CDOT launches new video series highlighting the costs and consequences of a DUI as the number of impaired driving-related crashes surpasses 5,000

CDOT launches new video series highlighting the costs and consequences of a DUI as the number of impaired driving-related crashes surpasses 5,000 Sept. 11, 2025 - Colorado - Heightened DUI enforcement starts today https://www.codot.gov/news/2025/september/new-videos-dui-cost-and-consequences https://www.codot.gov/@@site-logo/siteLogo.png

News Release

Sept. 11, 2025 - Colorado - Heightened DUI enforcement starts today

Contact [email protected]to access the video files.

Statewide - To give motorists a firsthand look at the consequences of a DUI, the Colorado Department of Transportation launched a new video series featuring interviews with Colorado law enforcement, local officials, victims, advocates and more. "The Long Road: Navigating a DUI Arrest" covers the six steps in the DUI process: arrest, court sentencing (jail time), license reinstatement, ignition interlock installation, victim impact panels, and alcohol education and treatment programs.

Starting today, law enforcement agencies across the state are ramping up for the longest DUI enforcement period of the year. Motorists can expect heightened DUI enforcement through Oct. 22. So far this year, 5,177 crashes have involved a suspected impaired driver, according to CDOT.

By sharing this video series and collaborating with law enforcement agencies and traffic safety advocates, CDOT aims to deter impaired driving, reduce DUI arrests and prevent impaired driving-related crashes and fatalities in Colorado.

"Many drivers think that a DUI only consists of a fine. The reality is that paying a fine is only the beginning of the long road ahead," said Col. Matthew C. Packard, chief of the Colorado State Patrol. "A DUI will impact you for the rest of your life - financially, professionally and personally. More than 16,000 Coloradans will be arrested for a DUI this year and will have to navigate the DUI process. Don't be one of them - always plan for a sober ride."

Colorado State Patrol trooper Jason Sparks standing in front two CSP vehicles. The CSP and CDOT logos are in the top right corner.

CDOT launches new video series featuring interviews and testimonials from Colorado law enforcement, local officials, victims, advocates and more. Email [email protected]to access media assets.

The video series details these six steps in the DUI process:

• Step 1: The Arrest, featuring the Colorado State Patrol
• Step 2: Jail & Legal Fees, featuring Judge Edward Casias
• Step 3: License Reinstatement, featuring the Colorado Division of Motor Vehicles
• Step 4: Ignition Interlock Device, featuring Smart Start
• Step 5: DUI Victim Impact Panel, featuring MADD Colorado
• Step 6: DUI Education & Treatment, featuring the Colorado Behavioral Health Administration

Impaired driving puts everyone on Colorado roads at risk. If you drive impaired, even to the slightest degree, you can be arrested for a DUI and your driving privileges will be suspended.

"The ripple effects of impaired driving are significant and long-lasting," said Rebecca Green, state executive director of MADD Colorado and Wyoming. "Getting a DUI is like taking on a part-time job where you pay $13,500 - it would be cheaper to rent a limousine. Protect yourself and your loved ones by always using a sober designated driver, ride-share service, taxi or public transit. Before consuming alcohol, cannabis or other drugs, take a moment to make a plan and ask yourself: 'Do I have a safe way to get home?'"

A woman standing in an empty conference room and holding up a photo of a young man. The CDOT logo is in the top right corner.

CDOT launches new video series featuring interviews and testimonials from Colorado law enforcement, local officials, victims, advocates and more. Email [email protected]to access the media assets.

The Colorado Division of Motor Vehicles reminds drivers that the mandatory requirements following a DUI include installing an ignition interlock device in all vehicles you own, filing an SR-22 insurance form, completing alcohol education and treatment classes, and retaking the driving test. These requirements are time consuming and costly.

"From jail time and court fees to license suspension and ignition interlock requirements, the consequences of a DUI are serious and complicated," said CDOT's Office of Transportation Safety Director Darrell Lingk. "This video series helps people understand the true cost of a DUI: the financial burden, the time, the impact on your employment, the stress and the lasting impact on your life. A DUI doesn't affect you only temporarily; it stays with you."

Colorado has seen an increase in drivers who refuse a toxicology test in recent years. Under Colorado's Expressed Consent Law, by driving a vehicle in the state, you automatically consent to a toxicology test following a DUI arrest. Refusing a test is illegal, and it hinders efforts to keep Colorado roads safe from impaired drivers. Learn more about this law and the consequences of refusing to test at codot.gov/choosetotest.

The Heat Is On Fall Festivals - DUI enforcement period starts today

Starting today, Sept. 11, to Oct. 22, CDOT will support the Colorado State Patrol and 69 local law enforcement agencies in The Heat Is On Fall Festivals DUI enforcement period - the longest DUI enforcement period of the year. Between September and November last year, 56 people died on Colorado roads in impaired driving-related crashes and more than 3,900 people were arrested for driving under the influence.

Preliminary data shows that the recent Labor Day Crackdown DUI enforcement period concluded with 336 arrests across 80 participating agencies. The agencies with the highest arrests were Larimer County Sheriff's Office (38), Thornton Police Department (36), Fort Collins Police Department (30) and Longmont Police Department (30). Following the Fall Festivals, the next DUI enforcement period will be Halloween Weekend from Oct. 31 to Nov. 3.

DUI Checkpoint B-Roll

CDOT is making available new DUI checkpoint footage, available free for media use, offering a compelling glimpse of what happens during a checkpoint. The footage captures real-life interactions between law enforcement officers and drivers at DUI checkpoints, highlighting the consequences of impaired driving. You can find more about these photos by contacting [email protected]to get access to the CDIOT DUI Checkpoint B-Roll Google Drive folder. Note: The people portrayed in the videos signed participation waivers to be included in filming.

About The Heat Is On

The Heat Is On campaign runs throughout the year, with 16 specific high-visibility impaired driving enforcement periods centered on national holidays and large public events. Enforcement periods can include sobriety checkpoints, saturation patrols and additional law enforcement on duty dedicated to impaired driving enforcement. Find more details about the campaign, including impaired driving enforcement plans, arrest totals and safety tips at HeatIsOnColorado.com. More information about DUI laws in Colorado can be found at NoDUIColorado.org. Learn more about CDOT's dedication to keeping Colorado roads safe, including impaired driving enforcement objectives, arrest data and safety information at codot.gov/safety.

Crash Not Accident

Note to reporters: Crashes are no accident - they are preventable. We would appreciate you saying 'crash' instead of 'accident' when reporting.