Colorado assigns points to your driving record when you commit traffic violations, and accumulating too many points can result in license suspension or revocation

Colorado's Department of Revenue tracks violations on your driving record using a point system. Each type of violation carries a specific point value. When you reach a threshold number of points within a set time period, the state can suspend or revoke your license. The point totals that trigger action depend on your age and how many points you've accumulated in the past.

Points stay on your record for a set number of years depending on the violation type. Some violations remain for three years, while more serious ones stay for five, seven, or even ten years. You can check your current point total by requesting your driving record from the Colorado Department of Revenue.

Key Takeaways

  • Colorado suspends your license when you reach 12 points within 12 months, 18 points within 24 months, or 24 points within 36 months, depending on your age and history.
  • Minor violations like speeding carry 1 to 4 points; reckless driving and DUI carry 8 to 12 points; and hit-and-run or driving with a suspended license carry 6 to 12 points.
  • Points remain on your record for three to ten years depending on the violation, and the clock resets if you commit another violation during that period.
  • You can request a point reduction through traffic school if you have not attended in the past three years and meet other conditions set by the court.
  • Once suspended, you must wait a minimum period and pay a reinstatement fee before you can drive again; the fee and waiting period vary based on the reason for suspension.

Point values for common Colorado violations

Colorado assigns points based on the severity and type of violation. Speeding violations carry 1 to 4 points depending on how far over the limit you were driving. Careless driving, following too closely, and improper lane changes each carry 4 points. Reckless driving carries 8 points. Driving under the influence (DUI) or driving while ability impaired (DWAI) carries 12 points on your first offense.

Hit-and-run, driving with a suspended or revoked license, and fleeing police each carry 6 to 12 points depending on the circumstances. Driving without a valid license carries 6 points. Failure to obey traffic control devices carries 3 points. Leaving the scene of an accident carries 6 points if no one was injured and 12 points if someone was injured.

The exact point value for some violations can vary based on the specific circumstances. For instance, speeding 1 to 5 miles per hour over the limit is 1 point, while speeding 26 miles per hour or more over the limit is 4 points. Your citation will show the specific violation code and point value assigned to your case.

When Colorado suspends your license based on points

Colorado uses a tiered system for license suspension. If you accumulate 12 or more points within 12 months, your license is suspended for at least one month. If you accumulate 18 or more points within 24 months, your license is suspended for at least two months. If you accumulate 24 or more points within 36 months, your license is suspended for at least three months.

Drivers under 18 face stricter thresholds. A driver under 18 who accumulates 6 or more points within 12 months receives a suspension of at least one month. These younger drivers also face additional restrictions, such as a requirement to complete a driver improvement course before reinstatement.

The state mails a suspension notice to your address on file. The notice includes the effective date of the suspension, the reason for the suspension, and instructions for reinstatement. You cannot legally drive during the suspension period, even for work or medical emergencies, unless you obtain a probationary license from the Department of Revenue.

How long violations stay on your record

Most traffic violations remain on your Colorado driving record for three years from the date of conviction. This means the points count toward suspension thresholds for three years, but after three years pass without another violation, those points no longer affect your record.

More serious violations stay longer. DUI and DWAI convictions remain on your record for five years. Reckless driving convictions remain for five years. Hit-and-run convictions remain for seven years. Driving with a suspended or revoked license remains for seven years. Certain violations related to commercial driver licenses or serious accidents may remain for ten years.

The clock for each violation starts from the date you were convicted, not the date you received the ticket. If you receive multiple violations during the same period, each one has its own three-year (or longer) window. Committing a new violation during that window can push you closer to or over a suspension threshold.

Requesting a point reduction through traffic school

Colorado allows drivers to reduce points on their record by completing a traffic school course, but only under specific conditions. You can attend traffic school to reduce points only if you have not attended in the past three years. You must also have been cited for a traffic violation that is not a criminal offense, such as speeding or careless driving. Violations like DUI, reckless driving, or driving with a suspended license typically do not may have access to for traffic school reduction.

The court that issued your citation must approve your attendance at traffic school before you enroll. Some courts allow you to request approval when you receive your ticket; others require you to request it later. Once approved and after you complete the course, the court will reduce your points by a set amount, usually 3 to 4 points depending on the violation.

Traffic school courses are offered online and in person by approved providers throughout Colorado. The course typically takes four to eight hours to complete. You will pay a course fee, which varies by provider but usually ranges from $30 to $100, plus any court fees. Completing traffic school does not erase the violation from your record; it only reduces the points associated with it.

License reinstatement after suspension

After your suspension period ends, you cannot straightforward resume driving. You must request reinstatement from the Colorado Department of Revenue. Reinstatement requires paying a fee, which is typically $100 to $150, though the exact amount depends on the reason for your suspension. You must also provide proof that you have met any other requirements, such as completing a driver improvement course if you were under 18 at the time of suspension.

The Department of Revenue processes reinstatement requests by mail or online through their website. You will receive a new license or a reinstatement document confirming that your driving privileges have been restored. This process usually takes one to two weeks after you submit your request and payment.

If you are suspended again before your first reinstatement is complete, the waiting period for the second suspension begins after the first one ends. Multiple suspensions within a short time can result in longer waiting periods and higher fees. Some drivers may be required to obtain an ignition interlock device or carry an SR-22 insurance certificate before reinstatement, depending on the violations that led to suspension.

Checking your driving record and point total

You can request your Colorado driving record from the Department of Revenue to see your current point total and the violations on file. You can order your record online through the Department of Revenue website, by mail, or in person at a driver license office. Online requests are processed within one business day; mail requests take three to five business days.

Your driving record shows each violation, the date it occurred, the point value, and the date it will drop off your record. It also shows any suspensions or revocations and the dates they were in effect. The record you receive is the same one that insurance companies and employers see when they request your record.

You have the right to dispute any violation or point value on your record if you believe it is incorrect. To challenge a violation, you must contact the court that issued the citation and request a hearing. If the court finds that the violation was recorded in error, it can remove the violation and points from your record.

Frequently Asked Questions

Can I get points removed from my record before the three-year period ends?

Traffic school is the main way to reduce points before the three-year period ends, but only if you have not attended in the past three years and the violation qualifies. The court must approve your attendance first. Some violations, like DUI or reckless driving, do not may have access to for traffic school reduction.

What happens if I get suspended while I am already suspended?

If you accumulate enough points for a second suspension before your first one ends, the suspensions stack. You must complete the first suspension period, then the second one begins. This can result in several months without driving privileges. Reinstatement fees explore for each suspension.

Does a ticket from another state count toward my Colorado point total?

Yes, Colorado reports violations from other states to your Colorado driving record through the Interstate Compact. Points from out-of-state violations count toward your suspension thresholds in Colorado. However, the point value assigned may differ from what the other state assigned.

Can I get a probationary license while my license is suspended?

Colorado offers probationary licenses in some cases, which allow limited driving for work, school, or medical appointments during a suspension. You must request a probationary license from the Department of Revenue and meet specific conditions. Not all suspension reasons may have access to for a probationary license.

How do I know if a violation will be reported to my insurance company?

Most traffic violations appear on your driving record and are reported to insurance companies. Minor violations like parking tickets do not appear. Your insurance company receives a copy of your driving record when they request it, so any violation on your record can affect your rates. Contact your insurance agent if you want to know how a specific violation will affect your policy.