Getting arrested for DUI does not mean you will be convicted. Police misconduct, defective breathalyzers and crime lab mistakes may be enough to get your charges lessened or dismissed. Visit our page on Colorado DUI Laws to learn more.
Colorado DUI
Getting arrested for DUI does not mean you will be convicted. Police misconduct, defective breathalyzers and crime lab mistakes may be enough to get your charges lessened or dismissed. Visit our page on Colorado DUI Laws to learn more.
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For adult drivers 21 and older in Colorado, a driver’s license suspension is triggered by acquiring 12 points in 12 months – or 18 points in 24 months.
For adult drivers ages 18 to 20 in Colorado, a driver’s license suspension is triggered by acquiring 9 points in 12 months – or 12 points in 24 months – or 14 points between turning 18 and before becoming 21.
For minor drivers under 18 years old in Colorado, a driver’s license suspension is triggered by acquiring 6 points in 12 months – or 7 points before turning 18.
And for on-duty chauffeurs (such as taxi-cab drivers) in Colorado, a driver’s license suspension is triggered by acquiring 16 points in 12 months – or 24 points in 24 months – or 28 points in 48 months.
Therefore, the DMV point thresholds are harsher for younger drivers and laxer for professional chauffeurs. The following table summarizes the DMV point thresholds for Colorado license suspensions:
Motorist in Colorado |
License suspension threshold |
Minor drivers (under 18 years of age) |
|
Adults ages 18 to 20 |
|
Adults ages 21 and older |
|
On duty- chauffeurs (such as taxi drivers) |
|
See our related articles, How to check points on my Colorado license and How long do points stay on your license in Colorado?
A Colorado point suspension lasts from six months to one year. The DMV hearing officer decides the length by taking into account such factors as:
Motorists can attend their DMV hearing to argue for a shorter suspension period.2
Learn about reinstating a driver’s license after a Colorado DMV suspension.
The Colorado DMV hearing officer may grant suspended license-holders a “probationary driver’s license” (a.k.a. PDL or “red license”). PDLs permit drivers to go to and from certain pre-approved locations such as the office or school.
Note that people who had a PDL before are unlikely to be granted any more in the future. Also note that people will lose their PDL if they violate its terms or pick up any new traffic citations.3
The more serious the moving violation, the more DMV points it carries.
The more serious the Colorado traffic violation, the higher the point value that the DMV assigns the driver. For example, speeding 40 mph or more over the limit carries 12 points. Reckless driving and DWAI (driving while ability impaired) carry eight points. Speeding 10 mph to 19 mph over the limit carries four points. And speeding 5 mph to 9 mph over the limit carries one point.
It may be possible to remove Colorado driver’s license points by paying the traffic ticket on time or completing Traffic School.4
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.