What the Colorado point system does

Colorado tracks your driving violations using a point system. Every traffic violation you receive adds points to your driving record. Accumulate too many points within a set time period, and the Colorado Department of Revenue will suspend your license. The system exists to identify unsafe drivers and remove them from the road before they cause serious harm.

Points stay on your record for a set number of years depending on the violation type. Some violations carry more points than others — a minor speeding ticket adds fewer points than a reckless driving conviction. Understanding how many points you have and how close you are to suspension helps you make decisions about your driving and your future on the road.

Key Takeaways

  • Colorado suspends your license if you accumulate 12 or more points within 12 months, 18 or more points within 24 months, or 24 or more points within 36 months.
  • Most traffic violations add between 1 and 8 points to your record, with serious violations like reckless driving or DUI carrying the highest point values.
  • Points remain on your driving record for three to seven years depending on the violation, and you cannot remove them early through traffic school or other means in Colorado.
  • You can check your current point total by contacting the Colorado Department of Revenue or viewing your record online through their system.
  • If you receive a suspension notice, you have the right to request a hearing to contest the suspension before it takes effect.

How many points each violation costs

Colorado assigns points based on the severity of the violation. A minor speeding ticket — say, 1 to 5 miles per hour over the limit — typically adds 1 point. Speeding 26 miles per hour or more over the limit adds 8 points. Running a red light or stop sign adds 4 points. Reckless driving adds 8 points. A DUI or DWAI (driving while ability impaired) conviction adds 12 points on its own, which means a single DUI can trigger an when ready suspension.

Other common violations and their point values include: improper passing (4 points), following too closely (4 points), failure to yield (4 points), and careless driving (4 points). Leaving the scene of an accident adds 6 points. Driving with a suspended or revoked license adds 6 points. The Colorado Department of Revenue publishes a complete point schedule on their website if you need to look up a specific violation.

When Colorado suspends your license

Colorado uses a tiered suspension system based on how many points you accumulate and how quickly you accumulate them. If you reach 12 or more points within 12 months, your license will be suspended. If you reach 18 or more points within 24 months, suspension follows. If you reach 24 or more points within 36 months, suspension follows. The state measures these windows from the date each violation occurred, not from the date you received the ticket or conviction.

When you hit the threshold, the Colorado Department of Revenue mails you a notice of suspension. The suspension typically takes effect 20 days after the notice is mailed, giving you time to request a hearing if you choose. A first suspension usually lasts one month. A second suspension within five years lasts three months. A third or subsequent suspension within five years lasts six months or longer.

How long points stay on your record

Points do not disappear automatically after a set time — they remain on your record, but their impact on your suspension may be able to access changes. Most traffic violations stay on your record for three years. However, serious violations like DUI, DWAI, reckless driving, and hit-and-run stay on your record for seven years. During the first three years, points count toward suspension thresholds. After three years, most violations stop counting toward new suspensions, though they remain visible on your record.

Colorado does not allow you to remove points through traffic school, defensive driving courses, or other means. Some states offer point reduction programs; Colorado does not. Your only option to clear points is to wait out the time period. If you believe a violation was recorded in error, you can request a hearing with the Colorado Department of Revenue to contest it, but this is a separate process from point removal.

How to check your point total

You can view your driving record and current point total through the Colorado Department of Revenue's online system. Visit the CDOR website and look for the "Driving Record" or "Check Your Record" section. You will need your driver's license number and date of birth. The online system shows all violations on your record, the points assigned to each, and the date each violation will stop counting toward suspension.

If you prefer not to use the online system, you can request a copy of your driving record by mail or in person at a Colorado DMV office. There is a small fee for this service. Your record will arrive within a few business days and will show the same information as the online version. Checking your record regularly — especially if you have received recent tickets — helps you stay aware of how close you are to suspension.

What happens if you receive a suspension notice

When the Colorado Department of Revenue mails you a suspension notice, you have the right to request a hearing before the suspension takes effect. The notice will include instructions on how to request a hearing and the important date for doing so — usually 20 days from the date the notice was mailed. Requesting a hearing does not stop the suspension from taking effect on the scheduled date, but it gives you a chance to present your case to a hearing officer.

At the hearing, you can argue that the points were calculated incorrectly, that a violation should not have been recorded, or that there are circumstances the Department should consider. However, the hearing officer cannot reduce or remove points — they can only determine whether the suspension was issued correctly. If the hearing officer upholds the suspension, it remains in effect for the full duration. If they find an error, the suspension may be cancelled.

Reinstating your license after suspension

Once your suspension period ends, you must take steps to reinstate your license. You cannot straightforward start driving again. Contact the Colorado Department of Revenue and request reinstatement. You will need to pay a reinstatement fee, which varies depending on whether this is your first, second, or subsequent suspension. You may also be required to complete a driver improvement course or provide proof of insurance before reinstatement is granted.

The reinstatement process typically takes one to two weeks. During this time, your license remains suspended and you cannot legally drive. Once the Department confirms reinstatement, you will receive written confirmation and can resume driving. If you are suspended again within five years, the suspension period will be longer and the reinstatement fee will be higher, so avoiding future violations is important.

Frequently Asked Questions

Can I get points removed from my record early?

No. Colorado does not offer point reduction programs, traffic school point removal, or defensive driving course discounts like some other states do. Points remain on your record for three to seven years depending on the violation type. After three years, most violations stop counting toward suspension, but they remain visible on your driving record.

Does a DUI automatically suspend my license?

A DUI conviction adds 12 points to your record, which alone meets the threshold for suspension. However, a DUI also triggers a separate administrative license suspension through the Colorado Department of Transportation, which is different from the point-system suspension. You may face both suspensions at the same time.

What if I disagree with a violation on my record?

You can request a hearing with the Colorado Department of Revenue to contest a violation. You must request the hearing within the timeframe specified in your suspension notice, or you can contact the Department separately to dispute a violation. Bring documentation supporting your position, such as photos, witness statements, or proof that you were not the driver.

How much does it cost to reinstate my license?

Reinstatement fees vary based on whether this is your first, second, or subsequent suspension. First suspension reinstatement typically costs around $100, but fees increase for repeat suspensions. Contact the Colorado Department of Revenue for the exact fee that applies to your situation, as amounts may change.

Can I drive during my suspension period?

No. Driving with a suspended license is a separate violation that adds 6 points to your record and can result in criminal charges. If you need to drive during your suspension, you may be able to request a work permit or essential needs license, but this requires approval from the Colorado Department of Revenue and is granted only in limited circumstances.