How Colorado's Points System Works
Colorado tracks violations on your driver's license using a points system. When you receive a traffic ticket, the Colorado Department of Revenue assigns points to your record based on the type of violation. Different violations carry different point values — a minor infraction like speeding might be worth 4 points, while a serious violation like reckless driving could be 8 points. The points stay on your record for a set time, usually 24 months from the date of the violation, though some serious violations remain longer.
You can find out exactly how many points are on your license by checking your driving record through the Colorado Department of Revenue. You can request this record online, by mail, or in person at a local driver's license office. The record will show every violation, the date it occurred, the point value, and when it will drop off your record. Knowing your current point total matters because Colorado has thresholds that trigger consequences — and crossing them can affect your driving privileges.
Key Takeaways
- Colorado assigns points to your license based on traffic violations, with minor infractions worth 4 points and serious violations worth 8 or more points.
- Points remain on your record for 24 months from the violation date, though some serious violations stay longer.
- You can check your current point total by requesting your driving record from the Colorado Department of Revenue online, by mail, or in person.
- If you accumulate 12 or more points within 12 months, Colorado will suspend your license for at least three months.
- Points can be removed early through traffic school, but only for certain violations and only once every 12 months.
Point Values for Common Colorado Violations
Colorado assigns points based on the severity of the violation. Speeding violations are typically worth 4 points, whether you were going 1 to 10 miles over the limit or 25 miles over. Careless driving, following too closely, and improper lane changes are also 4-point violations. More serious infractions like reckless driving, driving under the influence (DUI), or hit-and-run carry 8 points or more.
Some violations carry no points at all — these are usually equipment violations like a broken taillight or expired registration. You still receive a ticket and must pay a fine, but they do not add to your point total. The ticket itself will tell you how many points, if any, are assigned. If you are unsure about a specific violation, you can call the Colorado Department of Revenue or check the ticket documentation.
When Colorado Suspends Your License Based on Points
Colorado suspends your license when you reach certain point thresholds within specific time periods. If you accumulate 12 or more points within 12 months, your license will be suspended for at least three months. If you accumulate 18 or more points within 24 months, your suspension is at least six months. These suspensions are automatic — you do not have to wait for a hearing or notice in the mail, though you will receive official notification from the Colorado Department of Revenue.
A suspension means you cannot legally drive in Colorado or any other state. Driving on a suspended license is a separate criminal offense that carries fines, jail time, and additional points on your record. If your license is suspended, you can request a hearing to contest the suspension, but you must do so within a specific time frame listed in your suspension notice.
How to Request Your Driving Record
To find out your exact point total, you need to request your Colorado driving record from the Colorado Department of Revenue. You have three options: online through the department's website, by mail, or in person at a driver's license office. The online method is fastest — you can usually view your record within minutes by providing your driver's license number and other identifying information. There is a small fee, typically around $20, though prices vary depending on the type of record you request.
If you request by mail, send a completed form (available on the Colorado Department of Revenue website) along with payment to the address listed on the form. Processing usually takes 5 to 10 business days. In-person requests at a local driver's license office are processed when ready, though you may need to wait in line. Bring your driver's license and be prepared to pay the fee at the time of request.
Removing Points Through Traffic School
Colorado allows you to remove up to 4 points from your record by completing a traffic school course, but only under certain conditions. You can only use traffic school once every 12 months, and only for moving violations — not for DUI, reckless driving, or other serious offenses. The violation must also be one that Colorado law permits to be dismissed through traffic school; not all violations may have access to. Your ticket or the court paperwork will tell you whether traffic school is an option for your specific violation.
Traffic school courses are offered online and in person by approved providers throughout Colorado. The course typically takes 4 to 8 hours to complete, depending on the provider and format. You pay the course fee directly to the provider — this is separate from any fine you owe to the court. Once you complete the course, the provider sends proof of completion to the court, and the court notifies the Colorado Department of Revenue to remove the points. This process usually takes 30 to 60 days.
How Points Affect Your Insurance and Driving Privileges
While Colorado's points system determines when your license is suspended, your insurance company uses a separate system to decide your rates. Insurance companies can see your driving record and may raise your premiums based on violations, even if you have not reached the suspension threshold. A single serious violation like a DUI can increase your insurance rates significantly, sometimes by 50 percent or more. Multiple violations within a short time period can make you uninsurable with standard carriers, forcing you to seek high-risk insurance at much higher cost.
Points also affect your ability to hold certain jobs. If your work requires a commercial driver's license or involves driving, violations and suspensions can end your employment. Some employers check driving records as part of hiring decisions. Understanding your point total helps you make informed decisions about traffic violations and whether contesting a ticket or taking traffic school makes sense for your situation.
Frequently Asked Questions
How long does it take for points to come off my license?
Points typically drop off your record 24 months from the date of the violation. Some serious violations, like DUI, may stay on your record longer — up to 10 years in some cases. You can check your specific record to see when each violation will be removed.
Can I contest a ticket to avoid getting points?
Yes. If you believe the ticket was issued in error, you can contest it in traffic court. If you win, the violation is dismissed and no points are added to your record. If you lose, the points are added. Contesting a ticket does not automatically remove points if you are found guilty.
What happens if I get points while my license is already suspended?
Points continue to accumulate on your record even while your license is suspended. When your suspension ends and your license is reinstated, those points are still there and count toward future suspension thresholds. This is why it is important to avoid violations during a suspension period.
Does traffic school remove points that are already on my record, or just prevent new ones?
Traffic school removes up to 4 points that are already on your record. It does not prevent future violations from adding points. You can use traffic school once every 12 months, so if you receive multiple violations, you can only remove points for one of them per year.
Can I check someone else's driving record?
No. Colorado law protects driving records as private information. Only the person whose name is on the license can request their own record, or someone with a court order or legal authority. Insurance companies and employers can see records only if you give them permission.