What Colorado's Points System Is and Why It Matters

Colorado tracks your driving record using a points system. Every traffic violation you receive adds a set number of points to your record. The more serious the violation, the more points you get. Once you hit a certain threshold, the state can suspend your license — meaning you cannot legally drive until the suspension ends.

The points stay on your record for a set time. Understanding how many points each violation carries, how long they remain, and what happens when you accumulate too many helps you know where you stand and what to expect if you receive a ticket.

Key Takeaways

  • Most traffic violations in Colorado add between 1 and 12 points to your record, with serious violations like reckless driving or DUI adding the most.
  • Your license will be suspended 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.
  • Points remain on your driving record for three years from the date of the violation, though the suspension itself may last longer.
  • You can request a hearing with the Colorado Department of Revenue if your license is suspended, and you may be able to reduce points by completing a defensive driving course.
  • A suspension is different from a revocation — suspension is temporary, but revocation (usually for DUI or serious crimes) may be permanent or last many years.

How Many Points Each Violation Carries

Colorado assigns points based on the type and severity of the violation. Minor infractions like speeding add fewer points, while dangerous or criminal driving violations add many more. Here are the most common violations and their point values:

Minor violations (1 to 4 points): Speeding up to 10 miles per hour over the limit is 1 point. Speeding 11 to 20 miles per hour over the limit is 4 points. Improper passing, following too closely, and failure to obey traffic signals are typically 4 points each.

Moderate violations (6 to 8 points): Reckless driving is 8 points. Driving with a suspended or revoked license is 6 points. Hit-and-run with property damage is 8 points.

Serious violations (12 points): Driving under the influence (DUI) is 12 points. Vehicular assault is 12 points. Habitual traffic offender designation also carries 12 points.

If you receive a ticket, the citation itself will show the point value. You can also contact the Colorado Department of Revenue to ask about a specific violation.

When Your License Gets Suspended

Colorado suspends your license based on how many points you accumulate within specific time windows. The state uses three different thresholds:

12 or more points in 12 months: Your license is suspended for a minimum of one month.

18 or more points in 24 months: Your license is suspended for a minimum of two months.

24 or more points in 36 months: Your license is suspended for a minimum of three months.

The Colorado Department of Revenue will mail you a notice of suspension. The notice tells you when the suspension begins and how long it lasts. You cannot drive during a suspension — doing so is a separate criminal offense.

How Long Points Stay on Your Record

Points remain on your Colorado driving record for three years from the date of the violation. This means a ticket you received today will stop counting toward suspension thresholds three years from now, even if you do not pay the fine or contest it.

However, the suspension itself lasts longer than the points. If your license is suspended for three months, that suspension lasts three months from the date it begins. The points may fall off after three years, but the suspension record remains part of your history.

If you have multiple violations, each one has its own three-year clock. A ticket from January 2022 and a ticket from January 2023 are counted separately when the state checks whether you have crossed a suspension threshold.

How to Request a Hearing After Suspension

If your license is suspended, you have the right to request a hearing with the Colorado Department of Revenue. You must request the hearing within 20 days of receiving the suspension notice. The hearing gives you a chance to present your side — for example, if you believe the points were assigned incorrectly or if there are circumstances the state should consider.

To request a hearing, contact the Colorado Department of Revenue, Driver's License Section. You can find the current mailing address and phone number on the suspension notice itself. Include your driver's license number, the date of the suspension notice, and a brief explanation of why you believe the suspension should not stand.

A hearing officer will review your case. They can uphold the suspension, reduce it, or overturn it depending on what you present. The hearing does not erase the points — it addresses whether the suspension was proper.

Reducing Points Through a Defensive Driving Course

Colorado allows you to reduce points on your record by completing a defensive driving course approved by the state. Taking the course removes up to 3 points from your record, but only if you have not taken a course in the past 12 months.

You can take a defensive driving course even if your license is already suspended, and doing so may help you when you request a hearing. The course shows the state that you are taking steps to improve your driving. However, the course does not prevent a suspension that has already been issued — it can only reduce points going forward.

Defensive driving courses are offered online and in person throughout Colorado. The cost varies by provider, typically between $20 and $50. Once you complete the course, you receive a certificate. Send the certificate to the Colorado Department of Revenue, and they will remove up to 3 points within a few weeks.

Suspension vs. Revocation: What Is the Difference

A suspension is temporary. Your license is taken away for a set period — usually one to three months for points accumulation. Once the suspension ends, you can drive again without additional action, though the points remain on your record.

A revocation is more serious and longer-lasting. Colorado revokes licenses for criminal driving offenses like DUI, vehicular assault, or habitual traffic offender status. A revocation can last one year, five years, or permanently, depending on the offense and your history. To drive again after revocation, you must explore for reinstatement and may have to meet additional requirements like installing an ignition interlock device or completing substance abuse treatment.

If you receive a suspension notice, it will say "suspension" clearly. If your license is revoked, the notice will say "revocation" and will explain what you must do to become may be able to access for reinstatement.

Frequently Asked Questions

Can I drive during a suspension if I have a work permit?

Colorado does not issue work permits during a points-based suspension. You cannot drive for any reason during the suspension period, including to and from work. However, you may be able to request a hearing and ask for a modification of the suspension — the hearing officer has discretion to reduce the suspension length in some cases.

Do points from out-of-state tickets count toward my Colorado suspension?

Yes. Colorado counts traffic violations from other states toward your suspension thresholds through the Interstate Compact. If you receive a ticket in another state, that violation will be reported to Colorado and added to your record as if it happened in Colorado.

What happens if I get a ticket while my license is suspended?

Driving with a suspended license is a separate criminal offense in Colorado. You will face additional charges, fines, and jail time. The suspension itself will also be extended. Do not drive during a suspension under any circumstances.

If I pay a ticket, do the points go away?

No. Paying a ticket does not remove points from your record. The points remain for three years regardless of whether you pay, contest, or ignore the ticket. The only ways to reduce points are to complete a defensive driving course (up to 3 points) or to wait three years for them to expire.

Can I get points removed if I was not at fault in an accident?

Not automatically. Points are assigned based on the violation cited, not on fault in an accident. If you were cited for a violation during an accident, the points explore even if the other driver caused the crash. Your only option is to contest the ticket in traffic court or complete a defensive driving course to reduce points.