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speeding ticket 15 over colorado drivers receive is one of the most common citations issued on I-25, I-70, and city streets from Denver to Grand Junction. Fifteen miles per hour over the posted limit sounds minor. However, Colorado law treats it as a serious jump in penalty.
It lands you in the 10-to-19 mph tier, which carries 4 points against your license and a fine plus surcharge totaling $151. That is four times the points of a 9-over ticket. For many drivers, a speeding ticket 15 over colorado issues also triggers an insurance increase that costs far more than the ticket itself. Understanding the exact fine, the point count, and your options before the payment deadline can save you hundreds of dollars.
What a Speeding Ticket 15 Over Colorado Actually Costs
Colorado sets speeding penalties by statute under C.R.S. 42-4-1701, which contains the state’s penalty assessment schedule. Driving 15 mph over the limit falls in the 10-to-19 mph band. The base fine is $135. A mandatory surcharge of $16 is added on top. As a result, the total penalty assessment is $151 if you pay it without going to court.
Speeding 1 to 24 mph over the limit is a class A traffic infraction in Colorado. An infraction is a civil violation, not a crime. You will not go to jail and you will not have a criminal record. However, a speeding ticket 15 over colorado officers write still adds 4 points to your driving record with the Colorado Division of Motor Vehicles.
The cost climbs fast in special zones. Under C.R.S. 42-4-614, fines are doubled in a designated construction or maintenance zone when workers are present. School zone violations are also doubled. For example, a $135 fine becomes $270 before surcharges. That turns a routine speeding ticket 15 over colorado into a citation approaching $300.
Colorado Speeding Fines and Points by Speed
The table below shows how the 15-over tier compares to the rest of Colorado’s schedule. Notice the sharp cliff between 9 mph over and 10 mph over. That single mile per hour difference is worth three extra points.
| Speed Over Limit | Fine | Surcharge | DMV Points | Classification |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| 1–4 mph | $36 | $6 | 0 | Class A infraction |
| 5–9 mph | $70 | $10 | 1 | Class A infraction |
| 10–19 mph (includes 15 over) | $135 | $16 | 4 | Class A infraction |
| 20–24 mph | $200 | $26 | 6 | Class A infraction |
| 25–39 mph | $157+ | varies | 6 | Class 2 misdemeanor traffic offense |
| 40+ mph | court sets | varies | 12 | Class 1 misdemeanor traffic offense |
Points matter because Colorado suspends licenses by point total. An adult driver 21 or older faces suspension at 12 points in 12 months or 18 points in 24 months. Drivers age 18 to 20 face suspension at 9 points in 12 months. Drivers under 18 face suspension at just 6 points in 12 months.
Run the math. Three tickets in the 10-to-19 range equal 12 points. That means three convictions in one year can cost an adult driver a suspension of six to twelve months. For a teen driver, a single speeding ticket 15 over colorado uses up two-thirds of the 6-point annual budget. Points stay on your record permanently but stop counting toward suspension after 24 months.
What to Do After You Get a Speeding Ticket 15 Over Colorado
First, read the citation carefully. It lists a court date, a court location, and the payment deadline. In most cases you have 20 days to respond. Paying the $151 penalty assessment is an admission of liability. The 4 points post to your record automatically.
Second, consider pleading not guilty and requesting a hearing instead. Colorado prosecutors and county courts frequently offer reductions. A common outcome is amending the charge down to a 4-over or 9-over violation, or to a non-moving violation like defective vehicle under C.R.S. 42-4-202. Those carry zero to one point. The fine sometimes rises, but the point savings usually win.
Third, weigh the insurance hit. Insurers typically raise premiums by roughly 20 to 25 percent after a moving violation, and the increase often lasts three years. On a $1,600 annual policy that is about $1,000 in extra cost. Compared to that, fighting a speeding ticket 15 over colorado is often worth the effort.
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Finally, ask the court about a driver improvement class. Some Colorado municipal courts, including several along the Front Range, allow points to be avoided if you complete an approved course. Rules vary by court, so call the clerk listed on your ticket.
Frequently Asked Questions
Is 15 over the limit a misdemeanor in Colorado?
No. Speeding 1 to 24 mph over is a class A traffic infraction, which is civil rather than criminal. Speeding becomes a class 2 misdemeanor traffic offense only at 25 mph or more over the limit. Therefore a speeding ticket 15 over colorado will not create a criminal record.
Will 4 points suspend my Colorado license?
Not by itself for an adult. Adults 21 and older need 12 points in 12 months before suspension. However, drivers under 18 need only 6 points, so one 15-over citation puts them close to the limit.
Can I just pay the ticket online and move on?
You can, but paying admits liability. The 4 points and the conviction both go on your record and your insurer will likely see them. For example, requesting a hearing first often produces a reduced charge with fewer points for a similar total cost.
Check Your Ticket Impact
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Official Sources & Resources
For verified traffic law and speeding ticket information:
- NHTSA (Speed Data): nhtsa.gov
- NCSL (State Traffic Laws): ncsl.org
- AAA Foundation: aaafoundation.org
- IIHS (Insurance Data): iihs.org
- State DMV Websites: Check your state DMV for official point values and fine schedules
Content last reviewed July 2026. If you notice any outdated information, please contact us.
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- Speeding Ticket Costs by State
- Driving Points by State
- Traffic School by State
- Speeding Ticket Cost Calculator
- Insurance Impact Estimator
Disclaimer. The information on this page is provided for general informational purposes only and does not constitute legal, financial, or professional advice. Fine amounts, point values, and traffic laws vary by jurisdiction and may change without notice. The creators assume no liability for accuracy or completeness. Always verify with your local court, DMV, or a qualified traffic attorney for advice specific to your situation.