Every driver licensed in Colorado has a record with the Colorado driving points system. From minor speeding tickets to more serious violations, each offense can add points to your driver’s license. If you rack up too many points, your driving privileges are at risk.
The system is designed to encourage safe driving, but it can catch drivers off guard if they’re not paying attention.
The attorneys at Peakstone Law Group, formerly known as Patterson Weaver, have seen how easily a single mistake or misunderstanding can lead to license suspension. If you’re facing a suspended license, our experienced traffic violation defense attorneys can help you protect your driving privileges.
Contact us now to set up a free consultation with our Colorado traffic violation defense lawyers.
How the Colorado Driving Points System Works
Each time a driver is convicted of a traffic offense, points are added to their driving record. The more serious the offense, the more points it carries. Over time, driver’s license points accumulate. If you reach a certain threshold, the Colorado Division of Motor Vehicles (DMV) may suspend your license.
The DMV tracks points over specific time periods. The limits vary depending on your age and license type. For example:
- Adult drivers (21 and older) – License suspension after 12 points in any 12-month period, or 18 points within any 24-month period.
- Minor drivers (18 to 21 years old) – License suspension at 9 points in any 12-month period, 12 points in any 24-month period, or 14 points total between ages 18 to 21.
- Minor drivers (under 18) – License suspension at 6 points in any 12-month period, or 7 total points while holding a minor’s driver’s license.
The thresholds apply whether the driver’s license points come from one serious violation or several smaller ones. The DMV reviews your driving record to determine if you’ve exceeded these limits and, if so, may initiate a license suspension hearing.
Common Traffic Violations and Their Points
Colorado’s point system assigns the following point values to common violations:
- Careless driving – 4 points
- Driving in the wrong lane or direction on a one-way street – 3 points
- Driving on the wrong side of the road – 4 points
- Driving through a safety zone – 3 points
- Driving under the influence (DUI) – 12 points
- Failure to observe a traffic sign or signal – 4 points
- Failure to signal – 2 points
- Failure to stop for a school bus – 6 points
- Failure to turn on lights – 2 points
- Failure to yield right-of-way – 3 points
- Failure to yield to an emergency vehicle – 4 points
- Improper passing – 4 points
- Improper turn – 3 points
- Leaving the scene of an accident – 12 points
- Reckless driving – 8 points
- Speeding (5–9 mph over) – 1 point
- Speeding (10–19 mph over) – 4 points
- Speeding (20–39 mph over) – 6 points
- Speeding (40 or more mph over) – 12 points
As you can see, a single DUI, leaving the scene of an accident, or speeding 40 mph over the speed limit is enough to trigger an immediate suspension for any driver. However, even minor speeding infractions can add up fast, especially if you’re not paying attention to how many points are on your record.
Consequences of Accumulating Too Many Points on Your Colorado Driver’s License
Reaching or exceeding the allowable point threshold can result in serious consequences. License suspension is not automatic. However, once the DMV determines that you have accumulated too many points within a specific timeframe, you will receive a notice to attend a hearing. At the hearing, you may present evidence and explain any emergency circumstances.
In addition to the risk of a suspended license, too many points can also lead to higher insurance premiums and required traffic school. Working with an experienced attorney is recommended anytime you face potential suspension.
Peakstone Law Group represents clients in Colorado DMV hearings. We know how to effectively advocate for reduced penalties or alternatives to suspension and can help preserve your driving privileges.
How to Reduce or Remove Points from Your Record
In Colorado, once points are added to your driving record, they cannot be removed or reduced. Points from traffic violations remain on your Colorado driving record for two years from the date of the offense. After that period, they no longer count toward the DMV’s point suspension calculations.
Because points cannot be removed once applied, the most effective strategy is to prevent them from being added in the first place. While paying a traffic ticket may seem like the easiest thing to do, doing so is the same as pleading guilty. Once you pay the fine, the points will be added to your record, and they can accumulate quickly.
In many cases, avoiding just one ticket can make the difference between keeping your license and facing suspension. If you have received a traffic citation, early legal intervention gives you the best chance of avoiding long-term consequences.
Special Considerations for CDLs (Commercial Driver’s Licenses)
Colorado’s points system has a specific category for “chauffeurs,” defined as individuals employed as drivers. Chauffeurs are subject to different point thresholds than standard drivers, but only if specific conditions are met.
To qualify for chauffeur status, you must be able to present evidence that each traffic violation occurred during the course of your employment. If accepted, your license will be evaluated under the chauffeur point thresholds. The chauffeur threshold for suspensions is:
- 16 or more points in any 12-month period
- 24 or more points in any 24-month period
- 28 or more points in any 48-month period
If you hold a commercial driver’s license (CDL) and work as a professional driver, you’re subject to different rules. Even minor infractions can carry major consequences.
How to Check Your Driving Record in Colorado
Checking your Colorado driving record is the best way to stay on top of potential violations. You can access your record online via the Colorado DMV website, in person, or by mail.
How Our Colorado Springs Traffic Violation Defense Lawyers Can Help
Peakstone Law Group’s knowledgeable attorneys offer personalized support for every type of driver, from those facing their first ticket to chauffeurs and CDL drivers who want to protect their livelihood.
Whether you’re dealing with an unfair or excessive ticket, preparing for a point suspension hearing, or trying to safeguard your chauffeur status, we’re here to help. Contact us today for a free consultation.