Under current law, the penalty for driving under restraint due to a first alcohol-related offense is imprisonment in the county jail for not less than 30 days to not more than one year and a fine of not less than $500 to not more than $1,000. The bill increases the minimum penalty to not less than 60 days and not less than $1,000 to not more than $2,000. Under current law, the penalty for driving under restraint due to a second or subsequent alcohol-related offense is imprisonment in the county jail for not less than 90 days to not more than 2 years and a fine of not less than $500 to not more than $2,000. The bill increases the minimum penalty to not less than 120 days and not less than $2,000 to not more than $4,000. If a person drives negligently while under restraint due to an alcohol-related offense and the person's conduct is a proximate cause of another person's death, the person commits a class 5 felony. (Note: This summary applies to this bill as introduced.) , Read More