How a suspended license works in Lakewood

A suspended license means the state of Colorado has temporarily taken away your right to drive. You cannot legally operate a vehicle during the suspension period, even if your car is parked in your driveway. The suspension stays in effect until you complete whatever requirement triggered it — usually paying a fine, completing a course, or serving a waiting period — and then formally request reinstatement from the Colorado Department of Revenue.

Lakewood itself does not issue suspensions; Colorado state law does. The Colorado Department of Revenue's Division of Motor Vehicles (DMV) handles all suspensions statewide. However, Lakewood police can stop you for driving with a suspended license, and the consequences are serious: a second offense within five years is a misdemeanor, not just a traffic violation.

The most common reasons for suspension in Colorado are unpaid traffic fines, failure to appear in court, DUI convictions, accumulating too many points on your record, or not maintaining car insurance. Each reason has its own reinstatement process and timeline.

Key Takeaways

  • Colorado suspends licenses through the state DMV, not through Lakewood, and you cannot drive legally during the suspension no matter the reason.
  • The most common causes are unpaid fines, failure to appear in court, DUI conviction, too many points, or lapsed insurance — each with different reinstatement steps.
  • You can check your suspension status and the reason for it through the Colorado DMV website or by calling their customer service line.
  • Reinstatement usually requires paying fees, completing court-ordered programs, or waiting out a mandatory period, then submitting a formal reinstatement request to the DMV.
  • Driving on a suspended license in Colorado is a traffic violation the first time and a misdemeanor the second time within five years.

Finding out why your license was suspended

You should receive a notice in the mail explaining the suspension, but mail gets lost or delayed. The fastest way to confirm your status is to visit the Colorado DMV website and use their online license status tool, or call the DMV customer service line at 303-205-5600. Have your driver's license number or Social Security number ready.

The notice or the DMV will tell you the specific reason — for example, "unpaid traffic fine," "failure to appear," or "too many points." This reason determines what you have to do to get reinstated. If you did not receive a notice and the DMV confirms a suspension, ask them to mail you a copy of the suspension order, which will explain the next steps.

Reinstatement for unpaid fines or failure to appear

If your suspension is due to an unpaid fine or failure to appear in court, you must resolve the underlying case first. Contact the Lakewood Municipal Court (720-913-1000) or the Jefferson County District Court, depending on whether your ticket was a city or county matter. The court can tell you the exact amount owed and whether you can pay by phone, online, or in person.

Once you pay the fine or resolve the failure to appear, the court will notify the DMV. However, the DMV does not automatically reinstate your license — you must request reinstatement yourself. After paying, wait a few business days for the court's notification to reach the DMV, then submit a reinstatement request through the Colorado DMV website or by mail. There is a reinstatement fee (the amount varies by reason and changes periodically; contact the DMV for the current fee).

Reinstatement after a DUI conviction

A DUI suspension in Colorado is mandatory and longer than most other suspensions. The length depends on whether it was your first offense and whether you refused a breath test. A first-offense DUI typically results in a one-year suspension, though you may be able to request a restricted license after two months that allows you to drive to work, school, or court.

To reinstate after a DUI, you must complete a substance abuse course (usually 12 hours for a first offense), install an ignition interlock device in your vehicle if required by the court, and pay reinstatement fees. The court order will specify which of these explore to you. Once completed, you submit proof to the DMV along with your reinstatement request.

Reinstatement for too many points

Colorado suspends licenses when a driver accumulates too many points within a set time period. The threshold depends on your age and driving history. If you are 18 or older, 12 points in 12 months, 18 points in 24 months, or 24 points in 36 months triggers a suspension.

There is no course or fine to pay for a points suspension — you straightforward wait out the suspension period (usually 30 days for a first suspension) and then request reinstatement. However, if you accumulate points again after reinstatement, the next suspension is longer. The DMV will tell you the exact suspension length when you call or check online.

Reinstatement for lapsed insurance

Colorado suspends licenses when your car insurance lapses or you fail to maintain continuous coverage. This is called a non-compliance suspension. To reinstate, you must obtain a new insurance policy and file proof of insurance (an SR-44 form, also called a certificate of financial responsibility) with the Colorado DMV.

Your insurance company can file the SR-44 directly with the DMV, or you can file it yourself by mail or in person at a DMV office. Once the DMV receives and processes the form, you can request reinstatement. There is a reinstatement fee for this type of suspension as well.

Restricted licenses and hardship waivers

If your suspension is due to a DUI or points accumulation, you may be able to request a restricted license that allows you to drive for essential purposes — work, school, medical appointments, or court-ordered programs — while the suspension is still in effect. You cannot use a restricted license for any other reason.

To request a restricted license, contact the Colorado DMV directly. You will need to show proof of the essential purpose (a letter from your employer, school enrollment, or medical appointment documentation) and pay a fee. Not all suspension reasons may have access to for a restricted license, so ask the DMV whether yours does.

Frequently Asked Questions

Can I drive to work if my license is suspended?

Not unless you have a restricted license. A regular suspension means no driving at all. You can request a restricted license for work-related driving if your suspension is due to DUI or points, but you must go through the formal request process with the DMV first.

How long does reinstatement take after I pay a fine?

The court notifies the DMV within a few business days of payment, but the DMV does not automatically reinstate your license. You must submit a reinstatement request yourself, which takes another 5 to 10 business days to process. Plan for two to three weeks total.

What happens if I get pulled over while suspended?

A first offense is a traffic violation with a fine. A second offense within five years is a misdemeanor, which can result in jail time and a permanent criminal record. Avoid driving on a suspended license entirely.

Do I have to go to the DMV in person to reinstate?

No. You can request reinstatement online through the Colorado DMV website or by mail. In-person visits are available but not required for most reinstatement types.

What if I disagree with the suspension?

You have the right to request a hearing with the DMV to contest the suspension. Contact the DMV customer service line to request a hearing within the timeframe specified in your suspension notice — usually 20 days. A hearing officer will review your case.