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A speeding ticket 20 over colorado drivers receive is a much bigger deal than most people expect. It is not a simple $100 ticket you pay online and forget. Going 20 to 24 mph over the posted limit is a Class A traffic infraction under Colorado law. The scheduled fine is $200, plus a $32 state surcharge, for a total of about $232.
More importantly, a conviction adds 6 points to your driving record. That is half of the 12 points that trigger a license suspension for adult drivers in a single year. For example, Colorado State Patrol troopers issued 14,477 citations in 2024 alone for drivers traveling 20 to 40 mph over the limit. If you are holding one of those tickets, the points matter far more than the fine.
What a Speeding Ticket 20 Over Colorado Drivers Get Really Costs
The base penalty comes from the state penalty schedule in C.R.S. 42-4-1701. For 20 to 24 mph over, the scheduled fine is $200. Colorado then adds a surcharge that funds victim programs and court services, typically $32 on a ticket this size. Your out-of-pocket total is roughly $232 if you simply pay it.
However, that figure can double fast. Under C.R.S. 42-4-1701(4)(c), fines are doubled if the offense happens in a highway maintenance, repair, or construction zone. In those zones, a speeding ticket 20 over colorado motorists receive can climb past $500 once court costs are added. Some sources put the construction-zone total near $540.
The real cost is insurance. A 6-point speeding conviction typically raises premiums for three years. Many Colorado drivers see increases of $300 to $600 per year. As a result, the $232 fine is often the smallest part of the bill.
Points, Thresholds, and Where 20 Over Falls
Colorado assigns points by how far over the limit you were caught. The table below shows the current tiers. Note how sharply the penalty jumps at 20 and again at 25.
| MPH Over Limit | Classification | Typical Fine + Surcharge | Points |
|---|---|---|---|
| 5–9 | Class A infraction | About $80–$100 | 1 |
| 10–19 | Class A infraction | About $180 | 4 |
| 20–24 | Class A infraction | About $232 | 6 |
| 25–39 | Class 2 misdemeanor traffic offense | $150–$300 plus costs | 6 |
| 40+ | Class 1 misdemeanor traffic offense | Higher fines, possible jail | 12 |
Here is the good news. A speeding ticket 20 over colorado drivers face is still a civil infraction, not a crime. There is no jail exposure. At 25 over, that changes. Speeding 25 or more mph above the limit becomes a misdemeanor traffic offense, punishable by fines, public service, and 10 to 90 days in jail.
Suspension thresholds depend on age. Drivers 21 and older face suspension at 12 points in 12 months or 18 points in 24 months. Drivers 18 to 20 face suspension at 9 points in 12 months or 12 points in 24 months. Drivers under 18 face suspension at just 6 points in 12 months. In most cases, that means a single speeding ticket 20 over colorado teens receive can suspend a minor’s license immediately.
How to Fight a Speeding Ticket 20 Over Colorado Charge
Do not just pay the ticket online. Paying is a guilty plea. It sends 6 points straight to the Colorado Division of Motor Vehicles. Instead, check the court date printed on your summons and appear or file a written plea of not guilty by that deadline. Missing it can trigger a failure-to-appear and a separate license hold.
Typically, the most useful step is asking the prosecutor for a plea agreement. Colorado county courts routinely negotiate traffic cases. A common outcome is pleading to Defective Vehicle, a 2-point non-moving violation, instead of the 6-point speed charge. That single swap keeps four points off your record and usually keeps your insurance rate flat.
Another option is a deferred judgment. You plead guilty, pay the fine and costs, and stay out of trouble for a set period. If you complete the terms, the case is dismissed and nothing is reported to DMV. However, deferrals are discretionary. The district attorney decides, and busy jurisdictions like Denver, El Paso, and Douglas counties handle these differently. For example, El Paso County led the state with 2,170 high-speed citations in 2024.
Finally, request the officer’s evidence. Ask for radar or lidar calibration logs, the officer’s certification, and any dashcam video. Speed-measuring devices must be tested and certified. A gap in those records is a legitimate defense to a speeding ticket 20 over colorado troopers wrote.
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Frequently Asked Questions
Can I take traffic school to remove the points in Colorado?
Colorado does not offer an automatic point reduction for defensive driving. However, a judge or prosecutor may require traffic school as a condition of a deferred judgment or reduced plea. In that situation, the class is what keeps the points off your record.
Will a speeding ticket 20 over colorado issued raise my insurance?
Yes, in most cases. A 6-point conviction is a serious moving violation to insurers. Typically, the surcharge lasts three years, and some carriers drop safe-driver discounts entirely.
How long do the points stay on my Colorado record?
Points count toward suspension for 12 and 24 month windows. However, the conviction itself stays on your seven-year driving record. Insurers and employers can see it during that time.
Do I need a lawyer for a speeding ticket 20 over colorado wrote against me?
It is not required, since 20 over is an infraction and not a crime. However, 6 points is significant, and traffic attorneys often appear for you without you missing work. For commercial drivers, hiring counsel is strongly advised because CDL holders cannot use deferred judgments.
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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.
Related Guides
- 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.