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Colorado traffic tickets

Points, traffic school, deadlines and what a ticket does to your insurance in Colorado.

Speeding ticketAbout $57–$301estimate with court costs
License at risk12 ptsin 12 months
Driver improvement school (court-ordered)No
Insurance after 1 ticket+26%on $3,264 a year

What will my ticket really cost? Check my points

What kind of ticket did you get?

Which court is on your ticket?

One statewide schedule sets most fines. Pick the court named on your ticket.

Colorado county courts

Phone, pay-online link and traffic school steps for 5 courts. Tap a county to open it.

Adams County303-659-1161Pays online

Adams County Court (17th Judicial District). Fines follow the Colorado statewide schedule.

Address
Adams County Justice Center, 1100 Judicial Center Dr., Brighton, CO 80601
Phone
303-659-1161
Hours
Clerk's Office windows Monday-Friday 7:30 a.m.-4:30 p.m. Phones 8:00 a.m.-4:00 p.m.

Pay or look up your ticket ↗ coloradojudicial.gov ↗

Arapahoe County(303) 645-6600Pays online

Arapahoe County Court (18th Judicial District). Fines follow the Colorado statewide schedule.

Address
Arapahoe County Justice Center, 7325 S. Potomac Street, Centennial, CO 80112
Phone
(303) 645-6600
Hours
Monday-Friday 7:30 a.m.-4:30 p.m., closed state holidays

Pay or look up your ticket ↗ coloradojudicial.gov ↗

Denver County720-865-7840Pays online

Denver County Court, Traffic Division. Your notice shows the amount.

Address
City and County Building, 1437 Bannock Street, Room 135, Denver, CO 80202
Phone
720-865-7840
Hours
Monday-Friday 8:00 a.m.-4:00 p.m.

Pay or look up your ticket ↗ denvercountycourt.org ↗

El Paso County719-452-5000Pays online

El Paso County Court (4th Judicial District). Fines follow the Colorado statewide schedule.

Address
El Paso County Judicial Building, 270 S. Tejon Street, Colorado Springs, CO 80903
Phone
719-452-5000
Hours
Clerk's Office Monday-Friday 7:30 a.m.-4:30 p.m.

Pay or look up your ticket ↗ coloradojudicial.gov ↗

Jefferson County720-772-2500Pays online

Jefferson County Court (1st Judicial District). Fines follow the Colorado statewide schedule.

Address
Jefferson Combined Court, 100 Jefferson County Parkway, Golden, CO 80401
Phone
720-772-2500
Hours
Clerk counter Monday-Thursday 7:30 a.m.-4:00 p.m., Friday 7:30 a.m.-noon. Phones Monday-Friday 8 a.m.-4 p.m.

Pay or look up your ticket ↗ coloradojudicial.gov ↗

What are your options with a Colorado ticket?

Paying is the fastest route, and it usually puts the ticket on your record. Here is every route Colorado offers, and what each one changes.

  1. Pay the penalty assessment

    Pay the state DMV online, by mail or in person within 20 days of getting the ticket. Up to 40 days the DMV still takes it, after that you pay the court.

    What it does: Counts as a guilty plea and a conviction. Paying within 20 days cuts the points: 3+ point tickets drop by 2 and 2-point tickets drop by 1.[11][3][4]

    Cost: The penalty plus surcharges printed on the ticket.

  2. Plead not guilty and go to court

    Don't pay. Appear in county court on the date on the ticket. A magistrate hears infraction cases and the state must prove the charge beyond a reasonable doubt.

    What it does: If you win, no fine and no points. If you lose, you owe the full penalty, a docket fee and court costs, and the full points go on your record.[6][11]

    Cost: $16 docket fee plus a $3 increase and other costs if found liable.

  3. Ask the prosecutor for a plea deal

    A district attorney may take part in an infraction case to offer a negotiated plea or a deferred judgment, but does not have to. Ask at your first court date.

    What it does: Often a lesser charge with fewer points. A deferred judgment can end in dismissal if you meet its conditions.[6]

  4. Fix an expired registration

    Renew the registration before your first court date and show proof to the court.

    What it does: The court may dismiss the charge if the vehicle was unregistered 4 months or less.[9]

    Cost: $30 dismissal fee in a municipal court.

  5. Court-ordered driver improvement course

    After a conviction, the judge may order a course at your expense.

    What it does: Can lead the judge to suspend some or all of the fine. It does not remove points.[7]

What does the Colorado state schedule charge for speeding?

1–4 mph overAbout $57[4]$30 fine + costs
5–9 mph overAbout $101[4]$70 fine + costs
10–19 mph overAbout $172[4]$135 fine + costs
20–24 mph overAbout $253[4]$200 fine + costs
25+ mph overAbout $151–$301[4][5]$150–$300 fine + costs

Each scheduled penalty has its own fixed surcharge for victim funds (for example $16 on a $135 speeding penalty).[4][6]

Every fine on the Colorado schedule (20)
TicketState fineWith court costs
Speeding, 1–4 mph overPrinted as: Speeding 1 to 4 mph overPlus $6 surcharge and $20 brain injury surcharge.$30[4]$57
Speeding, 5–9 mph overPrinted as: Speeding 5 to 9 mph overPlus $10 surcharge and $20 brain injury surcharge.$70[4]$101
Speeding, 10–19 mph overPrinted as: Speeding 10 to 19 mph overPlus $16 surcharge and $20 brain injury surcharge.$135[4]$172
Speeding, 20–24 mph overPrinted as: Speeding 20 to 24 mph overPlus $32 surcharge and $20 brain injury surcharge.$200[4]$253
Speeding, 25+ mph overPrinted as: Speeding 25 or more mph over (class 2 misdemeanor traffic offense)No penalty assessment.$150–$300[4][5]$151–$301
Speeding in a designated work zonePenalty and surcharge double.On your notice[4][5]Plus court costs
Moving violation in a school zonePenalty and surcharge double, for example $270 plus $32 for 10 to 19 mph over.On your notice[4][9]Plus court costs
Speed not reasonable and prudent for conditionsPlus $10 surcharge.$100[4]$111
Traffic control signal violationPlus $10 surcharge.$100[4]$111
Stop sign at a through highwayPlus $10 surcharge.$70[4]$81
Failure to yield right-of-wayPlus $10 surcharge for most sections ($16 for 42-4-705, $100 penalty for 42-4-711).$70[4]$81
Following too closelyPlus $10 surcharge.$100[4]$111
Driving on roadways laned for trafficPlus $10 surcharge.$100[4]$111
Limitations on turning aroundPlus $10 surcharge.$70[4]$81
Mobile electronic device while driving, first offense in 24 monthsPlus $10 surcharge.$75[4][9]$86
Seat belt not usedPlus $6 surcharge.$65[4][9]$72
Expired registration, first offense in 12 months$35 plus $8 if 1 to 29 days expired, $50 plus $12 for 30 to 59 days, $75 plus $18 for 60+ days.If you fix it: Court may dismiss it. Renew before your first court date.[4][9]$35[4][9]$36
No proof of insurance, class 1 misdemeanor traffic offenseMandatory minimum $500.If you fix it: As low as $250, reduced amount. Show the court you have since bought insurance.[9][4]$500–$1,000[9][4]$501–$1,001
Passing a stopped school bus, class 2 misdemeanor traffic offenseFine of $150 to $300, 10 to 90 days in jail, or both.$150–$300[9][4]$151–$301
Reckless driving, class 2 misdemeanor traffic offenseFirst offense uses the class 2 misdemeanor range.$150–$300[9][4]$151–$301

With court costs is an estimate. Each line lists its own surcharges, plus the $1 family-friendly court surcharge.[4][6] Your notice shows the exact total.

How many points is a speeding ticket in Colorado?

All 22 point values
  • Following too closely4 pts[3]
  • Illegal U-turn3 pts[3]
  • Improper passing4 pts[3]
  • Passing a stopped school bus6 pts[3]
  • Failure to stop for school signals6 pts[3]
  • Handheld phone use2 pts[3]
  • No proof of insurance4 pts[3]
  • No seat belt2 pts[3]
  • Careless driving4 pts[3]
  • Reckless driving8 pts[3]
  • DUI12 pts[3]
  • Leaving the scene of a crash12 pts[3]
  • Eluding a police officer12 pts[3]
  • Other moving violations not listed3 pts[3]
How points work in Colorado

Points go on your record when you are convicted, and paying a penalty assessment counts as a conviction. Adults 21 and older face suspension at 12 or more points in any 12 months or 18 or more in any 24 months. Drivers 18 to 20 face suspension at 9 in 12 months, 12 in 24 months, or 14 total after turning 18. Drivers under 18 face suspension at more than 5 points in 12 months or more than 6 total before turning 18. The time windows run on violation dates. Paying a state penalty assessment on time cuts the points: tickets worth 3 or more points drop by 2, and 2-point tickets drop by 1. Since August 12, 2026, repeat speeding at 20 mph or more over adds extra points (2 more for a second in 12 months, 4 more for a third in 24 months, 8 more for a fifth in 5 years), and driving 100 mph or faster adds 4 more.[2][3][5][11]

Commercial driver? Points and disqualifications work differently. How tickets affect a CDL →

When can you lose your license?

  1. 12 ptsin 12 monthsAdult[2][3]
  2. 18 ptsin 24 monthsAdult[2][3]
  3. 6 ptsin 12 monthsDriver under 18[2][3]
  4. 7 ptson recordDriver under 18[2][3]
  5. 9 ptsin 12 monthsDriver 18 to 20[2][3]
  6. 12 ptsin 24 monthsDriver 18 to 20[2][3]
  7. 14 ptson recordDriver 18 to 20[2][3]
  8. 16 ptsin 12 monthsProfessional chauffeur, points earned on the job[2][3]
Full wording of each rule
  • 12 points in 12 months: Adult (21+): point suspension after a hearing. The hearing officer starts from 6 months and adjusts for aggravating and mitigating factors, up to 1 year. A probationary license for work or school is possible.
  • 18 points in 24 months: Adult (21+): point suspension after a hearing.
  • 6 points in 12 months: Driver under 18: suspension at more than 5 points in any 12 months.
  • 7 points: Driver under 18: suspension at more than 6 points for violations before turning 18.
  • 9 points in 12 months: Driver 18 to 20: point suspension.
  • 12 points in 24 months: Driver 18 to 20: point suspension.
  • 14 points: Driver 18 to 20: suspension at 14 points for violations after turning 18.
  • 16 points in 12 months: Professional chauffeur, points earned on the job: suspension at 16 in 12 months, 24 in 24 months, or 28 in 48 months.

Getting your license back after a suspension costs $95 in Colorado, before any course or court costs.[8]

Drivers under 21

Drivers under 21 have lower limits: under 18, more than 5 points in 12 months or more than 6 before turning 18. Ages 18 to 20, 9 points in 12 months, 12 in 24 months, or 14 after turning 18. Points earned on an instruction permit carry over to the license. The DMV may send a warning letter or call a preliminary hearing once a driver reaches half the suspension total.[2][3]

Can driver improvement school (court-ordered) keep a ticket off your record in Colorado?

No. No effect on points. When a court orders a driver improvement course after a conviction, finishing it can let the judge suspend all or part of the fine or jail sentence.[7]

Is it worth it for your ticket? Get a yes or no →

Who qualifies, CDL drivers and cost

No effect on points. When a court orders a driver improvement course after a conviction, finishing it can let the judge suspend all or part of the fine or jail sentence. Drivers under 18 convicted of a misdemeanor traffic offense must take one.[7]

Who can use it: Up to the judge after a conviction for any traffic law violation other than DUI. The school must be approved by the court.[7]

Cost: Paid by the driver. The state does not set a price.[7]

Do school and work zones cost more?

School zones

Doubled. The penalty and surcharge for any moving violation double in a posted school zone. A school zone covers roads within a set distance of school property, and since August 12, 2026 it must be at least 200 feet. State highways count only when designated.[4][9]

Work zones

Doubled. Speeding penalties and surcharges double in a designated maintenance, repair or construction zone, and 20 to 24 mph over becomes a $540 penalty. Most other moving violations also double there. Speeding 25 or more over in a work zone is a class 1 misdemeanor traffic offense ($300 to $1,000 fine, 10 days to 1 year in jail).[4][5]

When is your ticket due?

  1. Date on noticePay or respondset by the court[6]
    Details

    Appear in county court on the date on your ticket (if you did not pay). If you miss it: For an infraction, missing the hearing means judgment is entered against you with the penalty, a docket fee and points. No bench warrant issues for an infraction.

  2. 20daysPay a state penalty assessment to the DMV and get reduced pointsfrom the ticket date[4][3][11]
    Details

    Pay a state penalty assessment to the DMV and get reduced points. If you miss it: After 20 days you lose the point reduction. The DMV still accepts late payment up to 20 days after it was due.

  3. 20daysDMV point-suspension hearing datefrom the notice date[3]
    Details

    DMV point-suspension hearing date. If you miss it: If you miss the hearing without a granted delay, the DMV suspends your license right away.

  4. 40daysLast day the DMV accepts payment before the ticket goes to courtfrom the ticket date[11][4]
    Details

    Last day the DMV accepts payment before the ticket goes to court. If you miss it: Tickets more than 40 days old have been sent to the court named on the ticket and must be handled there.

  5. Date on noticeRenew registration before your first court date to ask for dismissalset by the court[9]
    Details

    Renew registration before your first court date to ask for dismissal. If you miss it: The court may dismiss an expired-registration charge if the vehicle was unregistered 4 months or less. Municipal courts charge a $30 dismissal fee.

  6. Date on noticeLast day to appealset by the court[6]
    Details

    Appeal an infraction judgment to district court

What happens if you don't respond

For a traffic infraction, skipping the court date means judgment is entered against you. You owe the penalty, surcharge, a docket fee and other costs, and the points go on your record. No bench warrant can be issued for an infraction. For a misdemeanor traffic offense (such as 25+ mph over or no insurance), failing to appear is its own class 2 misdemeanor traffic offense and a warrant can issue. Since January 1, 2022, an unpaid traffic judgment or warrant no longer stops the DMV from issuing, renewing or reinstating a license.[6][10]

Work out your exact dates → · Already missed it?

Will an out-of-state ticket follow you home?

Colorado is in both compacts. If a Colorado driver ignores a ticket from another member state, the DMV can suspend the Colorado license until the driver pays that court, gets an NRVC compliance statement and pays the Colorado reinstatement fee. Convictions from military courts in Colorado and tribal court also count toward points.[1][11][3]

How out-of-state tickets work →

How much will it raise your insurance in Colorado?

One speeding ticket raised a full-coverage premium by about 26% on average in Colorado[1], from a clean-record average of $3,264 a year.[1] If that increase stays for three years, that's about $2,546 on top of the fine.

Averages from ValuePenguin State of Auto Insurance in 2026, not a quote. Insurers differ, and many look back three to five years.

Where are the official pages?

What else do people ask?

How do points work in Colorado?

Points go on your record when you are convicted, and paying a penalty assessment counts as a conviction. Adults 21 and older face suspension at 12 or more points in any 12 months or 18 or more in any 24 months. Drivers 18 to 20 face suspension at 9 in 12 months, 12 in 24 months, or 14 total after turning 18. Drivers under 18 face suspension at more than 5 points in 12 months or more than 6 total before turning 18. The time windows run on violation dates. Paying a state penalty assessment on time cuts the points: tickets worth 3 or more points drop by 2, and 2-point tickets drop by 1. Since August 12, 2026, repeat speeding at 20 mph or more over adds extra points (2 more for a second in 12 months, 4 more for a third in 24 months, 8 more for a fifth in 5 years), and driving 100 mph or faster adds 4 more.

How many points before your license is at risk in Colorado?

12 points in 12 months: Adult (21+): point suspension after a hearing. The hearing officer starts from 6 months and adjusts for aggravating and mitigating factors, up to 1 year. A probationary license for work or school is possible.

Is there traffic school for tickets in Colorado?

No effect on points. When a court orders a driver improvement course after a conviction, finishing it can let the judge suspend all or part of the fine or jail sentence. Drivers under 18 convicted of a misdemeanor traffic offense must take one.

Will an out-of-state ticket follow me home to Colorado?

Colorado is a member of the Driver License Compact, so convictions in other member states are reported to Colorado. Colorado is in both compacts. If a Colorado driver ignores a ticket from another member state, the DMV can suspend the Colorado license until the driver pays that court, gets an NRVC compliance statement and pays the Colorado reinstatement fee. Convictions from military courts in Colorado and tribal court also count toward points.

How much does a speeding ticket raise insurance in Colorado?

About 26% on average for full coverage, according to ValuePenguin State of Auto Insurance in 2026. Your insurer's rate can differ a lot from the average.

Sources

Colorado law and DMV sources (13)
  1. AAMVA DLC/NRVC Member Joinder Dates (rev. April 2026), AAMVA.
  2. Point Suspensions (Motor Vehicle Hearings), Colorado Department of Revenue, Hearings Division.
  3. C.R.S. §42-2-127 (authority to suspend license, point system schedule) in 2026 C.R.S. Title 42 (uncertified OLLS printout), Colorado Office of Legislative Legal Services.
  4. C.R.S. §42-4-1701 (traffic offense classes, penalty and surcharge schedule, zone doubling, penalty assessment payment) in 2026 C.R.S. Title 42, Colorado Office of Legislative Legal Services.
  5. C.R.S. §42-4-1101 (speed limits, classes, repeat-speeding points added by SB 26-035) in 2026 C.R.S. Title 42, Colorado Office of Legislative Legal Services.
  6. C.R.S. §§42-4-1708, 42-4-1709, 42-4-1710, 42-4-1716 (infraction hearings, penalty assessment notice, failure to pay or appear) in 2026 C.R.S. Title 42, Colorado Office of Legislative Legal Services.
  7. C.R.S. §42-4-1717 (driver improvement school) in 2026 C.R.S. Title 42, Colorado Office of Legislative Legal Services.
  8. C.R.S. §42-2-132(4) (restoration fee) in 2026 C.R.S. Title 42, Colorado Office of Legislative Legal Services.
  9. C.R.S. §§42-4-237, 42-4-239, 42-4-615, 42-4-1401, 42-4-1409, 42-4-1720, 42-4-1903 (seat belt, mobile devices, school zones, reckless driving, insurance, registration dismissal, school bus) in 2026 C.R.S. Title 42, Colorado Office of Legislative Legal Services.
  10. C.R.S. §§42-2-118.1 and 42-4-1709(7) (outstanding judgments no longer block a license, HB 21-1314) in 2026 C.R.S. Title 42, Colorado Office of Legislative Legal Services.
  11. Colorado DMV: Paying a ticket or penalty assessment, Colorado Division of Motor Vehicles.
  12. Colorado DMV: Tickets and DUI, Colorado Division of Motor Vehicles.
  13. Colorado Judicial Branch: Collections and payments (4th Judicial District), with link to Colorado Judicial Online Payments, Colorado Judicial Branch.
Insurance sources (4)
  1. State of Auto Insurance in 2026, ValuePenguin (LendingTree).
  2. Car Insurance Rate Increases with a Speeding Ticket in 2026, ValuePenguin (LendingTree).
  3. How Does a DUI Affect Your Auto Insurance Rates in 2026?, ValuePenguin (LendingTree).
  4. How Much Will My Car Insurance Rates Go Up After a Crash in 2026?, ValuePenguin (LendingTree).