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Memorial Day DUI enforcement period kicks off Friday

As Colorado slowly loosens stay-at-home restrictions, the Colorado Department of Transportation and Colorado State Patrol remind Coloradans to drive sober as Memorial Day weekend approaches. The Heat Is On high-visibility enforcement period kicks off Friday and ends Tuesday.

Seventy-five law enforcement agencies will participate in the heightened enforcement campaign with increased patrols across the state. Those enjoying Memorial Day festivities away from home are encouraged to plan for a sober ride if they intend to consume alcohol or other impairing substances.

During the 2019 Memorial Day weekend DUI enforcement period, law enforcement agencies arrested 323 impaired motorists. Last May alone, there were 16 impairment-related fatalities on Colorado’s roads.

The legal blood-alcohol content limit in Colorado is 0.05% for driving while ability impaired and 0.08% for driving under the influence. First-time DUI offenders can be punished with up to one year in jail, license suspension and thousands of dollars in fines.