Alcohol and Other Drugs Program

Know the Colorado Drinking Laws

Blood Alcohol Level Chart Number of Drinks MALE 1 2 3 4 5 6 7 8 100 lbs. .043 .087 .130 .174 .217 .261 .304 .348 125 lbs. .034 .069 .103 .139 .173 .209 .242 .287 150 lbs. .029 .058 .087 .116 .145 .174 .203 .232 175 lbs. .025 .050 .075 .100 .125 .150 .175 .200 200 lbs. .022 .043 .065 .087 .108 .130 .152 .174 225 lbs. .019 .039 .058 .078 .097 .117 .136 .156 250 lbs. .017 .035 .052 .070 .087 .105 .122 .139 DUI Range, >.08% BAC FEMALE 100 lbs. .050 .101 .152 .203 .253 .304 .355 .406 125 lbs. .040 .080 .120 .162 .202 .244 .282 .324 150 lbs. .034 .068 .101 .135 .169 .203 .237 .271 175 lbs. .029 .058 .087 .117 .146 .175 .203 .233 200 lbs. .026 .050 .076 .101 .126 .152 .177 .203 Your blood alcohol level may be affected by how much you drink in a given time period, whether or not you’ve eaten, and how many nonalcoholic beverages you’ve consumed.

In Colorado, you may drink alcoholic beverages if you are 21 years of age or older. Alcohol is prohibited on campus except at state licensed or campus events with an alcohol permit, or by residence hall students 21 years of age or older as allowed by residence hall policy.

*A BAC of .15% makes a fatal car crash 380 times more likely*

Minor in Possession
Persons under the age of 21 convicted of possession and/or consumption of alcohol will have their driver’s license revoked. A first offense will result in a fine of up to $100, court costs of $18, and the loss of one’s license for three months. Penalties increase for each additional offense. Students may complete the Facing Alcohol Concerns (FAC) program for their first offense rather than lose their driver’s license.

Driving While Ability Impaired (DWAI)
DWAI, which in Colorado is defined as having a blood alcohol content (BAC) between .05 and .07 percent, and carries a mandatory minimum two-day jail sentence that can go up to 180 days, a mandatory public service program, a fine of $100-500, and license revocation for 12 months if you're under 21 years old.

Personal Responsibility
You are responsible for knowing and complying with university policies and local and state laws. For university policies, also see Ralphie's Guide, “Alcohol and Drug Policies,” and “Housing". Students also share in the responsibility of educating their peers about policies, laws, and responsible decision-making and behavior. See also "Safety" in Ralphie's Guide.

Driving Under the Influence (DUI)
If your BAC breath test shows your alcohol level to be .08 percent or higher, your driver's license is revoked for twelve months if you're under 21 years old. DUI conviction carries a mandatory minimum five-day jail sentence that can go up to one year, a mandatory public service program, and a fine of $300-1,000, even for the first offense. If you refuse to take a blood or breath test, you lose your license for one year. Penalties increase dramatically for subsequent offenses.

Zero Tolerance
Driving while under the age of 21 with a blood alcohol content of .02 to .08 percent is a separate traffic offense. Penalties include mandatory loss of your driver's license and up to a $100 fine.