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How do I remove points from my Colorado driver’s license?

There is no way to remove DMV points from your Colorado driver’s license. However, DMV points stop having any effect after 24 months. Therefore, the Colorado Department of Motor Vehicles does not look back further than 24 months when determining whether to suspend driving privileges based on DMV points.

How many points trigger a license suspension?

Your age and whether you are a professional driver determine when the Colorado DMV will revoke your license, as this chart shows.

Driver in Colorado

DMV Points that Trigger License Revocation

21 years old and older
  • 12 points in 12-month period, or
  • 18 points in 24-month period.
18 years old to 20 years old
  • 9 points in 12 month period,
  • 12 points in 24 month period, or
  • 14 points or more between the ages of 18 and 21 years old.
Under 18 years old
  • 6 points in 12 months, or
  • 7 points before turning 18.
Chauffeurs, such as taxi drivers (the traffic violation must occur during the course of employment)
  • 16 points in 12 months,
  • 24 points in 24 months, or
  • 28 points in 48 months.

See our related article, How many points on a Colorado license trigger a license suspension?

Can I contest my license suspension?

Yes. If you accumulate enough points to trigger a license revocation, you can request an administrative hearing at the DMV. It is similar to a mini-trial, and you can appear in person or hire me to appear on your behalf. Often, these hearings can take place over the phone.

The hearing officer decides whether there is sufficient evidence to revoke your license. If you do not request a DMV hearing in time, your license gets automatically suspended.

How long will my suspension last?

A Colorado license suspension for accumulating too many DMV points typically lasts for six months to one year.

(Note that first-time DUIs carry a 9-month license suspension.)

How do I reinstate my license?

In most cases, you must:

How many points do I have on my Colorado driving record?

You can purchase your Colorado driving record to check your DMV points. Copies can be bought online or at any full-service DMV office. Errors can be reported to the DMV at (303) 205-5600.

See our related article, How to check points on my Colorado license.

How many points do Colorado traffic offenses carry?

This chart shows common traffic violations and their DMV point value.

Traffic Offense

Colorado DMV Points

  • Speeding 40 mph or more over limit
  • Evading / eluding an officer
  • Speed contests
  • Leaving the scene of an accident
  • DUI per se (driving with a BAC of .08% or higher)
  • DUI (driving under the influence of drugs or alcohol)

12

8

  • Speeding 20 mph to 39 mph over limit
  • Failure to stop for a school bus

6

  • Speeding 10 mph to 19 mph over limit
  • Careless driving
  • Driving on wrong side of road
  • Failure to observe traffic sign or signal
  • Failure to yield to emergency vehicle
  • Improper passing
  • Failure to show or maintain proof of insurance
  • UDD (underage drinking and driving)
  • Careless driving

4

  • Failure to yield right of way
  • Driving in wrong direction on one-way street
  • Improper turn
  • Driving through safety zone

3

  • Failure to dim – or turn on – lights
  • Improper signal / failure to signal
  • Improper backing
  • Operating an unsafe vehicle

2

  • Speeding 5 mph to 9 mph over limit

1

Additional Resources

For more information, refer to these Colorado DMV websites:
  • Make an appointment – Save time by making an appointment online.
  • DMV office locations – A list of all the DMVs in Colorado.
  • Application for reinstatement – This is necessary to regain your driving privileges.
  • Online portal (MyDMV) – You can often avoid going to the DMV by using the portal.
  • Pay tickets online – The easiest way to pay your civil penalties and close your case.
See our related articles, How long do points stay on your license in Colorado? and How to get a speeding ticket dismissed in Colorado.

Legal References

About the Author

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Michael Becker

Michael Becker has over a quarter-century's worth of experience as an attorney and more than 100 trials under his belt. He is a sought-after legal commentator and is licensed to practice law in Colorado, Nevada, California, and Florida.

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