Colorado suspends your license when you reach 12 points in a 12-month period, or 18 points in a 24-month period

Colorado's Department of Revenue tracks driving violations through a points system. Every traffic violation you're convicted of adds points to your record. When you hit 12 points within any 12 months, or 18 points within any 24 months, the state automatically suspends your license. The suspension lasts at least one month, and you cannot drive legally during that time.

The point thresholds are the same for all drivers in Colorado, whether you're 16 or 65. However, drivers under 21 face stricter rules: they get a license revocation (not just suspension) if they reach 6 points in 12 months. That's half the threshold for adult drivers, and revocation is harder to reverse than suspension.

Key Takeaways

  • You reach suspension at 12 points in 12 months or 18 points in 24 months; the state counts whichever threshold you hit first.
  • Different violations carry different point values: a speeding ticket might be 1 point, reckless driving 8 points, and a DUI 12 points.
  • Drivers under 21 are revoked at 6 points in 12 months, which is a more serious action than suspension.
  • You can request a hearing to contest the suspension, but you must do so within 20 days of receiving the suspension notice.
  • Completing a defensive driving course may reduce points on your record, though this depends on the violation type and your driving history.

How points are assigned to different violations

Not all traffic violations carry the same point value. Colorado assigns points based on how serious the violation is and how much danger it poses to other drivers. A minor speeding ticket (1 to 5 mph over the limit) might be 1 point, while speeding 25 mph or more over the limit is 4 points. Reckless driving is 8 points. A DUI or DWAI (driving while ability impaired) conviction is 12 points by itself—enough to trigger suspension in a single incident.

Other common violations and their point values include: careless driving (3 points), hit-and-run (6 points), driving with a suspended or revoked license (6 points), and racing (12 points). If you're convicted of multiple violations from the same incident, Colorado adds all the points together. For example, if you're convicted of both speeding and careless driving from one traffic stop, you receive both the speeding points and the 3 careless driving points.

The difference between suspension and revocation

A suspension is temporary. After your suspension period ends (usually one month for a first suspension), you can request reinstatement by paying a reinstatement fee to the Colorado Department of Revenue. Once reinstated, you can drive again, though the points remain on your record for a set time.

A revocation is more serious and longer-lasting. Drivers under 21 who reach 6 points in 12 months face revocation instead of suspension. Revocation also happens to drivers of any age who are convicted of certain crimes like DUI, vehicular assault, or driving with a revoked license. To get your license back after revocation, you must wait out the revocation period (which can be one year or longer), then reapply and often retake the written and road tests. You cannot straightforward pay a fee and resume driving.

When the suspension takes effect

The Colorado Department of Revenue does not suspend your license the moment you're convicted. Instead, they send you a written notice by mail after your conviction is reported to them. This notice tells you the suspension date, which is usually at least 10 days after the notice is mailed. You have 20 days from the date on the notice to request a hearing if you believe the suspension is wrong.

If you do not request a hearing, or if you request one and lose, your suspension becomes effective on the date stated in the notice. On that date, your license is no longer valid for driving. Driving during a suspension is itself a violation (6 points) and can result in criminal charges.

How to request a hearing before suspension

You have the right to a hearing before your license is suspended. To request one, you must contact the Colorado Department of Revenue's Driver's License Section within 20 days of the date on your suspension notice. You can request a hearing by mail, phone, or in person. The hearing gives you a chance to present evidence that the conviction was wrong, that the points were miscalculated, or that there are other reasons the suspension should not happen.

At the hearing, you can bring documents, witnesses, or an attorney. The hearing officer will review your driving record, the conviction details, and any evidence you present. However, the hearing officer cannot overturn a conviction—only a court can do that. The hearing is limited to whether the Department of Revenue correctly applied the points and suspension rules to your record.

Points stay on your record for different lengths of time

Colorado does not erase points when ready after your suspension ends. Instead, points remain on your driving record for a set period depending on the violation. Most violations stay on your record for three years from the conviction date. However, some serious violations like DUI or DWAI stay for five years or longer. During this time, the points count toward future suspensions if you receive additional violations.

This means that even after your suspension is lifted and you get your license back, you're still building toward the next suspension if you receive more violations. For example, if you were suspended at 12 points and then reinstated, and you receive a 4-point speeding ticket six months later, you now have 4 points on your active record. You would need 8 more points within the next 12 months to reach suspension again.

Defensive driving courses and point reduction

Colorado allows you to reduce points on your record by completing a defensive driving course approved by the state. However, this option is not available for all violations. You can only use a defensive driving course to reduce points for moving violations like speeding or careless driving. You cannot reduce points for serious violations like DUI, reckless driving, or hit-and-run.

If you complete an approved course, you can reduce up to 3 points from your record. The course typically takes four to eight hours and costs between $20 and $50, depending on the provider. You can only use this reduction once every 12 months. After you complete the course, you must submit proof of completion to the Colorado Department of Revenue. The points are removed from your record, which may prevent or delay a suspension if you're close to the threshold.

Frequently Asked Questions

Can I drive during my suspension?

No. Driving during a suspension is illegal in Colorado and is itself a violation worth 6 points. You can face criminal charges, fines, and jail time. Your only legal option is to wait until your suspension period ends, pay the reinstatement fee, and have your license reinstated by the Department of Revenue.

What if I was convicted in another state—do those points count in Colorado?

Yes. Colorado is part of the Driver License Compact, an agreement between states to share traffic conviction information. Convictions from other states are reported to Colorado and added to your record using Colorado's point system. This means an out-of-state speeding ticket or DUI can push you toward suspension in Colorado.

How much does it cost to reinstate my license after suspension?

The reinstatement fee varies depending on the reason for suspension and whether it's your first suspension. Fees typically range from $100 to $150, but you should contact the Colorado Department of Revenue directly for the exact amount in your case, as it can change.

If I'm suspended, can I get a work permit or restricted license?

Colorado does not issue work permits or restricted licenses during a suspension. However, if your license is revoked (not suspended), you may be able to request a probationary license after meeting certain conditions, such as completing a substance abuse program for a DUI revocation. You must request this through the Department of Revenue.

Do points disappear after three years?

Most violations drop off your record after three years, but serious violations like DUI stay longer. Even after points drop off, the conviction itself remains on your permanent driving record. Additionally, if you're close to suspension when points drop off, you're no longer at risk—but new violations will start counting toward the next suspension threshold.