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Speeding and traffic ticket laws in Colorado are designed to promote road safety and manage the flow of traffic on highways, city streets, and rural roads. Being cited for a traffic violation, including speeding, running a red light, or unsafe lane changes, can result in fines, points on your driving record, increased insurance rates, and even possible license suspension. The Colorado Department of Motor Vehicles (DMV) maintains a points system to track driving infractions, and accumulation of points may have serious consequences for your driving privileges.
Many people assume that paying a traffic ticket is the simplest solution, but legal assistance can be beneficial in several scenarios. You may need a lawyer if you believe you were wrongly cited, face a ticket that could result in significant points or license suspension, are accused of reckless driving, or need to appear in traffic court. Attorneys can help negotiate reduced charges, lessen fines and points, or even get citations dismissed. Professional legal help is also valuable for commercial drivers, repeat offenders, or anyone facing criminal charges related to a traffic stop, such as DUI or driving under restraint.
Colorado uses a graduated point system to assess penalties for traffic violations. Speeding tickets, for example, can add anywhere from 1 to 12 points to your license depending on how fast you were driving over the posted limit. Adults over 21 can lose their driver’s license if they accumulate 12 points in 12 months or 18 points in 24 months. For minors and commercial drivers, the standards are stricter. Additionally, Colorado law requires that all traffic violations be reported to the DMV, and certain offenses may result in mandatory court appearances. Some municipalities have their own additional ordinances, and photo enforcement is active in various regions.
You can either pay the fine, which is an admission of guilt, or contest the ticket in court. Ignoring the ticket can result in extra penalties or a license hold.
Points vary by the extent you exceed the speed limit. For example, driving 10 to 19 mph over the limit can add 4 points, while exceeding the limit by more than 25 mph can result in 6 or more points.
A skilled attorney may be able to get your charges reduced or dismissed, particularly if there are legal or procedural issues with the citation or if you have a clean driving record.
Failing to respond can result in a default judgment, additional fines, and possibly a bench warrant for your arrest. Your license may also be suspended.
It is likely. Insurance companies monitor your driving record and may increase premiums after traffic violations.
Not every ticket requires a court appearance. Minor infractions can typically be resolved by paying the fine. However, more serious offenses or multiple violations may mandate a court date.
Points generally stay on for 24 months from the date of the violation, but the violations themselves may remain on your permanent driving history.
Colorado does not allow drivers to remove points by attending traffic school, but taking a defensive driving course may still benefit you in court or with insurance rates.
Yes, these tickets are legal and enforceable under Colorado law, but there are specific rules about how and when citations can be issued.
Commercial drivers are subject to stricter standards and lower point thresholds for license suspension. Any violation can also impact employment status.
- Colorado Department of Revenue - Division of Motor Vehicles (DMV) - Colorado Judicial Branch - Self Help Center - Local municipal and county court websites - Colorado Bar Association - Local legal aid organizations or traffic law clinics
If you have received a speeding or traffic ticket in Colorado and need legal assistance, begin by reviewing your citation and understanding your options. Gather all relevant documentation, including copies of the ticket and your driving record. Decide whether you wish to contest the citation or seek a reduction in penalties. You may consult with a licensed Colorado traffic attorney for an assessment of your case. Many attorneys offer free or low-cost initial consultations. If your situation is complex or involves serious charges, seek professional legal representation as soon as possible to protect your rights and minimize the consequences.
