Colorado Driver’s License Points: What You Need to Know
When it comes to driving in Colorado, it’s important to be aware of the state’s driver’s license points system. Points are assigned for traffic violations, and accumulating too many points can result in the suspension or revocation of your driver’s license. In this article, we will discuss how the points system works, what violations can result in points being added to your license, and how you can reduce or remove points from your record.
How the Points System Works
In Colorado, each traffic violation is assigned a certain number of points based on its severity. For example, a minor violation such as speeding 1-4 miles over the limit may result in one point being added to your license, while a more serious offense like reckless driving could add up to 8 points. If you accumulate too many points within a certain time period, your license can be suspended or revoked.
The number of points required to trigger a license suspension varies depending on the driver’s age and the type of license they hold. For drivers under 18 years old, accumulating 6 or more points within a 12-month period will result in a license suspension. For drivers 18 and older with a regular driver’s license, 12 points within 12 months, 18 points within 24 months, or 24 points within 36 months can lead to a suspension.
Common Violations and Points Assigned
There are a variety of traffic violations that can result in points being added to your license in Colorado. Some of the most common violations and the points assigned for each include:
– Speeding 1-4 mph over the limit: 1 point
– Speeding 5-9 mph over the limit: 4 points
– Speeding 10-19 mph over the limit: 6 points
– Speeding 20-39 mph over the limit: 9 points
– Speeding 40 mph or more over the limit: 12 points
– Reckless driving: 8 points
– Running a red light: 4 points
– Following too closely: 4 points
In addition to these violations, there are many others that can result in points being added to your license, such as failure to yield, driving without insurance, and driving under the influence.
Reducing or Removing Points from Your Record
If you have accumulated points on your Colorado driver’s license, there are ways to reduce or remove them from your record. One option is to complete a defensive driving course approved by the Colorado Department of Revenue. By taking this course, you can earn a 4-point credit on your record, which can help offset the points from a previous violation.
Another option is to maintain a clean driving record for a certain period of time. In Colorado, points remain on your record for 2 years from the date of the violation. If you can go without committing any further violations during that time, some points may be automatically removed from your record.
It’s also possible to request a hearing with the Colorado Division of Motor Vehicles to contest the points added to your license. If you believe that the points were added in error or that there were extenuating circumstances surrounding the violation, a hearing officer may be able to reduce or remove the points from your record.
Conclusion
In conclusion, it’s important for drivers in Colorado to be aware of the state’s driver’s license points system and how it can impact their ability to drive. By understanding how points are assigned, which violations result in points being added to your license, and how to reduce or remove points from your record, you can help ensure that you maintain a clean driving record and avoid any potential license suspensions or revocations. Remember to drive safely, obey traffic laws, and always be mindful of your actions behind the wheel.
