How Does the Colorado Driving Point System Work?

If you recently got a traffic ticket in Colorado, you may be worried about your driver’s license, your driving record, and whether you are getting close to a suspension. The Colorado license point system is how the Colorado DMV tracks traffic violations and decides when a driver’s behavior has reached the point where penalties such as a DMV hearing, restricted license, suspension, or revocation may apply.

The Colorado Department of Revenue, through the Division of Motor Vehicles, works alongside law enforcement to enforce this point system. If you are pulled over by a police officer and cited for a traffic offense, such as speeding, careless driving, or failing to obey a traffic signal, the citation is documented and tied to your driving record. If the ticket results in a conviction or guilty plea, the offense may add driver’s license points to your record.

The point system is meant to penalize repeated or serious unsafe driving behavior. In theory, it helps remove dangerous drivers from the road and encourages safer habits. In practice, it can also create major problems for people who depend on their Colorado driver’s license for work, school, childcare, and daily life. Understanding how the point system works, how many points different traffic violations carry, and what happens if your points total gets too high can help you protect your driving privileges and make informed decisions after a ticket.

Colorado License Point System Breakdown

Here is a quick overview of Colorado’s point system:

• The Colorado driving points system assigns different point values to different traffic offenses.
• Points are generally added after a conviction, guilty plea, or payment of a traffic ticket.
• If you accumulate too many points in a 12-month period or a 24-month period, you can face point suspension.
• Adults 21 years of age and older can be suspended for 12 points in 12 months or 18 points in 24 months.
• Point limits are lower for a minor driver and different for a chauffeur or professional driver.
• Serious traffic violations such as DUI, DWAI, reckless driving, eluding, or leaving the scene of an accident carry high point values.
• You can check your driving record and points total through the Colorado DMV website.
• If your license is suspended, you may need a DMV hearing and later complete reinstatement requirements, including proof of insurance and fees.

Got a Traffic Ticket in Colorado? What Happens Next

Many drivers do not think about the driver’s license point system until after they have been stopped and cited. A traffic ticket can seem minor at first, especially if it involves something common like speeding over the speed limit, improper backing, an improper turn, or failure to yield right-of-way. But even relatively ordinary infractions can affect your driving record and insurance premiums.

After a police officer issues a citation, the ticket itself does not automatically mean points are final. In most cases, the points are tied to the underlying offense and are imposed after you resolve the case by:

• Paying the ticket
• Pleading guilty
• Being found guilty in court
• Reaching another final resolution that results in a conviction for the traffic offense

That is why it is important not to assume every ticket should simply be paid right away. Depending on the alleged violation, the number of points involved, and your existing points total, admitting guilt may have more serious consequences than the fine alone suggests.

For example, one driver may be able to absorb a 2-point signal violation without much issue. Another driver who already has several recent traffic infractions may be at real risk of license suspension if those additional points are added. That is especially true for a minor driver, a chauffeur, or anyone whose job depends on keeping full driving privileges.

How Does the Colorado Driving Points System Work?

If you are asking, how does the point system work, the short answer is this: the DMV assigns points to your driving record based on the severity of the traffic offense, then tracks the number of points you accumulate during certain rolling timeframes.

The Colorado driving points system does not treat all violations equally. A minor speeding ticket may add only a small number of points, while a DUI, reckless driving charge, speed contest, or eluding offense can add enough points to put you in immediate danger of suspension.

The system also does not look only at your lifetime record when deciding whether to suspend your license. Instead, the DMV focuses on whether too many points were accumulated within a specific 12-month period or 24-month period. This means timing matters. Several tickets spread out over many years may not create the same risk as multiple citations close together.

This is also why drivers sometimes underestimate the problem. They know they have had tickets before, but they do not realize how closely grouped those offenses are until they receive notice from the DMV.

What Is a Point in Colorado’s DMV Point System?

A point is essentially the penalty value attached to a traffic violation. If you are ticketed for violating Colorado traffic laws, you may receive points on your license if the charge results in a conviction. The number of points depends on the offense.

For example, a lower-level infraction, such as a seatbelt violation or improper signal, may carry only 2 points, while a more serious traffic offense like reckless driving may carry 6 points, DWAI may carry 8 points, and DUI or leaving the scene of an accident may carry 12 points.

The Colorado DMV uses these point values to measure the seriousness and frequency of your driving behavior. The more severe the offense, the more points it adds. The more often violations occur, the greater the risk to your license.

How Many Points Do You Start With on Your License?

You start with zero points on your Colorado driver’s license. Points are added only when you commit traffic violations that result in a conviction.

That means no one begins with a buffer or a built-in number of allowed points. Instead, every driver starts with a clean slate, and the points total builds over time if they are cited for qualifying traffic offenses.

This is important because some people assume the system works like a balance you spend down. It does not. The DMV is tracking the number of points added to your record, not subtracting them from a preset amount.

How Many Points Are Allowed Before License Suspension?

The number of points allowed before license suspension depends on the driver’s age and classification.

Adult driver (21 years of age and older)

An adult driver can face suspension for:

• 12 points in any 12 consecutive months
• 18 points in any 24 consecutive months

Minor driver (18 through 20 years of age)

A minor driver between 18 and 20 years old can face suspension for:

• 9 points in any 12 consecutive months
• 12 points in any 24 consecutive months
• 14 or more points between the ages of 18 and 21

Drivers under 18 years of age

A driver under 18 can face suspension for:

• 6 points in any 12 consecutive months
• 7 points before turning 18

Because the rules are stricter for younger drivers, families should pay especially close attention when a teenager receives a traffic ticket. Points can add up quickly, and a suspended license may affect school, work, sports, and other responsibilities.

Chauffeur or professional driver

Colorado law provides different point brackets for chauffeurs or drivers who can prove at a hearing that they were employed as a driver and received the tickets in the course of employment. In those situations, suspension generally applies at:

• 16 points in 12 months
• 24 points in 24 months
• 28 points in 48 months

What about Uber, Lyft, or ride-share drivers?

Ride-share drivers working for companies such as Uber or Lyft are not automatically classified as chauffeurs or professional drivers under Colorado law because they are typically independent contractors rather than employees. However, in some situations, a ride-share driver may be able to argue that traffic violations occurred while operating in a commercial capacity.

Whether a hearing officer will apply the higher point thresholds depends on the specific facts of the case, including proof of driving activity for compensation and whether the violations occurred during active ride-share work. Because this determination is discretionary, ride-share drivers should not assume they will qualify for the more lenient professional driver limits.

Ride-share drivers must also maintain a valid driver’s license to remain eligible to operate on these platforms. Losing a license due to excess points can immediately prevent a ride-share driver from working, making point reduction or defense especially important for those who rely on driving for income.

What Happens if You Accumulate Too Many Points?

If you accumulate too many points within the relevant period of time, the DMV can suspend or revoke your license. In some situations, you may also be eligible only for a restricted license rather than full driving privileges.

That can have major real-world consequences. Losing your license can interfere with:

• Getting to work
• Taking children to school
• Attending classes
• Traveling to medical appointments
• Handling normal family responsibilities

Even before point suspension happens, a high points total can increase your insurance premiums. Insurance companies may review your driving record and treat repeated traffic infractions as a sign of higher risk.

In other words, the consequences are not limited to the DMV. Too many points can affect your finances, schedule, and freedom of movement.

What Is a Red License?

In Colorado, a probationary driver’s license (PDL) is commonly referred to as a “red license.” A hearing officer may choose to grant a PDL after a point suspension, but it is discretionary and not guaranteed. It is usually limited to specific purposes, such as work or school.

Multiple speeding tickets, careless driving citations, or other moving violations can add up faster than people expect. If you hit the threshold for your age or driver category, you may find yourself dealing with a red license, restrictions, suspension, or revocation.

For many drivers, the practical problem is immediate. They still need to work, pick up children, or manage everyday obligations, but their legal ability to drive has changed.

How Long Do Points Stay on Your Colorado License?

This issue is often misunderstood. Points are usually most important for suspension purposes during the relevant 12-month period or 24-month period. In that sense, older points may stop counting toward a future point suspension after enough time passes.

However, the underlying violations can remain visible on your driving record much longer.

For suspension purposes, points matter most within the applicable 12-month or 24-month window. However, the underlying violations can remain visible on your driving record much longer. Colorado driving records are available for the previous seven years or for the driver’s full history, depending on the record requested.

So while points may no longer count toward a new suspension after enough time has passed, the violations themselves can still affect insurance premiums, employment screenings, and future legal matters.

That is why it is more accurate to say that points matter most within a certain suspension window, while the traffic offenses themselves remain on the record for a longer period of time.

Can Points Be Reduced or Removed?

Points are not usually erased from your record simply by asking the DMV to remove them. In some cases, however, the impact of points may be reduced by successfully contesting the ticket, negotiating a lesser offense, or reaching another case-specific resolution in court. Because the options vary depending on the violation and the court involved, drivers should review the ticket carefully and consider speaking with a defense lawyer if they are close to suspension.

Depending on the case, possible options may include:

• Negotiating the charge down to a lesser offense with fewer points
• Deferred judgments or alternative dispositions, where available
• Challenging the citation in court
• Completing court-recommended classes or requirements as part of a negotiated outcome
• Working with a lawyer to minimize the number of points tied to the final result

This is especially important for drivers who are already close to a suspension threshold. A reduction of even a few points can make a major difference. That said, serious offenses such as DUI, DWAI, reckless driving, speed contest charges, or eluding an officer can be much harder to reduce and often carry more significant legal consequences.

Colorado License Points for Traffic Violations

Every traffic infraction is assigned a point value in Colorado. Some violations are relatively minor, while others carry enough points to create immediate suspension risk.

Below are common examples of traffic violations and their point values:

It is important to educate yourself and younger drivers in your household, especially teenagers. Although traffic tickets involve fines, the larger problem is often the number of points attached to the offense. A teen driver may depend on a vehicle to get to school, practice, or work, and a suspended license can create lasting problems for the whole family.

How to Check Driver’s License Points

If you have ever been cited for a traffic violation, you may be asking:

• How many points do I have on my license?
• How do I check my driving record?
• Is my license suspended?

You can check the status of your Colorado driver’s license and review your driving record through the DMV. An official or non-certified copy of your record may be requested online, in person, or by mail.

To order your record, you may need to provide:

• Your name as it appears on your driver’s license
• Date of birth
• Address as it appears on your license
• Driver’s license number
• License issue date
• License expiration date
• Last four digits of your Social Security number
• Reason for requesting the record

If you request the record online, you will generally need a debit card or credit card. DMV offices may accept cash, checks, money orders, credit cards, and debit cards. If you request the record by mail, a check or money order may be required.

Your motor vehicle record can be useful not only for personal review but also for insurance matters, legal investigations, and preparing for court or a DMV hearing.

Contact the Division of Motor Vehicles

For the most current office locations, services, and driving record information, visit the Colorado DMV website or use the official DMV locations page before going in person. The former Lakewood office at 1881 Pierce St. is permanently closed. Here’s the new location:

Denver Regional Service Center (DRSC)
1351 5th St. Suite 100
Denver, Colorado 80204
(970) 614-0913
Monday through Friday, 8 a.m. to 5 p.m.

DMV Point Hearing

If your license is suspended for too many points, you may have a DMV hearing to determine how long your suspension will last. At that hearing, the hearing officer may consider several factors, including:

• Your age
• Driving status
• Driving record
• Severity of the violations
• Public safety concerns

A driver cited for speeding, careless driving, or a less serious signal violation may face a different outcome than someone whose record includes DUI, reckless driving, or eluding.

A hearing officer can suspend driving privileges for up to one year based on excess points. If you are facing a DMV hearing, legal advice from a defense lawyer may help you present your strongest case and work toward the best possible result.

How to Reinstate a Suspended or Revoked License

If your license has been suspended or revoked, reinstatement is not automatic. After you complete the required suspension period and satisfy any other conditions, you must take steps to restore your license.

Depending on the situation, that may include:

• Completing required driving courses
• Paying fines or fees
• Satisfying court requirements
• Resolving issues involving child support
• Serving any required jail sentence, if applicable

Reinstatement requirements depend on the type of suspension or revocation. In many cases, Colorado driver’s license reinstatement includes:

• Filing the Application for Reinstatement (DR2870) form
• Paying the $95.00 reinstatement fee
• Providing proof of insurance

The process may be completed online, by mail, or in person, depending on your situation. If your license is still otherwise valid, testing may not be required to obtain a duplicate license after reinstatement. However, other circumstances can affect what the DMV requires.

Is Colorado Getting Rid of the Point System?

No. Colorado still uses the point system as a central part of how the DMV monitors unsafe driving behavior and enforces penalties against repeat traffic offenders.

When to Contact a Traffic Defense Lawyer

You may want to speak with a lawyer if:

• You are close to a suspension threshold.
• You have multiple recent traffic tickets.
• You were charged with DUI, DWAI, reckless driving, or another serious offense.
• You have a teen driver facing point problems.
• You need help preparing for a DMV hearing.
• You rely on your license for work or family obligations.

A defense lawyer may be able to challenge the citation, reduce the charge, or help protect your driving privileges before the consequences become more serious.

Contact Our Law Firm

Navigating DMV procedures can be frustrating, especially when your license has been suspended or you are trying to avoid losing it. Whether you are fighting a traffic ticket, dealing with DWAI allegations, or preparing for a DMV hearing, legal guidance can make the process easier to manage.

M. Colin Bresee offers free consultations for drivers dealing with Colorado traffic offenses and license-related issues. The firm serves clients in:

• Arapahoe County, including Aurora, Centennial, Englewood, Greenwood Village, and Littleton
• Adams County, including Thornton and Westminster
• Denver County
• Douglas County, including Castle Rock, Highlands Ranch, and Parker
• El Paso County, including Colorado Springs and Security-Widefield
• Gilpin County, including Central City
• Jefferson County, including Arvada and Lakewood
• Weld County, including Greeley and Longmont

FAQs About the Colorado License Point System

How many points do you get on your license in Colorado?

It depends on the offense. Different traffic violations carry different point values. Minor offenses may add 1 to 2 points, while serious offenses such as DUI, eluding, or leaving the scene of an accident may add 12 points.

Can I still drive for Uber or Lyft if I get too many points on my license in Colorado?

Possibly, but it depends on the severity of the violations and whether your license remains valid. Ride-share companies require drivers to maintain an active driver’s license and meet safety standards. If your license is suspended due to excess points, you will generally be unable to drive for Uber, Lyft, or similar services until your license is reinstated.

Even without a suspension, multiple traffic violations may lead to platform deactivation if your driving record no longer meets company requirements. Because ride-share income depends entirely on driving privileges, addressing tickets promptly and carefully is especially important.

Can I remove points from my Colorado license?

Not usually in a simple sense, but depending on the facts of your case, you may be able to reduce the impact of points by fighting the ticket, negotiating a lesser charge, or completing an approved course where available.

How long does it take for points to drop off a license in Colorado?

For suspension purposes, points matter most within the applicable 12-month period or 24-month period. However, the underlying violations may remain on your driving record for several years.

How many points are you allowed in Colorado?

That depends on your age and license type. An adult driver generally faces suspension at 12 points in 12 months or 18 points in 24 months. Younger drivers face lower thresholds.

How do I check my points in Colorado?

You can request your driving record through the Colorado DMV online, by mail, or in person.

Related Colorado Revised Statutes

Here are the specific Colorado Revised Statutes (C.R.S.) related to various traffic violations, along with where to find each official government statute:

1. DUI (Driving Under the Influence of drugs or alcohol): C.R.S. § 42-4-1301(1)(a)
2. DUI per se (Driving with a BAC of .08% or higher): C.R.S. § 42-4-1301(2)(a)
3. DWAI (Driving While Ability Impaired): C.R.S. § 42-4-1301(1)(g)
4. Evading or eluding an officer: C.R.S. § 42-4-1413
5. Leaving the scene of an accident (Injury or damage): C.R.S. § 42-4-1601
6. Leaving the scene of an accident (Damage only): C.R.S. § 42-4-1602
7. Speed contests: C.R.S. § 42-4-1105
8. Failure to stop for a school bus: C.R.S. § 42-4-1903
9. Reckless driving: C.R.S. § 42-4-1401
10. Careless driving: C.R.S. § 42-4-1402
11. Failure to observe a stop sign: C.R.S. § 42-4-603
12. Failure to observe a traffic control signal: C.R.S. § 42-4-612
13. Failure to show or maintain proof of insurance: C.R.S. § 42-4-1409
14. Failure to yield to an emergency vehicle: C.R.S. § 42-4-705
15. Improper passing: C.R.S. § 42-4-1005
16. Underage Drinking and Driving (UDD): C.R.S. § 42-4-1301(2)(d)
17. Driving on the wrong side of the road: C.R.S. § 42-4-1001
18. Driving in the wrong direction on a one-way street: C.R.S. § 42-4-1010
19. Speeding 40 mph or more over the limit: C.R.S. § 42-4-1101(1)
20. Speeding 20 mph to 39 mph over the limit: C.R.S. § 42-4-1101(1)
21. Speeding 10 mph to 19 mph over the limit: C.R.S. § 42-4-1101(1)
22. Speeding 5 mph to 9 mph over the limit: C.R.S. § 42-4-1101(1)
23. Failure to dim or turn on lights: C.R.S. § 42-4-204
24. Improper backing: C.R.S. § 42-4-1211
25. Improper signal or failure to signal: C.R.S. § 42-4-903
26. Not wearing a seatbelt: C.R.S. § 42-4-237
27. Operating an unsafe vehicle: C.R.S. § 42-4-202
28. Transportation Network Company definitions: C.R.S. § 40-10.1-602
29. Insurance requirements for ride-share drivers: C.R.S. § 40-10.1-604
30. Driver eligibility requirements: C.R.S. § 40-10.1-605

Disclaimer: Neither this page nor any other on the website constitutes legal advice and does not establish an attorney-client relationship.