How to find your current points balance in Colorado
Colorado tracks points on your driver's license through the Department of Revenue's Driver Services division. You can check your points balance three ways: online through the Colorado Department of Revenue website, by phone, or in person at a driver services office. The online method is fastest — you'll need your driver's license number and date of birth to log in.
When you log in online, the system shows your current points total and a list of violations that added points to your record. This same information is what insurance companies and law enforcement see when they pull your driving record. Points stay on your record for different lengths of time depending on the violation — minor infractions fall off after three years, while more serious violations may remain for seven years or longer.
Key Takeaways
- You can check your points online at the Colorado Department of Revenue website using your license number and date of birth.
- Colorado suspends your license automatically when you reach 12 points within a 12-month period, or 18 points within a 24-month period.
- Points from different violations stay on your record for different amounts of time, ranging from three to seven years.
- You can request a hearing to contest points if you believe a violation was recorded incorrectly.
What different violations cost you in points
Colorado assigns points based on the type of violation. A speeding ticket typically costs 4 points if you're going 1 to 24 miles over the limit, and 8 points if you're going 25 miles or more over the limit. Reckless driving is 8 points. Running a red light or stop sign is 4 points. Careless driving is 4 points. Leaving the scene of an accident is 12 points — the highest single violation.
Minor violations like an expired registration or broken taillight are 1 point each. Driving with a suspended or revoked license adds 12 points and can result in criminal charges. The point value doesn't change based on where you were driving or your driving history — the same violation always costs the same number of points.
When Colorado suspends your license based on points
Your license is suspended automatically when you accumulate 12 points within any 12-month period, or 18 points within any 24-month period. Colorado uses a rolling window, meaning the state looks back at your driving record month by month. If you get a violation that pushes you over the threshold, the suspension takes effect when ready.
The length of suspension depends on how many times you've been suspended before. A first suspension is typically four months. A second suspension within five years is six months. A third or subsequent suspension is eight months. You cannot drive during the suspension period, even with a restricted license, unless you complete a defensive driving course and the court grants you a work permit.
How points fall off your record
Points don't disappear automatically on a set date — they fall off based on the violation type and when the violation occurred. Most traffic violations drop off after three years from the date of the violation. More serious violations, like reckless driving or driving under the influence, stay on your record for seven years. Violations that result in a suspension stay longer than violations that don't.
The three-year or seven-year clock starts from the date of the violation itself, not the date you paid the fine or completed traffic school. If you received a ticket on March 15, 2021, that violation falls off on March 15, 2024 (for a standard violation) or March 15, 2028 (for a serious violation). You can verify the exact removal date by checking your driving record online.
What to do if you disagree with points on your record
If you believe a violation was recorded incorrectly or you want to contest the points, you can request a hearing with the Colorado Department of Revenue. This is different from contesting the ticket itself in traffic court — you're asking the state to review whether the violation was properly recorded on your driving record. You have the right to request this hearing within a certain timeframe after the violation is added.
Contact your local driver services office or the Department of Revenue to request a hearing. Bring documentation supporting your case, such as court records showing the ticket was dismissed, proof that you completed traffic school (which may reduce points), or evidence that the violation was misrecorded. The hearing officer will review the evidence and decide whether the points should be removed or adjusted.
How traffic school can reduce your points
Colorado allows you to take a defensive driving course to reduce points on certain violations. Not all violations may have access to — typically only moving violations like speeding or careless driving are may be able to access. You must take the course within a specific timeframe after the violation, usually before you pay the fine or within 30 days of receiving the ticket.
Completing an approved defensive driving course removes up to 3 points from your record for that violation. You can only use this option once every 12 months, even if you have multiple violations. The course costs money and takes several hours to complete, either in person or online. Check with the court that issued your ticket to confirm which courses are approved in your area.
How points affect your insurance rates
Insurance companies in Colorado can see your driving record, including all points and violations. Each point typically increases your insurance premium, though the exact increase varies by insurance company and the type of violation. A single 4-point speeding ticket might raise your rate by 10 to 15 percent, while an 8-point reckless driving violation could increase it by 25 percent or more.
The impact on your rate lasts even after points fall off your driving record — insurance companies can look back at violations that are no longer counted by the state. Some companies offer accident forgiveness or safe driver discounts that can offset increases. It's worth shopping around after a violation, since different insurers weight points differently.
Frequently Asked Questions
Can I check someone else's points or driving record?
No. Colorado protects driving records as private information. You can only view your own record online or request a copy of your own record. Law enforcement, insurance companies, and employers with your written permission can view your record, but you cannot access another person's points without their consent and authorization.
What happens if I get points while my license is already suspended?
Points continue to accumulate even during a suspension. If you receive a violation while suspended, those points are added to your record. This can extend your suspension or result in a longer suspension period when the current one ends. Driving while suspended is a criminal offense in Colorado.
Do points from out-of-state violations count in Colorado?
Yes. Colorado participates in the Driver License Compact, an agreement between states to share violation information. Violations you receive in other states are reported to Colorado and added to your driving record as if they occurred in Colorado. The point values may differ slightly by state, but Colorado uses the point value from the state where the violation occurred.
How long does it take for a violation to show up on my record?
Most violations appear on your driving record within 7 to 10 business days after you receive the ticket or citation. Some violations take longer if the court needs time to process and report them. You can check your record online to see when a specific violation appears.
Can I get points removed if I complete traffic school?
Traffic school removes up to 3 points for may be able to access violations, but not all violations may have access to. Speeding and careless driving typically may have access to, while serious violations like reckless driving or DUI usually do not. You must complete the course within the timeframe specified by the court, and you can only use this option once per 12 months.