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Quick Summary
- In Colorado, points are assigned to traffic violations based on severity (1-12 points).
- Adults face suspension at 12 points in 12 months or 18 points in 24 months.
- Minors have stricter limits: 6 points in 12 months or 7 points total.
- Major violations like DUI, racing, and hit-and-run carry 12 points each.
- Points stay on record for 7 years but only affect driving privileges for 24 months.
- Points increase insurance premiums and can affect employment opportunities.
What is a Point on Your Driver’s License?
In Colorado, a point is a numerical value assigned to traffic offenses, reflecting the severity of the violation [1]. More serious offenses result in higher points, and accumulating too many points within a specific timeframe can lead to the suspension of a driver’s license.
For example, speeding violations accrue points based on how many miles per hour over the speed limit you were traveling—the faster you go, the more points you receive. Other offenses, like a DUI, carry a fixed number of points; a DUI conviction automatically adds 12 points to your license.
“Receiving the maximum allowable number of points against your driver’s license triggers a license suspension. However, before the suspension goes into effect, you are entitled to a hearing. This is where the benefit of an experienced attorney comes into play.” – Christian A. Schwaner, P.C
At the hearing, an experienced attorney can challenge the points on your license, present evidence to potentially reduce the suspension length due to hardship, and help you obtain a probationary license to continue driving during your suspension.
Understanding Colorado’s Driver’s License Point System
According to Ramos Law, understanding the point system is crucial for every driver. In Colorado, this system encourages safe driving and holds drivers accountable for their actions, assigning specific point values to traffic violations based on severity. Minor infractions carry fewer points, while major offenses result in higher point accumulation [2].
Points from traffic violations remain on your Colorado driver’s license permanently but only impact your driving privileges for 24 months. After two years, these points no longer contribute towards a license suspension.
In Colorado, adult drivers (age 21 and over) face a threshold of 12 points within a 12-month period or 18 points within a 24-month period. Exceeding these limits can result in the suspension of your driver’s license. For minor drivers (under the age of 21), the point accumulation limits are more stringent. They face a threshold of just six points within 12 months or seven points total at any time until they reach the age of 21.
Colorado Traffic Violations and Points
According to LoewLaw, the State of Colorado assigns specific points for various traffic violations [3]:
1. Speeding:
- 5 to 9 MPH over the limit = 1 point
- 10 to 19 MPH over the limit = 1 to 4 points
- 20 to 39 MPH over the limit = 6 points
- 40 or more MPH over the limit = 12 points
2. Failure to Wear a Seatbelt: 2 points
3. Failure to Yield Right of Way: 3 points
4. Careless Driving: 4 points
5. Improper Lane Passing: 4 points
6. Failure to Show Proof of Insurance: 4 points
7. Running a Stop Sign or Stoplight: 4 points
8. Reckless Driving: 8 points
9. Racing: 12 points
10. Driving Under the Influence (DUI): 12 points
11. Leaving the Scene of an Accident: 12 points
12. Evading a Police Officer: 12 points
How to Check Your Driving Record in Colorado
- Visit the Colorado Department of Revenue website.
- Provide your personal information.
- Obtain your free driving record or pay a fee for a certified copy.
Driving records are crucial for insurance purposes as car insurance companies charge higher premiums for customers with a history of violations or accidents. For example, a single speeding ticket can increase premiums by an average of 31% in Colorado.
You can ensure that all information is accurate by checking your driving record. It’s also beneficial to review the dates of any violations, as insurance companies typically consider the past three to five years of your driving history. Once violations are no longer factored into your rates, compare quotes to ensure you are still receiving the best rate for your coverage needs.
How Long Do Points Stay on Your Driver’s License?
In Colorado, DMV points from traffic infractions and misdemeanors stay on your driving record for seven years. This means all points accumulated within the past seven years will be visible on your record.
Your car insurance provider accesses your driving record to determine your insurance premiums, and having points on your record can lead to higher rates. Additionally, if you are applying for a job involving driving, prospective employers often review your driving record as part of their hiring process.
Considering the impact of your driving record on various aspects of your life, you should be mindful of your driving habits and strive to maintain a clean record. By adhering to traffic laws and avoiding violations, you can prevent the accumulation of DMV points and maintain a positive driving history. This proactive approach will not only help keep your insurance rates manageable but also enhance your prospects in employment opportunities that involve driving.
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References:
- https://schwanerlaw.com/blog/colorado-drivers-license-points/
- https://www.ramoslaw.com/explaining-the-drivers-license-points-system-in-colorado/
- https://www.loewlaw.com/colorado-drivers-point-system/