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“Class A Traffic Infractions” in Colorado – A Legal Guide

Class A traffic infractions in Colorado are traffic violations punishable by

  • fines of $15 to $100,
  • a surcharge, and
  • DMV points.

Since they are civil and not criminal, class A traffic infractions carry no jail time. However, failure to pay the ticket will trigger a driver’s license suspension. Class A traffic infractions can never be sealed from your record.

In this article, our Colorado criminal defense attorneys will address the following key topics:

The maximum sentence for Class A traffic infractions in Colorado is a $15 to $100 penalty assessment plus a surcharge.

1. Class A Traffic Infractions

Class A traffic infractions are a category of Colorado traffic violations. Unlike misdemeanor traffic offenses, infractions are not a crime under state law – they are civil matters. Class A traffic infractions are considered more serious than Colorado class B traffic infractions.1

2. Penalties

Class A traffic infraction sentences carry $15 to $100, a surcharge, and DMV points. Accruing too many DMV points can result in your driving privileges being suspended.2

Note that you may be able to complete community service / public service with the judge’s permission instead of paying a fine.

3. Losing Your License

Not paying the penalty assessment for a class A traffic infraction in Colorado results in you getting an outstanding judgment warrant (OJW). The Colorado Department of Revenue (DMV) can then suspend or refuse to renew your license.

If you drive despite having an OJW, you face a separate class A traffic infraction ticket for driving under restraint (CRS 42-2-138).3 Once an overdue ticket is paid, you must apply to reinstate the license and pay an additional $95 fee.

4. Examples

Common examples of class A traffic infractions in Colorado include these traffic law violations:

  1. Driving under restraint due to outstanding judgment (CRS 42-2-138)
  2. Underage DUI (first offense)
  3. Failure to dim high beams (CRS 42-4-217)
  4. Turning left in front of oncoming traffic (CRS 42-4-702)
  5. Failure to yield right of way at intersection (CRS 42-4-703)
  6. Failure to yield to emergency vehicle (CRS 42-4-705)
  7. Stopping in a crosswalk or intersection (CRS 42-4-709)
  8. Driving through a safety zone (CRS 42-4-806)
  9. Failure to exercise due care to pedestrians (CRS 42-4-807)
  10. Driving on left side of road (CRS 42-4-1001)
  11. Driving wrong way on one-way road (CRS 42-4-1006)
  12. Unsafe lane change in a motor vehicle (CRS 42-4-1007)
  13. Driving on wrong side of road (CRS 42-4-1010)
  14. Speeding violations (CRS 42-4-1101), less than 25 mph over the limit
  15. Driving with open container of alcohol (CRS 42-4-1305)
  16. Driving with an open container of marijuana (CRS 42-4-1305.5)

See state government’s official list of class A traffic infractions.

Shot of a young driver keeping his head on a steering wheel and a policeman standing next to the car
Colorado drivers face a license revocation for not paying tickets on time.

5. Record Seals

Class A traffic infractions in Colorado remain on your criminal record forever. You cannot seal these cases from your record.4

Learn more about Colorado criminal record seals.

6. Missing Court

If you skip court and do not pay the class A traffic infraction fine, you will have a judgment imposed against you in Colorado. The DMV can then suspend your license until the penalty assessment is finally paid.

Note that bench warrants do not issue for ignoring traffic infraction tickets.5

7. Jury Trials

Colorado motorists cited for class A traffic infractions are entitled to a bench trial, where a county court- or municipal court judge determines the verdict. You are not entitled to a jury trial.6

8. Gun Rights

Class A traffic infractions have no effect on gun rights in Colorado. You may keep your firearms following a conviction.7

Additional Reading:

See our related articles on careless driving (CRS 42-4-1402), exceeding the posted speed limit (CRS 42-4-1101) – including in a construction zone, reckless driving (CRS 42-4-1401), eluding law enforcement / peace officers / police officers (CRS 42-4-1413), DUI, vehicular homicide (CRS 18-3-106) and petty offenses.

Legal References

  1. Colorado Revised Statute 42-4-1701; see also People v. Burnett, (2019) CO 2, 432 P.3d 617; see also Meza v. People, (2018) CO 23, 415 P.3d 303.
  2. CRS 42-4-1701; CRS 42-4-1709.
  3. CRS 42-4-1710; CRS 42-4-1716; CRS 42-2-122; CRS 42-2-138 (subsection 1.5).
  4. CRS 24-72-701 – 708.
  5. CRS 42-4-1710.
  6. CRS 42-4-1708.
  7. See CRS 18-12-108; see Colorado Constitution, Article IV, § 7.

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