Chapter 9 - § 9.7 • SR-22 INSURANCE

• Jurisdiction: Colorado

§ 9.7 • SR-22 INSURANCE

Any license revocation (as distinguished from a suspension) which a driver can suffer as the result of an alcohol- or drug-related offense requires an SR-22 insurance form as a prerequisite to reinstatement of the license. C.R.S. § 42-7-406(1). The SR-22 is proof of financial responsibility for the future. C.R.S. § 42-7-408. Unlike the normal insurance required of all drivers, the SR-22 is, in essence, an agreement between the driver, the insurance company and the DMV that the policy will remain in effect for a statutorily required period of time. If the driver drops the policy or it is canceled by the insurer, the insurer must notify the DMV, which will suspend the driver's license until a new SR-22 is filed. C.R.S. §§ 42-7-416, 42-4-1410(2). Moreover, if a driver is required to have an SR-22 and it lapses, and while it is lapsed the driver violates any traffic law, the DMV must impose a one-year revocation. C.R.S. § 42-2-125(1)(j) and (2). This is true even if the driver, although he or she did not have the SR-22 form on file, had insurance in effect.

Generally, when an SR-22 is required, it must be maintained for three years from the date it was last required...