How many points on a Colorado license to trigger a license suspension?

Q: How long does the license suspension last?

A Colorado point suspension lasts from six months to one year.

Q: How many points do traffic tickets carry?

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.

Posted on April 22, 2022

Cop pulling over driver who has a history of traffic tickets — The Colorado DMV suspends driver's licenses when motorists accrue 12 points in 12 months.

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)	6 points in 12 months, or 7 points before turning 18
Adults ages 18 to 20	9 points in 12 months, 12 points in 24 months, or 14 points between turning 18 and before becoming 21
Adults ages 21 and older	12 points in 12 months, or 18 points in 24 months
On duty- chauffeurs (such as taxi drivers)	16 points in 12 months, 24 points in 24 months, or 28 points in 48 months¹

How long does the license suspension last?

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:

whether the driver was forthcoming about pending traffic tickets;
if an accident occurred;
the seriousness of the traffic violation;
the motorist’s driving history; and
whether the driver has shown signs of improvement.

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.

Can I get a probationary license?

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.

How many points do traffic tickets carry?

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

Legal References

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