The Colorado Driver's License Point System: How to Avoid a Suspension

When you earn your Colorado driver's license, you also get a clean driving record. One of your most important responsibilities is to keep it that way. To monitor driving habits and identify high-risk individuals, the Colorado DMV uses a demerit point system.

Understanding this system from the moment you get your license is critical. Every time you are convicted of a moving traffic violation, points are added to your record. If you accumulate too many points within a specific timeframe, you will face serious penalties, including the suspension of your license.

How the Colorado Point System Works

The concept is simple: the state assigns a point value to every type of moving violation. More serious offenses carry a higher point value. When you pay a ticket or are found guilty in court, that conviction is reported to the DMV, and the corresponding points are added to your driving record.

Point Values for Common Colorado Traffic Violations

It's crucial to know which actions carry the most weight. Here are the point values for some of the most common violations:

• Driving Under the Influence (DUI) or DWAI: 12 points (for DUI) or 8 points (for DWAI)
• Reckless Driving: 8 points
• Careless Driving: 4 points
• Leaving the Scene of an Accident: 12 points
• Speeding:
  • 5-9 mph over the limit: 1 point
  • 10-19 mph over the limit: 4 points
  • 20-39 mph over the limit: 6 points
  • 40+ mph over the limit: 12 points
• Failure to Yield Right-of-Way: 3 points
• Improper Passing: 4 points
• Running a Red Light or Stop Sign: 3-4 points

The Point Suspension Thresholds: How Many is Too Many?

The number of points that triggers a license suspension depends on your age. The rules are much stricter for new and young drivers.

For Adult Drivers (21 and over):

Your license will be suspended if you accumulate:

• 12 points in any 12-month period.
• 18 points in any 24-month period.

For Minor Drivers (18 to 20 years old):

Your license will be suspended if you accumulate:

• 9 points in any 12-month period.
• 12 points in any 24-month period.
• 14 points between the ages of 18 and 21.

For Minor Drivers (Under 18 years old):

The rules are the most stringent for the youngest drivers. Your license will be suspended if you accumulate:

• 6 points in any 12-month period.
• 7 points before you turn 18.

The Consequences of Accumulating Points

The process is typically progressive.

1. Warning Letter: Before you reach the suspension threshold, the DMV will usually mail you a warning letter. This is a notice that you are accumulating points and are in danger of losing your license.
2. Notice of Suspension and Hearing: Once you cross the point threshold for your age group, the DMV will mail you an official notice. This notice will state that your license is scheduled for suspension and will inform you of your right to an administrative hearing.
3. The Hearing: You can request a hearing to plead your case. A hearing officer will review your record and can decide to proceed with the suspension, offer a probationary license (often with restrictions), or in rare cases, dismiss the action. If you do not request a hearing, the suspension is automatic.
4. Suspension: If your license is suspended, you cannot legally drive for the duration of the suspension period. Reinstating your license afterward involves paying significant fees and may require you to purchase high-risk SR-22 insurance.

Keeping Your Record Clean

• Drive Safely: The most obvious and effective method is to avoid getting tickets in the first place by obeying all traffic laws.
• Understand Your Ticket: When you receive a ticket, you have options. Simply paying it is an admission of guilt.
• Plea Bargaining: In some jurisdictions, you may be able to plead guilty to a lesser offense with fewer points (e.g., pleading a 4-point speeding ticket down to a 2-point defective vehicle charge). This often requires appearing in court or speaking with the city or district attorney.

Your driver's license is a privilege. By understanding and respecting the Colorado point system, you can protect that privilege, keep your insurance costs down, and contribute to the safety of everyone on the road.