How long do points stay on your license in Colorado?

Posted on April 8, 2022

Woman in driver's seat holding her driver's license — DMV points stay on Colorado driver's licenses.

Even though DMV points from traffic violations never disappear from your Colorado driver’s license, they stop having a negative effect after 24 months. The Colorado DMV never looks back further than 24 months when determining whether to suspend your driving privileges based on DMV points.¹

Your driving record

Colorado driving records go back for seven years, and they show all the DMV points that you accrued during those seven years from

traffic infractions and
traffic misdemeanors.

Your car insurance company may pull your driving record in order to determine whether to raise your premiums. If you are applying for a job that requires driving, the employer will likely take your driving record into account when deciding whether to hire you.

Learn more in our article, How can I check the points on my license in Colorado?

Removing DMV points

Completing a court-approved traffic school may remove up to three points from your Colorado driver’s license. Plus paying traffic tickets on time can also reduce the number of DMV points added to your license.

Learn more in our article, How do I remove points from my Colorado driver’s license?

Police officer inspecting driver's license after a traffic stop

DMV points older than 24 months cannot impact your driving privileges in Colorado.

The maximum DMV points you can drive with

Adults 21 and older can continue driving in Colorado with up to 11 points in a one-year period and up to 17 points in a two-year period.

Drivers who are 18, 19, or 20 years old can continue driving with up to:

8 points in a 1-year period;
11 points in a 2-year period; and
13 points in the three years that the driver is 18 to 20 years old.

Minor drivers under 18 can continue driving with up to five points in a one-year period and six points while younger than 18 years old.

Finally, chauffeurs (such as cab drivers) can continue driving with up to:

15 points in a 1-year period;
23 points in a 2-year period; and
27 points in a 4-year period.

If you accrue too many points, the Colorado DMV will suspend your license for at a period of six months to one year. Though you may be able to get a probationary driver’s license (PDL) to drive to and from work or school.²

Additional resources

Find helpful information from the Colorado Department of Motor Vehicle website:

Point Suspensions – Explanation of how accruing points can trigger a license suspension.
Driver Services – Frequently Asked Questions.
Hearing Forms – Forms to request a DMV hearing.
Auto Insurance – Overview of Colorado car insurance laws.
Interlock Devices – Overview of when interlock devices are required for you to drive.

Legal References

Colorado Revised Statutes 42-2-127 CRS; 1 CCR 211-3.
Same. See also Edwards v. Motor Vehicle Div., (1974) 33 Colo. App. 382, 520 P.2d 598 (1974). Ewing v. Motor Vehicle Div., 624 P.2d 353 (Colo. App. 1980).

About the Author

Michael Becker

Michael Becker has over a quarter-century's worth of experience as an attorney and more than 100 trials under his belt. He is a sought-after legal commentator and is licensed to practice law in Colorado, Nevada, California, and Florida.

Name * Phone * Email * City where case is located * Tell us what happened Please attach any citations, booking sheets, police reports or other relevant documents. By checking this box and clicking the “Submit” button below, I agree to the POLICIES AND DISCLAIMERS, and I consent to receive calls and/or texts from or on behalf of Shouse Law Group with regard to the legal services they provide at the telephone number I entered above, even if currently included on a Do Not Call registry. I can withdraw my consent to automated calls/texts at any time as it is not necessary as a condition of service.

Get Quick Legal Help...