Paying or Contesting a Traffic Ticket in Colorado

Eligible penalty assessments can be paid online at mydmv.colorado.gov, by check or money order mailed to the Department of Revenue with a copy of the ticket, or in person (the only time cash is accepted); phone payments are not accepted. Paying is an admission of guilt. To fight the ticket, do not pay it; appear in court on the date listed on the citation. Tickets more than 40 days old have been referred to court and cannot be paid through the DMV.

State penalty assessments (tickets issued under Colorado state statutes) can be paid to the Colorado Division of Motor Vehicles online through myDMV (mydmv.colorado.gov), by mail with a check or money order payable to the Colorado Department of Revenue and a clear copy of the ticket, or in person (cash only in person). Summonses and municipal citations are paid to the court listed on the ticket; parking and photo radar tickets go to the city or agency. Tickets more than 40 days old have gone to court and can no longer be paid through the DMV. Paying is an admission of guilt; paying within 20 days can reduce the points.

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.

Common suspensions include point suspensions, unpaid tickets (pay the court, then submit the court compliance, form DR 2870 and a $95 fee), driving uninsured (first time until proof of insurance is filed; a second within five years, four months; a third or later, eight months), child-support suspensions, and alcohol-related revocations. Reinstatement after a points suspension requires serving the suspension, paying the $95 fee, filing form DR 2870 and showing current insurance.