Colorado’s traffic laws can be complex when you consider the number of different types of charges and Colorado’s point system. The Colorado Department of Revenue (DOR) employs a point system to monitor driving infractions, where accumulating too many points can lead to license suspension. This post covers some significant traffic violations in Colorado, their classifications, and the points assigned upon conviction.
Major Traffic Violations in Colorado
How many points is a DUI?
- Classification: Unclassified Misdemeanor (Felony upon fourth offense)
- Points: 12
- Details: Operating a vehicle with a Blood Alcohol Content (BAC) of 0.08% or higher is considered DUI. Penalties increase with subsequent offenses and can include license suspension, fines, and imprisonment.
How many points for Driving While Ability Impaired (DWAI)
- Classification: Unclassified Misdemeanor
- Points: 8
- Details: DWAI is charged when a driver’s BAC is between 0.05% and 0.08%, indicating impaired ability to operate a vehicle safely.
How many points for Reckless Driving
- Classification: Class 2 Misdemeanor Traffic Offense
- Points: 8
- Details: Defined as driving with a willful disregard for the safety of persons or property. Convictions can lead to fines and jail time.
How many points for Careless Driving
- Classification: Class 2 Misdemeanor Traffic Offense
- Points: 4
- Details: Involves driving without due regard for road conditions or surroundings. If the offense results in death, it escalates to a 12-point violation.
How many points for Leaving the Scene of an Accident (Hit and Run)
- Classification: Misdemeanor or Felony, depending on severity, and attendant factors
- Points: 12
- Details: Failing to stop and provide information or assistance after an accident can lead to severe penalties, including license revocation.
How many points for eluding a Police Officer
- Classification: Misdemeanor or Felony
- Points: 12
- Details: Attempting to flee from law enforcement during a traffic stop is a serious offense with significant legal consequences.
How many points for Speeding Violations
- Classification: Varies (Infraction to Misdemeanor)
- Points:
- 5–9 mph over limit: 1 point
- 10–19 mph over limit: 4 points
- 20–39 mph over limit: 6 points
- 40+ mph over limit: 12 points
- Details: Excessive speeding, especially in construction zones, can elevate the offense to a misdemeanor with potential jail time.
How many points for Failure to Stop for a School Bus
- Classification: Traffic Offense
- Points: 6
- Details: Not stopping for a school bus with flashing signals endangers children and carries substantial penalties.
How many points for Driving Without Proof of Insurance
- Classification: Traffic Offense
- Points: 4
- Details: Operating a vehicle without valid insurance can result in fines and even license suspension.
How many points for Failure to Yield to Emergency Vehicles
- Classification: Traffic Offense
- Points: 4
- Details: Not yielding to emergency responders can impede critical services.
Colorado’s Point System and License Suspension
Accumulating points on your driving record can lead to license suspension. The thresholds are:
- Adult Drivers (21 and over):
- 12 points within 12 months
- 18 points within 24 months
- Minor Drivers (18 to 20 years old):
- 9 points within 12 months
- 12 points within 24 months
- 14 points during the period the license was issued
- Minor Drivers (Under 18 years old):
- 6 points within 12 months
- 7 points during the period the license was issued
Points remain on your driving record for seven years, and accumulating points can lead to increased insurance premiums and other consequences.
The Legal Consequences Behind the Points
While the DMV points system primarily affects your driving privileges, the legal ramifications of certain violations can go much further. Traffic misdemeanors—like DUI, DWAI, reckless driving, and leaving the scene of an accident—are criminal offenses in Colorado. A conviction may appear on your permanent criminal record, affecting employment opportunities, professional licensing, immigration status, and more.
For instance:
- A first-time DUI can result in up to one year in jail, fines of up to $1,000, community service, MADD panel attendance, and mandatory alcohol education classes, on top of a license suspension.
- Reckless driving, while less severe than DUI, still carries potential jail time of up to 90 days and significant fines. High point offenses can increase your insurances rates.
- A hit and run (especially if someone was injured) can elevate to a Class 4 felony, punishable by 2 to 6 years in prison.
Most infractions, like minor speeding or failure to signal, won’t result in jail, but enough of them can still result in a suspended license and spiked insurance premiums.
Why Hiring a Traffic Attorney Matters
If you’ve been cited or arrested for a traffic violation in Colorado, don’t assume you’re out of options. A skilled traffic lawyer can:
- Challenge radar or speed detection accuracy
- Negotiate reduced charges or points
- Defend your case in court to prevent a criminal record
- Help you avoid license suspension
- Advise on mitigating factors
Protecting Your Driving Privileges
Understanding and adhering to traffic laws is crucial for maintaining your driving privileges in Colorado. If you’re facing traffic violations, consulting with a knowledgeable attorney can help navigate the legal system, potentially reduce penalties, and safeguard your driving record.
Final Word
From minor mistakes to major missteps, Colorado traffic law treats violations seriously. Understanding the consequences—and protecting your rights—starts with knowing the law. And when in doubt, consult an experienced defense attorney who knows how to keep you safely on the road and out of court.