How Driver Points Work in Colorado
How the Colorado point system works, points for speeding, how long points last, and whether traffic school helps.
Short answer: Yes. Points are assessed for traffic convictions. Drivers 21 and older face suspension at 12 points in 12 months or 18 points in 24 months. C.R.S. § 42-2-127; Colorado DMV Reinstatement FAQs
| Point system | Yes. Points are assessed for traffic convictions. Drivers 21 and older face suspension at 12 points in 12 months or 18 points in 24 months. Drivers 18 to 20 face suspension at 9 points in 12 months, 12 points in 24 months, or 14 points after turning 18. Drivers under 18 have lower limits. A driver who shows the points were all earned while driving for work may have higher limits (16 points in one year, 24 in two years or 28 in four years). |
|---|---|
| Points for speeding | 1–4 mph over: 0 points; 5–9 mph over: 1 point; 10–19 mph over: 4 points; 20–39 mph over: 6 points; 40 mph or more over: 12 points. Speed not reasonable and prudent for conditions: 3 points. The DMV reduces the points added to the record if an eligible penalty assessment is paid online or by mail postmarked within 20 days (the fine stays the same). |
| How long points last | Point limits are measured over rolling 12- and 24-month periods (and longer periods for some drivers). How long convictions stay on the Colorado driving record was not confirmed from an official page read for this record. Source: C.R.S. § 42-2-127 |
| Traffic school | A 2024 law directs the DMV to create a driving improvement course program that lets a driver convicted of a traffic infraction or misdemeanor traffic offense have points waived after completing an approved course (in person or online). The waiver provision takes effect January 1, 2027, or earlier once the DMV adopts rules. It does not apply to offenses committed under a commercial driver's license or in a commercial vehicle. This is a point waiver, not dismissal of the ticket. Source: C.R.S. § 42-2-127.1 (HB 24-1250) |
Where to get help in Colorado
More Colorado traffic tickets & dui
- Reinstating a Driver's License in Colorado
- DUI Laws in Colorado
- Paying or Contesting a Traffic Ticket in Colorado
- All Colorado traffic tickets & dui rules
FAQ
How does the driver point system work in Colorado?
Yes. Points are assessed for traffic convictions. Drivers 21 and older face suspension at 12 points in 12 months or 18 points in 24 months. Drivers 18 to 20 face suspension at 9 points in 12 months, 12 points in 24 months, or 14 points after turning 18. Drivers under 18 have lower limits. A driver who shows the points were all earned while driving for work may have higher limits (16 points in one year, 24 in two years or 28 in four years).
How many points is a speeding ticket in Colorado?
1–4 mph over: 0 points; 5–9 mph over: 1 point; 10–19 mph over: 4 points; 20–39 mph over: 6 points; 40 mph or more over: 12 points. Speed not reasonable and prudent for conditions: 3 points. The DMV reduces the points added to the record if an eligible penalty assessment is paid online or by mail postmarked within 20 days (the fine stays the same).
How long do points stay on your license in Colorado?
Point limits are measured over rolling 12- and 24-month periods (and longer periods for some drivers).
Can traffic school remove a ticket or points in Colorado?
A 2024 law directs the DMV to create a driving improvement course program that lets a driver convicted of a traffic infraction or misdemeanor traffic offense have points waived after completing an approved course (in person or online). The waiver provision takes effect January 1, 2027, or earlier once the DMV adopts rules. It does not apply to offenses committed under a commercial driver's license or in a commercial vehicle.
General legal information, not legal advice. Laws change and local rules can differ; check the linked official source or talk to a lawyer about your situation.