Colorado issues fines for traffic infractions but also imposes license-related penalties on repeat offenders. Like many states, Colorado keeps track of these violations with a driver's license point system. This article explains Colorado's point system and the consequences you'll face if you get too many points on your record.
In Colorado, most traffic violation convictions will result in demerit points. The number of points depends on the severity of the offense.
When you accumulate a certain number of points, you'll face consequences such as license suspension. However, points don't stay on your record forever and there are ways to reduce your number of points.
Generally, points will stay on your record and can lead to consequences for 12 to 24 months.
Drivers who accumulate too many points face license suspension. Colorado has a multi-stage license program whereby the rules and restrictions depend on the driver's age. So, the number of points that will lead to license suspension also generally depends on the age of the driver. Here's how it breaks down:
Notice of point accumulation. A driver who accumulates too many points will receive a warning letter or notice of hearing for the suspension. At the hearing, the driver can present testimony and evidence, and the Department of Revenue, Division of Motor Vehicles, will decide whether to suspend the driver's license. If the Department does impose a suspension, the driver might still be able to obtain a probationary license to drive during the suspension period. The department can place any number of conditions on a probationary license, including an ignition interlock device (IID) requirement and restrictions on when and where the licensee can drive.
The Department determines suspension periods based on the driver's history and the other circumstances. The hearing officer will issue a suspension of six months to one year.
A driver can reduce the points for a violation by paying the fine prior to its due date. Prompt fine payment will reduce violations that are at least three points by two points and two-point violation by 1 point.
Traffic violations in Colorado are assigned the following point values.
Violation |
Points assessed |
12 |
|
12 |
|
DWAI (driving while ability impaired) |
8 |
Underage drunk driving |
4 |
Speed contest (street racing) |
12 |
Speed exhibition |
5 |
8 |
|
Careless driving |
4 |
Careless driving with a fatality |
12 |
Serious bodily injury to vulnerable road user |
12 |
Speeding 1 to 4 miles per hour over the limit |
0 |
Speeding 5 to 9 miles per hour over the limit |
1 |
Speeding 10 to 19 miles per hour over the limit |
4 |
Speeding 20 to 39 miles per hour over the limit |
6 |
Speeding 40 or more miles per hour over the limit |
12 |
Failure to reduce speed for hazards |
3 |
Failure to stop for school zone signals |
6 |
Driving on the wrong side of the road |
4 |
Improper passing |
4 |
6 |
|
Following too closely |
4 |
Failure to observe signal or sign |
4 |
Failure to yield to an emergency vehicle |
4 |
Failure to yield right-of-way |
3 |
Improper turn |
3 |
Failure to signal |
2 |
Failure to dim lights |
2 |
Defective headlamps |
1 |
Eluding officer |
12 |
Failure to yield to pedestrian |
4 |
Failure to yield to disabled pedestrian |
6 |
Seatbelt violation |
2 |
Underage cellphone violation |
1 |
4 |
|
Failure to use due care while passing stationary vehicle |
3 (6 points if injury, 8 points if death) |
License restriction violation |
3 |
Unlisted misdemeanor traffic violation |
3 |