The Colorado Department of Transportation (CDOT) launched a new public awareness campaign Friday to educate drivers on the consequences of refusing toxicology tests following a DUI arrest. This comes as data reveals over half of drivers arrested for impaired driving in recent years have refused these tests.

According to CDOT, 54.25 percent of 12,994 law enforcement contacts for impaired driving in 2022 resulted in toxicology refusals. Refusing a test is not only illegal but also impacts efforts to improve road safety.

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The campaign, developed in partnership with the Colorado State Patrol, aims to clarify the implications of refusing a test and will provide resources and education to motorists, particularly first-time and repeat DUI offenders. It’s funded by grants from the Governors Highway Safety Association (GHSA) and Responsibility.org.

“Our law enforcement partners across the country are doing everything they can to address impaired driving and make our roads safer, but they face an incredible challenge and need our support,” said GHSA Chief Executive Officer Jonathan Adkins.

CDOT’s Office of Transportation Safety Director Darrell Lingk emphasized the importance of understanding the law: “There’s a lot of misinformation out there about what happens if you refuse a toxicology test after a DUI arrest… This information aims to clear up the confusion and ensure drivers understand the full impact of their choices. If you’re arrested for a DUI, choose to test.”

So far in 2025, Colorado has seen 49 impaired driving-related traffic deaths, and 1,579 DUI arrests made during heightened enforcement periods. CDOT continues to support The Heat Is On DUI enforcement periods, which include sobriety checkpoints and saturation patrols.

Drivers can learn more about Colorado’s Expressed Consent law at codot.gov/choosetotest.