Colorado suspends your license when you reach 12 points in a 12-month period, or 18 points in a 24-month period

Colorado tracks driving violations through a point system. Each violation you receive carries a certain number of points. When your total reaches 12 points within any 12-month window, the Colorado Department of Revenue automatically suspends your license. If you accumulate 18 points within 24 months, you face suspension as well. The suspension is not optional — it happens automatically once you hit the threshold.

The points stay on your record for a set time. Most violations remain for three years from the date of conviction, though some serious violations stay longer. This means a violation from two years ago still counts toward your total if you receive another ticket today.

A suspension is different from a revocation. A suspension is temporary — you can regain your license after serving the suspension period and meeting reinstatement requirements. A revocation is permanent removal of your driving privilege, which happens only in specific cases like multiple DUIs or refusing a breath test.

Key Takeaways

  • You lose your license at 12 points in 12 months or 18 points in 24 months, and the suspension happens automatically.
  • Most violations stay on your record for three years, so older tickets still count toward your total.
  • A suspension is temporary and can be lifted after you serve the suspension period and pay reinstatement fees.
  • Serious violations like DUI or refusing a breath test can lead to revocation instead of suspension, which is permanent.
  • You can request a hearing to contest a suspension if you believe the points were assessed incorrectly.

How many points each violation costs

Colorado assigns points based on the severity of the violation. A minor speeding ticket (1 to 4 mph over the limit) costs 1 point. Speeding 5 to 9 mph over the limit costs 2 points. Speeding 10 to 19 mph over the limit costs 4 points. Speeding 20 mph or more over the limit costs 8 points.

Other common violations carry these points: reckless driving (8 points), careless driving (4 points), following too closely (4 points), improper lane change (4 points), failure to obey a traffic signal (4 points), and driving without a valid license (6 points). Serious violations like DUI carry 12 points on their own — a single DUI conviction puts you at the suspension threshold when ready.

The exact point value depends on the specific charge written on your ticket. If you are unsure how many points a particular violation carries, you can contact the Colorado Department of Revenue or ask your traffic attorney.

When the suspension takes effect

The suspension does not happen on the day you receive a ticket. It happens when your conviction is entered into the Colorado system. If you pay a ticket or plead guilty, that is when the points are recorded. If you contest the ticket in court and lose, the points are recorded after the judge's decision.

Once the points are recorded and you cross the 12-point or 18-point threshold, the Department of Revenue sends you a notice of suspension. This notice tells you when your suspension begins — usually 20 to 30 days after the notice is mailed. You have the right to request a hearing before the suspension takes effect, but you must request it within a certain timeframe (usually 10 days from the notice date).

If you do not request a hearing, your license suspension becomes effective on the date stated in the notice. You cannot legally drive after that date.

How long your license stays suspended

The length of suspension depends on how many points caused the suspension. If you reached 12 points in 12 months, your first suspension is usually one month. If you reached 18 points in 24 months, your first suspension is usually three months. A second suspension within five years is longer — typically three months for the 12-point threshold and six months for the 18-point threshold.

These are the standard suspension lengths, but they can vary based on your driving history and whether you have had previous suspensions. The notice you receive will state your specific suspension length.

You cannot drive during the suspension period, even with a restricted license. Once the suspension period ends, you must contact the Department of Revenue to reinstate your license. Reinstatement requires paying a fee (currently $100 for a standard reinstatement) and providing proof that you have met any other requirements, such as completing a defensive driving course if one was ordered.

How to request a hearing before suspension

When you receive a notice of suspension, you have the right to request a hearing to challenge it. You must request the hearing in writing within 10 days of the notice date. Send your request to the address listed on the notice — this is usually the Colorado Department of Revenue's Driver's License Section.

At the hearing, you can argue that the points were assessed incorrectly, that a conviction was entered in error, or that there are other reasons the suspension should not take effect. You can represent yourself or bring an attorney. The hearing officer will review your case and decide whether to uphold or overturn the suspension.

Requesting a hearing does not automatically stop the suspension from taking effect. In some cases, the suspension may begin while your hearing is pending. Ask the Department of Revenue whether you can request a stay of the suspension while you wait for your hearing.

What happens if you drive during suspension

Driving with a suspended license in Colorado is a separate criminal offense. A first offense is a misdemeanor, punishable by up to 90 days in jail and a fine of $50 to $300. A second offense within five years carries up to 120 days in jail and a fine of $100 to $500. A third or subsequent offense within five years carries up to six months in jail and a fine of $200 to $1,000.

Driving on a suspended license also adds points to your record — 6 points for the offense itself. This can push you toward another suspension or extend an existing one. Additionally, your vehicle can be impounded, and your insurance rates will increase significantly.

If you need to drive during a suspension for work or other essential purposes, you may be able to request a restricted license. This allows you to drive only to and from work, school, or court-ordered programs. You must request a restricted license through the Department of Revenue, and approval is not may provide.

How to get your license back after suspension

Once your suspension period ends, you must take steps to reinstate your license. First, pay the reinstatement fee to the Colorado Department of Revenue. The current fee is $100, though this may change. You can pay online, by mail, or in person at a Driver's License office.

Second, provide proof that you have completed any required courses or programs. If the Department of Revenue ordered you to complete a defensive driving course or substance abuse program, you must submit proof of completion before reinstatement.

Third, make sure you have a valid form of identification and proof of residence. You will need these to explore for a new license or to reinstate your existing one.

After you have met all requirements and paid the fee, your license is reinstated. You can then legally drive again. However, the violation that caused the suspension remains on your driving record for three years, so it will still count toward future suspensions if you receive additional violations.

Frequently Asked Questions

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

Yes, you can request a restricted license that allows you to drive for essential purposes like work, school, or medical appointments. You must request it from the Colorado Department of Revenue, and you will need to show that you have a legitimate need to drive. Approval is not may provide, and you may need to install an ignition interlock device if your suspension is related to DUI.

Do points from out-of-state tickets count toward my Colorado suspension?

Yes. Colorado counts violations from other states if you were convicted of them. The points assigned may differ from Colorado's system, but they are converted and added to your Colorado record. This is part of the Interstate Compact agreement that most states follow.

What is the difference between suspension and revocation?

A suspension is temporary — your license is taken away for a set period, after which you can reinstate it. A revocation is permanent removal of your driving privilege. Revocation happens for serious violations like multiple DUIs, refusing a breath test, or causing a fatal accident while driving recklessly. Revocation can sometimes be appealed after a waiting period, but suspension cannot.

If I pay a ticket, do the points still count?

Yes. Paying a ticket is the same as pleading guilty — the violation is recorded as a conviction, and the points are added to your record. The only way to avoid points is to contest the ticket in court and win, or to have the charge dismissed or reduced to a non-moving violation.

How long do points stay on my record?

Most violations stay on your record for three years from the date of conviction. Some serious violations, like DUI, stay longer — typically five to ten years depending on the specific offense. Even after points drop off your record, the violation may still appear on your driving history for insurance purposes.