The Colorado point system for traffic tickets can quickly turn a simple traffic stop into a serious threat to your driving privileges. Understanding how this system works can be a key factor in maintaining your license and avoiding suspension. When you receive a traffic citation in Colorado, more than just a fine is at stake—your driving record, insurance costs, and even your ability to earn a living could all be at risk.
Understanding the Colorado Point System for Traffic Tickets
In Colorado, traffic violations are monitored through a point-based system, which determines when action should be taken against your license. The system assigns different point values to various violations, with more serious offenses carrying higher point totals.
The Colorado point system for traffic tickets works through a gradual accumulation process:
- Minor Violations: Less serious infractions, such as minor speeding tickets, typically add 3–4 points.
- Moderate Violations: Offenses such as careless driving typically result in 4–6 points being added.
- Serious Violations: Major infractions, such as reckless driving or DUI, can result in 8–12 points being added.
- Automatic Suspensions: Certain violations, such as hit-and-run or racing, result in automatic license suspension.
These points continue to count against your driving record for varying amounts of time, and the Colorado Department of Motor Vehicles (DMV) uses the data to identify patterns of unsafe driving behavior. According to the Colorado DMV, too many points in a short timeframe can trigger suspension even if the individual violations seem minor.
Many drivers don’t realize how quickly these points can accumulate until they receive a suspension notice. For example, two tickets for driving 20 mph over the limit on Academy Boulevard in Colorado Springs could be enough to suspend a young driver’s license.
License Suspension Thresholds in the Colorado Point System
The Colorado point system operates on threshold levels that vary based on your age and the type of license you hold. Understanding these thresholds is crucial to maintaining your driving privileges.
- Adult Drivers: 12 points in 12 months or 18 points in 24 months
- Minor Drivers (16–17): 6 points in 12 months or 7 points total before turning 18
- Provisional Drivers (18–21): 9 points in a year, 12 points in two years, or 14 points total before turning 21
- Commercial Drivers: Subject to stricter federal standards alongside the state system
These thresholds are especially harsh for younger drivers, who can lose their license with just two moderate infractions. The intent of the point structure is to encourage safe driving habits from the start, but the consequences can feel severe.
Common Traffic Violations and Their Point Values
Different traffic violations carry different weights in the Colorado point system. Knowing the point values can help you understand the potential impact of a citation on your driving record.
- Speeding: 1–12 points depending on how far over the limit and the location
- Running a Red Light: 4 points
- Careless Driving: 4 points
- Driving Without Insurance: 4 points
- Driving Under the Influence (DUI): 12 points plus automatic suspension
- Leaving the Scene of an Accident: 12 points plus potential automatic suspension
Even seemingly minor traffic tickets can have serious consequences when viewed through the lens of the Colorado point system. A single traffic stop could put your driving privileges at risk, especially if you already have points on your driving record.
Related: Do I Need a Traffic Lawyer for a Speeding Ticket in Colorado Springs?
The Hidden Costs of Point Accumulation
Beyond the immediate fines and potential driver’s license suspension, accumulating points in the Colorado point system incurs hidden costs that many drivers may not anticipate.
- Insurance Premium Increases: Depending on the violation, your insurance could rise by 20–50%.
- Employment Limitations: Jobs that require driving—such as delivery, construction, or commercial transport—may be unavailable to drivers with too many points.
- Reinstatement Fees: Substantial costs apply to restore a suspended license.
- Time Costs: Hours spent in traffic school or navigating DMV hearings.
These financial implications make fighting a traffic ticket a wise economic decision in many cases, not just a matter of convenience.
How a Colorado Springs Traffic Attorney Can Help
Hiring a traffic attorney isn’t just about convenience—it can directly impact how the Colorado point system affects your future. Attorneys can provide several advantages:
- Negotiating Point Reduction: Attorneys often negotiate with prosecutors to reduce charges, such as lowering a 6-point careless driving citation to a 2-point defective vehicle ticket.
- Avoiding License Suspension: If you’re close to the suspension threshold, a lawyer can present mitigating evidence to keep you under the limit.
- Alternative Resolutions: Judges may allow for traffic school or defensive driving courses in exchange for reduced points.
- Challenging Evidence: From radar gun calibration to officer testimony, attorneys can question the reliability of the evidence against you.
- Representation in Court: An attorney can appear on your behalf, saving you the disruption of missing work or school.
For example, drivers cited for speeding on I-25 through Colorado Springs have successfully had their charges reduced with the assistance of an attorney, keeping their point totals below the suspension threshold.
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How to Contest Traffic Tickets in Colorado
When you receive a traffic citation, you have options for fighting the ticket and potentially avoiding the consequences inflicted by the Colorado point system.
Rather than paying your fine and accepting the points, you can contest the traffic ticket through:
- Court Appearance: Presenting your case before a judge.
- Plea Bargaining: Negotiations for reduced charges or penalties.
- Traffic School: Some jurisdictions allow point reduction through education.
- Legal Representation: Hiring an attorney familiar with traffic courts.
Taking a strategic approach to traffic violations can make a significant difference in how the Colorado point system affects your record. Each citation should be evaluated individually to determine the best course of action.
Why Choose Perkins Law for Your Traffic Ticket Defense
When facing the consequences of the Colorado point system, choosing the best traffic ticket attorney in Colorado Springs can be crucial in protecting your ability to keep driving.
The Perkins Law advantage includes:
- Deep Local Knowledge: Familiarity with Colorado Springs traffic courts and procedures.
- Strategic Defense Approaches: Customized strategies based on your specific situation.
- Proven Results: Track record of reducing or dismissing traffic violations.
- Convenience: Handling court appearances on your behalf so you don’t miss work.
At Perkins Law, we understand that the Colorado point system can threaten not just your ability to drive but also your livelihood and independence. Our approach focuses on practical solutions that keep you on the road legally.
Taking Action to Protect Your Driving Privileges
Don’t wait until you’re facing license suspension to address issues with the Colorado point system. Taking proactive steps can help protect your driving record and prevent the accumulation of points. Smart strategies include:
- Contesting Citations: Fight tickets rather than simply paying them.
- Regular Record Checks: Monitor your driving record for accuracy.
- Defensive Driving: Avoid violations in the first place.
- Immediate Response: Act quickly when you receive a citation.
Taking these steps can help you navigate the Colorado point system more successfully and maintain your driving privileges.
Next Steps After Receiving a Traffic Ticket
If you’ve recently received a traffic citation, time is of the essence in addressing the potential impact on your record through the Colorado point system.
Schedule your free initial consultation with Perkins Law today. Together, we will safeguard your driving privileges and help you avoid the consequences of point accumulation.
