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Colorado’s DMV Point Suspension

Colorado operates a point-based system to track and regulate driving behavior. The state’s Department of Motor Vehicles (DMV) assigns demerit points for traffic violations, and accumulating too many points can lead to license suspension under CO Rev Stat § 42-2-127 (2021).

Denver Lawyer for DMV Point Suspensions

If you or a driver in your family is facing a license suspension or revocation from the Colorado DMV based on demerit points, you need to contact an experienced traffic lawyer as soon as possible. Getting ahead of the curve on point suspensions can open your opportunities with the court, potentially allowing you to complete alternative punishments like defensive driving courses instead of losing your license or receive an early reinstatement.

Contact our office today at (303) 725-0017 to schedule your free initial consultation. Law Office of Matthew A. Martin, P.C. proudly serves clients throughout the greater Denver area, including Adams County, Arapahoe County, Douglas County, Broomfield County, and Boulder County.

Overview of Colorado Point Suspensions

The DMV Point System
- Point Limits
- Chauffeurs
Traffic Violations
Penalties for Accumulating Points
Defenses and Point Reductions
Frequently Asked Questions
Hire an Attorney for Colorado Point Suspensions

How the Colorado DMV Point System Works

The Colorado DMV uses a structured point system where different violations carry specific point values. If a driver accumulates too many points within a given period, they risk losing their driving privileges. The thresholds vary based on the driver’s age and license type.

Point Accumulation Limits

Drivers under 18: 6 points in 12 months or 7 points total before turning 18
Drivers aged 18-21: 9 points in 12 months, 12 points in 24 months, or 14 points total between the ages of 18 and 21.
Adult drivers (21 and older): 12 points in 12 months or 18 points in 24 months
Commercial drivers: Stricter penalties apply, and some violations may lead to immediate disqualification

Chauffeurs

Notably, Colorado implements a different point bracket for chauffeurs. From the Colorado DMV:

By statute, a chauffeur is an individual who is employed as a driver, such as a taxi cab driver. You may be entitled to chauffeur points if you can prove each ticket occurred in the course of your employment.

The dates of violation (not the dates of conviction) are used to determine whether there is an excessive number of points over a particular period of time.

Points Requiring Suspension for Chauffeurs

16 or more within any 12 months
24 or more within any 24 months
28 or more within any 48 months

Common Traffic Violations and Their Point Values

Different infractions carry different point penalties, and some can result in immediate revocation of your license, regardless of a clean history. The following are some common violations and their associated points:

Speeding 5-9 mph over the limit: 1 point
Speeding 10-19 mph over the limit: 4 points
Speeding 20-39 mph over the limit: 6 points
Speeding 40+ mph over the limit: 12 points
Reckless driving: 8 points
Careless driving: 4 points
Failure to stop for a school bus: 6 points
Driving under the influence (DUI): 12 points
Driving while ability impaired (DWAI): 8 points
Failure to yield right-of-way: 3 points
Running a red light or stop sign: 4 points
Leaving the scene of an accident: 12 points

Penalties for Accumulating Too Many Points

When a driver exceeds the point limit for their age or license type, the DMV may take administrative action, including:

Warning letters: For drivers nearing the point limit
License suspension: Typically ranging from 6 months to 1 year
Probation: Some drivers may receive a probationary license under certain conditions
Mandatory hearings: Drivers facing suspension must attend a DMV hearing to determine the severity of their penalty

Defenses and Ways to Reduce Points

Drivers facing license suspension or other penalties may have options to contest or mitigate their point accumulation:

Traffic School: In some cases, completing a defensive driving course may help reduce points. However, this is usually an agreement with the court in combination with other fines.
Contesting Violations: Drivers can challenge traffic tickets in court to avoid points being added to their record
Deferred Sentencing: Some courts offer deferred sentencing, allowing drivers to keep a clean record if they avoid further violations within a specific time frame
Negotiating a Lesser Charge: In some cases, legal representation may help drivers negotiate a lower-point offense

Frequently Asked Questions

How can I check my point total on my driving record? You can request a copy of your driving record from the Colorado DMV online, in person, or by mail.

Will my insurance rates increase if I accumulate points? Yes, insurance companies often consider driving records when setting rates. Accumulating points can result in higher premiums.

Can I remove points from my record? Points automatically expire after a certain period, but attending a defensive driving course or contesting a ticket may reduce your total sooner.

What happens if I get a traffic ticket in another state? Colorado does not add points from other states. However, as part of the Non-Resident Violator Compact (NRVC), Colorado and other states will suspend your license until you have paid your ticket.

How long do points stay on my record? While violations remain on a driving record permanently, points generally affect a driver’s status for two years from the date of the offense.