As anyone who has lost their license can attest, the privilege to drive is something many of us take for granted. All fifty States have a Governmental Department (such as the Department of Motor Vehicles) that monitors driving privileges, and has the ability to suspend or revoke driving privileges.

In December of 1975, the great Paul Simon released one of his biggest hits, “50 Ways to Leave you Lover”. It hit number one on the billboard charts in February of the following year. It has been covered many times, in several different languages, including by the Muppets Floyd and Janice.

The cover versions reached their pinnacle in 1994 (in my humble opinion) when the Glam metal band Trixter, made two versions of this song on their album, Undercovers. Here is a link to the unplugged and underrated version: http://new.music.yahoo.com/trixter/tracks/50-ways-to-leave-your-lover-unplugged-version–2545605

Back to the topic at hand. Although every state is different when it comes to driver’s license suspensions, many states have similar regulations. Below I have listed several ways that a person in Colorado may have their driver’s license suspended or revoked. I am going to mention 20 ways under Colorado law, although there are certainly more ways than the twenty listed below.

1. Point suspensions

2. Drunk Driving (first offense BAC over .08, or subsequent charges)

3. Controlled substance violation (see CRS 42-2-127.3)

4. Failure to pay child support

5. Uninsured motorists

6. Financial responsibility

7. Outstanding Judgment or warrant

8. Vehicular Homicide

9. Vehicular Assault

10. Criminally Negligent Homicide (only when using a vehicle)

11. Defacing property

12. Criminal Mischief on an automobile (Juveniles only)

13. Failure to stop and render aid when injuries or death occurs

14. Habitual Traffic Offender

15. Two Drunk Driving convictions within 5 years

16. Three DUI/DWAI convictions in a lifetime

17. Being determined to be mentally incompetent

18. Three reckless driving convictions within two years

19. First or second degree perjury regarding ownership of a vehicle

20. Driving on a suspended license

If any of these happen to you, or you lose your license any other way, you will need to reinstate your license before you are eligible to drive again in most states (legally, that is). You will need to check with your local Department of Motor Vehicles to determine what is required to regain your driving privileges. Every state will have different rules and requirements.

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