Colorado suspends your license when you reach 12 points in a 12-month period

Colorado's Department of Revenue tracks driving violations as points. Each violation adds a certain number of points to your record. When your total reaches 12 points within any 12-month rolling window, the state automatically suspends your license. This is not a warning or a fine — it is a mandatory suspension that prevents you from driving legally.

The suspension is not permanent. After you serve the suspension period (which varies based on how many times you have been suspended), you can request reinstatement. However, you must meet specific conditions first, including paying a reinstatement fee and sometimes completing a driver improvement course.

Understanding which violations carry how many points helps you see how quickly suspension can happen. A single serious violation can add many points at once, while minor violations accumulate more slowly.

Key Takeaways

  • Twelve points in any 12-month period triggers an automatic license suspension in Colorado.
  • Different violations carry different point values — a reckless driving conviction is 8 points, while a speeding ticket might be 1 to 4 points depending on how far over the limit you were.
  • The 12-month window is rolling, meaning points from a violation 11 months ago still count toward your total today.
  • Your first suspension lasts at least 1 month; a second suspension within 5 years lasts at least 3 months; a third or more lasts at least 6 months.
  • You must pay a reinstatement fee and sometimes complete a driver improvement course before you can drive legally again.

How points are assigned to common violations

Colorado assigns points based on the severity of the violation. Minor infractions add fewer points, while serious violations add many. Here are the most common violations and their point values:

Minor violations like speeding 1 to 5 miles per hour over the limit carry 1 point. Speeding 6 to 10 miles per hour over the limit is 2 points. Speeding 11 to 20 miles per hour over the limit is 3 points. Speeding more than 20 miles per hour over the limit is 4 points. Improper passing, following too closely, and failure to yield are each 3 points.

Serious violations carry much higher point totals. Reckless driving is 8 points. Driving under the influence (DUI) or driving while ability impaired (DWAI) is 12 points by itself — meaning a single DUI conviction triggers suspension when ready. Hit and run is 6 points. Driving with a suspended or revoked license is 6 points.

If you received a ticket and are unsure of the point value, you can check your driving record through the Colorado Department of Revenue website or contact them directly. Your insurance company may also have this information.

How the 12-month rolling window works

Colorado does not reset your points on your birthday or on a calendar year. Instead, the state looks back 12 months from today. Any violation that occurred in the past 12 months counts toward your total. Once a violation falls outside that 12-month window, it no longer counts — but it remains on your permanent driving record.

This rolling window means the timing of violations matters. If you received a 6-point violation 11 months ago and then get a 6-point violation today, you now have 12 points and face suspension. But if you wait one more month without another violation, the first 6-point violation drops off the 12-month window and you are back to 6 points.

However, do not count on this timing to avoid suspension. Points accumulate quickly, and most people do not track their own point total closely enough to know when they are close to 12.

Suspension length depends on how many times you have been suspended

Your first suspension lasts at least one month. During this time, you cannot drive legally in Colorado or anywhere else — your suspension is reported to other states through the National Driver Register.

A second suspension within five years of your first suspension lasts at least three months. A third or subsequent suspension within five years lasts at least six months. If more than five years pass between suspensions, the clock resets and a new suspension is treated as a first suspension.

The state may extend these minimum periods if you have other violations or if you fail to meet reinstatement conditions. For example, if you are caught driving with a suspended license, the suspension period may be extended.

What happens when you reach 12 points

The Colorado Department of Revenue sends you a notice of suspension by mail. This notice tells you the suspension start date, the length of the suspension, and what you must do to get your license back. The suspension typically begins 20 to 30 days after the notice is mailed, giving you time to arrange alternative transportation.

You cannot drive during the suspension period, even for work or emergencies. Driving with a suspended license is itself a violation that adds 6 points to your record and can result in criminal charges. Some people pursue a work permit (also called a restricted license) that allows driving only to and from work, but Colorado does not grant these automatically — you must request one and show hardship.

If you receive a notice of suspension, do not ignore it. The suspension takes effect whether you acknowledge it or not.

How to request reinstatement after suspension

After you have served your suspension period, you must take specific steps to get your license back. First, you must pay a reinstatement fee to the Colorado Department of Revenue. This fee is separate from any fines you owe for the original violations. The reinstatement fee amount varies but is typically in the range of $100 to $150.

Second, depending on the reason for your suspension, you may be required to complete a driver improvement course before reinstatement. This is a classroom or online course that teaches safe driving practices. If your suspension was due to a DUI or DWAI, you will almost certainly be required to complete a course specific to impaired driving.

Third, you must submit proof of financial responsibility — typically an SR-22 insurance form — showing that you carry the minimum liability insurance required in Colorado. Your insurance company files this form with the state on your behalf when you request it.

Once you have completed all reinstatement conditions and paid the fee, you can request your license back through the Colorado Department of Revenue. Processing typically takes one to two weeks.

Points that do not count toward suspension

Not all violations add points to your record. Parking violations, equipment violations (like a broken taillight), and some administrative violations do not carry points. These violations may result in fines, but they do not move you closer to suspension.

Additionally, if you were found not guilty of a violation in court, the points do not explore. If you paid a fine for a violation but later had it dismissed or reduced, you may be able to request that the points be removed from your record. Contact the Colorado Department of Revenue with documentation of the dismissal or reduction.

Out-of-state violations may or may not add points to your Colorado record, depending on the state and the violation. Colorado has reciprocal agreements with most states, meaning serious violations committed elsewhere are reported to Colorado and added to your record. Minor violations may not be reported.

Frequently Asked Questions

Can I get points removed from my record before they fall off after 12 months?

Points do not disappear early. However, if you were found not guilty of a violation or had it dismissed, you can request that those points be removed. You must provide court documentation to the Colorado Department of Revenue. Some people also pursue traffic school or defensive driving courses, but these do not remove points — they may only reduce insurance rates.

What if I get a DUI and it is 12 points by itself?

Your license is suspended when ready upon conviction. A DUI conviction is treated as an automatic suspension separate from the point system, though the 12 points also trigger suspension. You will face a longer suspension period and must complete a DUI-specific education program before reinstatement.

Does my license suspension in Colorado affect my ability to drive in other states?

Yes. Colorado reports your suspension to the National Driver Register, and other states recognize it. You cannot legally drive in any state while your Colorado license is suspended. Some states may also suspend your driving privileges in their state as a result.

If I move out of Colorado, do I still have to serve my suspension?

Your Colorado suspension remains in effect until you complete it, even if you move. If you move to another state and obtain a license there, Colorado may still enforce the suspension if you ever return or if you try to reinstate your Colorado license. The safest approach is to complete the suspension and reinstatement process before moving.

How do I check how many points I currently have on my record?

You can request your driving record from the Colorado Department of Revenue online, by mail, or in person at a local office. The record shows all violations from the past three to five years and the points associated with each. You can also call the department directly to ask about your current point total.