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Points stay on license colorado records far longer than most drivers expect. Many people assume a speeding ticket disappears after a year or two. In reality, the Colorado Division of Motor Vehicles keeps the conviction on your driving history for seven years, and alcohol-related convictions stay on there permanently.
However, there is good news buried in the rules. The DMV only counts recent points when it decides whether to suspend you. Understanding exactly how long points stay on license colorado systems track — and which window actually matters — helps you protect your driving privileges, your insurance rate, and your job. This guide breaks down the Colorado point schedule, the suspension thresholds, and the practical steps to take after a ticket.
How Colorado’s Point System Actually Works
Colorado assigns points under C.R.S. 42-2-127. Points attach only after a conviction, not when the officer hands you the ticket. Importantly, the DMV dates the points to the day of the violation, not the day of the conviction. That detail matters when you are close to a suspension threshold.
Speeding points scale sharply with how fast you were going. Driving 1 to 4 mph over carries zero points. Going 5 to 9 mph over is 1 point. The jump to 10 to 19 mph over costs 4 points, plus a fine around $135 with surcharges. Speeding 20 to 39 mph over adds 6 points. At 40 mph or more over the limit, you take 12 points at once — enough to suspend an adult driver on a single ticket.
Other common violations add up quickly. Careless driving is 4 points. Reckless driving is 8 points. DWAI is 8 points, and a DUI conviction is 12 points. Leaving the scene of an accident is 12 points. For example, two 10-over speeding tickets plus one careless driving conviction equals 12 points in a year. That is a suspension for an adult driver, even without anything dramatic on the record.
How Long Points Stay on License Colorado Drivers Carry
Here is the key distinction. Points stay on license colorado driving records essentially forever as historical entries, but the DMV only uses a rolling lookback window to justify a suspension. In most cases, points older than 24 months cannot be counted against you for point-suspension purposes. Your standard Colorado motor vehicle record displays seven years of convictions, so employers and insurers can still see old tickets even after the DMV stops counting them.
The thresholds depend entirely on your age at the time of the violation. Younger drivers get far less room for error.
| Driver Age | Suspension Thresholds |
|---|---|
| Under 18 | 6 points in 12 months, or 7 points total while holding a minor’s license |
| 18 to 20 | 9 points in 12 months, 12 points in 24 months, or 14 points total between ages 18 and 21 |
| 21 and older | 12 points in 12 months, or 18 points in 24 months |
| Chauffeur/commercial use | 16 points in 12 months, 24 points in 24 months, or 28 points in 48 months |
Notice the 24-month column. That is why the question of how long points stay on license colorado drivers hold has two answers. Two years for suspension math. Seven years for what shows up on a record request. Typically, insurance companies look back three to five years when pricing your policy, which is its own separate timeline entirely.
What to Do After a Colorado Ticket
Start by pulling your own driving record. Colorado offers this through the myDMV online portal for a small fee. Do not guess at your point total. Count only the violations dated within the last 24 months, because those are the ones that can actually trigger a suspension.
Next, consider your plea options before you pay the fine. Paying a Colorado ticket is a conviction. Once you pay, the points post automatically. Colorado does not offer a defensive driving course that erases points, unlike states such as Texas or Florida. As a result, the only reliable way to keep points off is to negotiate the charge down before conviction. Many Colorado municipal and county courts will reduce a 4-point speeding charge to a non-moving violation, such as defective vehicle equipment, which carries zero points.
If you do cross a threshold, the DMV mails a notice of suspension. You have the right to request a point hearing, and requesting one promptly is critical. At the hearing, an officer weighs your driving history, your need to drive for work, and any mitigating circumstances. Adult suspensions generally run six months to one year. However, a hearing officer can issue a probationary license that lets you drive to work, school, or medical appointments. Commercial drivers face tighter rules and must report most convictions to their employer within 30 days.
Frequently Asked Questions
Can I take a defensive driving class to remove points in Colorado?
No. Colorado has no state-approved point reduction course. However, some insurers still offer a premium discount for completing one, and a few courts accept class completion as part of a plea deal.
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Do points stay on license colorado records after the two-year window closes?
Yes, the conviction remains visible on your seven-year driving history. However, the DMV cannot use points older than 24 months to suspend you. In most cases, the entry becomes a paper trail rather than an active risk.
Will a single speeding ticket suspend my Colorado license?
Usually not for an adult. For example, a 10-to-19-over ticket is only 4 points. However, driving 40 mph or more over the limit is 12 points and can suspend an adult driver on the first offense. Drivers under 18 can be suspended with just 6 points.
How long do points stay on license colorado records for a DUI?
The 12 points count toward suspension for 24 months like any other violation. However, Colorado keeps alcohol-related convictions on your driving record permanently, so a DUI never falls off the seven-year rolling history.
Does moving to another state clear my Colorado points?
No. Colorado participates in the Driver License Compact, so most other states receive and honor your Colorado conviction history. Typically, your new state applies its own point values to those out-of-state convictions.
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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 September 2026. If you notice any outdated information, please contact us.
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- 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.