How to find your current points on your Colorado license

Your Colorado driving record shows points that the state adds when you get certain traffic violations. To see how many points you have right now, you need to request your own driving record from the Colorado Department of Motor Vehicles (DMV). You can do this online through the DMV website, by mail, or in person at a local DMV office.

The fastest way is online: go to the Colorado DMV website, select "Driving Record," and follow the steps to order your record. You'll need your driver's license number and date of birth. The record costs a few dollars and arrives within days. If you prefer to go in person, bring your ID to any Colorado DMV office and ask for a copy of your driving record — they can print it on the spot.

Your record will list every violation on your license for the past three to five years, along with the points assigned to each one. Points stay on your record for a set time depending on the violation type, but they don't disappear automatically — you have to wait out the period.

Key Takeaways

  • You can see your current points by ordering your driving record from the Colorado DMV online, by mail, or in person.
  • Different violations carry different point values — a speeding ticket might be 4 points, while reckless driving is 8 points.
  • Points stay on your record for three to five years depending on the violation, and accumulating too many can lead to license suspension.
  • Colorado suspends your license if you reach 12 points in 12 months, 18 points in 24 months, or 24 points in 36 months.

What different violations cost in points

Colorado assigns points based on how serious the violation is. Minor infractions like speeding 1–5 mph over the limit cost 1 point. Speeding 6–10 mph over costs 4 points. Speeding 11–20 mph over costs 6 points, and speeding more than 20 mph over costs 8 points.

Other common violations have fixed point values: running a red light or stop sign is 4 points, improper passing is 4 points, following too closely is 4 points, and driving without a valid license is 6 points. Reckless driving — the most serious moving violation short of a felony — is 8 points. Driving under the influence (DUI) is 12 points and also triggers an automatic license suspension separate from the point system.

Not every traffic ticket adds points. Parking violations, equipment violations (like a broken taillight), and some other non-moving violations don't count toward your point total. Your driving record will make clear which violations carry points and which don't.

When points lead to license suspension

Colorado uses a tiered suspension system based on how many points you accumulate in a given time window. If you reach 12 points within 12 months, your license is suspended for at least one month. If you reach 18 points within 24 months, the suspension is at least two months. If you reach 24 points within 36 months, the suspension is at least three months.

A suspension means you cannot legally drive in Colorado or any other state during that period. You'll receive a notice in the mail telling you when the suspension begins and ends. After the suspension period is over, you can drive again without having to retest or reapply — your license straightforward becomes valid again.

If you get another violation while suspended, the consequences are much more serious: driving with a suspended license is a criminal offense in Colorado, not just a traffic violation.

How to reduce points on your record

Colorado does not offer a formal point reduction program like some states do. However, you have two realistic options: wait for points to age off your record, or contest the violation in traffic court.

Points automatically drop off your record after three to five years, depending on the violation type. Minor violations (1–4 points) typically fall off after three years. More serious violations (6 points or more) usually stay for five years. Your driving record will show the exact date each violation will be removed.

If you believe the ticket was issued in error, you can fight it in traffic court. If you win, the violation is dismissed and no points are added. If you lose, the points stand. Some people also take a defensive driving course after a ticket, which may reduce the points assessed — but this must be approved by the court before you take the course, and it only works for certain violations.

What happens if you're close to suspension

If your record shows you're approaching the suspension threshold, you have a few months to decide your next move. You cannot prevent points from counting toward your total, but you can avoid adding more by driving carefully and following traffic laws.

If you do get suspended, you'll need to serve the full suspension period before you can drive again. Some people use this time to take a defensive driving course, which can help prevent future violations and may lower insurance rates. Once your suspension ends, your license is automatically reinstated — you don't have to do anything or pay a reinstatement fee in Colorado.

If you're suspended a second time within five years, the suspension period is longer and the process becomes more complicated. This is why it's important to check your record regularly and understand where you stand.

Reading your Colorado driving record

When you receive your driving record, it will show a list of violations with dates, locations, and point values. Each violation will have a "disposition" — either "convicted," "dismissed," or "pending." Only violations marked "convicted" add points to your total.

The record also shows the date each violation will be removed from your record. Violations don't disappear on the removal date — they stay visible as a historical record — but they stop counting toward your point total and no longer affect your license status.

If you see a violation on your record that you don't recognize or believe is wrong, contact the Colorado DMV or the court that issued the ticket. Errors do happen, and you have the right to correct them.

Frequently Asked Questions

Can I check my points online without ordering my full driving record?

The Colorado DMV does not offer a quick online points check. You must order your full driving record to see your current total. The online order takes a few minutes and costs a small fee, and you'll have the record within days.

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

Yes. Colorado counts violations from other states under the Interstate Compact, so a speeding ticket you got in Wyoming or Nebraska will add points to your Colorado record and count toward suspension thresholds.

What's the difference between points and insurance surcharges?

Points are a state system that can lead to license suspension. Insurance surcharges are separate — your insurance company may raise your rates based on violations, even if they don't carry many points. A minor speeding ticket might be 4 points but still trigger an insurance increase.

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

No. Paying the ticket means you're accepting the violation and the points that come with it. The only way to avoid points is to contest the ticket in court and win, or to wait for the violation to age off your record.

How long does a DUI stay on my driving record?

A DUI conviction stays on your Colorado driving record permanently for insurance and background check purposes. However, for the point system specifically, it counts as 12 points and triggers an when ready license suspension. After the suspension ends, you can drive again, but the DUI remains part of your permanent record.