DMV Point Suspensions and What They Mean for My Driving Record
July 8, 2025
In Colorado, the Department of Motor Vehicles (DMV) employs a point-based system to monitor and regulate driver behavior. Accumulating points from traffic violations can lead to serious consequences, including license suspension. Understanding how this system operates is crucial for all drivers.
A license suspension can significantly impact daily life, affecting employment, education, and personal responsibilities. Whether you’ve already lost your license or you’re coming dangerously close, reaching out to a lawyer with knowledge of the discipline can help save your ability to drive.
At Watkins Law Firm, based in Boulder, Colorado, I provide trusted legal guidance for drivers throughout Colorado, helping individuals fight traffic violations, representing them at DMV hearings, and working toward reinstating their driving privileges. Here’s what you need to know.
Point Thresholds Leading to License Suspension
The number of points that can lead to a license suspension varies based on the driver's age and status:
Drivers under 18 years old:
6 points within 12 months
7 points before turning 18
Drivers aged 18 to 20:
9 points within 12 months
12 points within 24 months
14 points between ages 18 and 21
Drivers 21 and older:
12 points within 12 months
18 points within 24 months
Chauffeurs (professional drivers):
16 points within 12 months
24 points within 24 months
28 points within 48 months
Exceeding these thresholds can lead to a license suspension ranging from six months to one year.
Common Traffic Violations and Their Point Values
Understanding the point values assigned to various traffic violations can help drivers avoid accumulating points that lead to license suspension. Here are some common offenses and their corresponding points:
12 Points:
Driving Under the Influence (DUI)
Evading or eluding an officer
Leaving the scene of an accident
Speeding 40 mph or more over the limit
8 Points:
Driving While Ability Impaired (DWAI)
Failure to stop for a school bus
6 Points:
Reckless driving
Speeding 20–39 mph over the limit
4 Points:
Careless driving
Driving on the wrong side of the road
Failure to observe traffic signs or signals
Keeping these rules in the front of your mind while driving is essential to preventing racking up more points.
The Impact of License Suspension
A license suspension can have far-reaching effects on various aspects of life:
Employment: Loss of driving privileges can hinder commuting, especially for jobs requiring driving.
Education: Students may struggle to attend classes or participate in extracurricular activities.
Family responsibilities: Transporting children or elderly family members becomes challenging.
Financial strain: Costs associated with alternative transportation, fines, and reinstatement fees can accumulate.
Since a license suspension can affect you beyond the road, getting in touch with a lawyer can be vital to maintaining your way of life.
DMV Point Hearings
If you're facing a license suspension due to point accumulation, you're entitled to a DMV hearing. This administrative process allows you to contest the suspension or request a probationary license.
During the hearing, you can present evidence, call witnesses, and argue for leniency based on hardship or other factors. It's crucial to prepare thoroughly and consider legal representation to help you through the process.
Probationary Licenses
In certain cases, the DMV may grant a probationary license, allowing limited driving privileges during the suspension period. This license typically permits driving for essential activities such as commuting to work, attending school, or medical appointments.
Obtaining a probationary license requires demonstrating that the suspension imposes undue hardship and that you're committed to complying with all conditions set by the DMV.
Reinstating Your License
To reinstate a suspended license, you must fulfill specific requirements:
Complete any mandated driving courses: This may include defensive driving or alcohol education programs.
Pay all fines and reinstatement fees: Make sure all financial obligations are settled.
Provide proof of insurance: An SR-22 form may be required, indicating financial responsibility.
Submit a reinstatement application: Follow the DMV's procedures for license reinstatement.
It's essential to adhere to all conditions and avoid further violations to maintain your driving privileges.
How Points Affect Insurance Rates
Accumulating points doesn’t just lead to license suspension — it can also impact your auto insurance premiums. Insurers view high-point drivers as high-risk, and this can result in significant rate hikes. Even a single traffic ticket can lead to increased rates, depending on your insurer’s policies.
To mitigate this risk:
Maintain a clean driving record.
Complete a defensive driving course (often offered online or in person).
Avoid repeat violations by driving cautiously and attentively.
Over time, points will drop off your record, but this process is not immediate, which makes prevention the best strategy.
How Long Do Points Stay on Your Driving Record?
In Colorado, traffic violation points do not remain on your record indefinitely. Most points will stay on your record for two years from the date of the violation. However, the impact on your insurance rates or driving privileges may last longer, depending on the severity of the offense and whether it's a repeat violation.
Severe infractions such as DUI may have longer-lasting implications, both in the DMV records and in criminal court records, which may affect other areas of life, including job applications or background checks.
How a Traffic Attorney Can Help
Legal representation can make a major difference if you're facing license suspension due to point accumulation. A traffic attorney can help by:
Contesting the ticket in court
Negotiating with prosecutors for a reduced charge
Representing you during DMV hearings
Advising on the best path to reinstatement
Guiding you through confusing paperwork and administrative steps
Even if you believe you’re at fault, a knowledgeable attorney may uncover procedural issues or alternative arguments that reduce the point value or eliminate the citation entirely.
What To Do If You Receive a Traffic Violation
If you’re cited for a traffic offense, here are the immediate steps to take:
Don’t ignore the ticket — missing a court date can result in additional penalties.
Review the citation — check for any errors.
Track your points — be aware of how this citation affects your record.
Decide whether to contest it — especially if it’s a high-point violation.
Consult a traffic attorney — they can assess your case and offer legal solutions.
These steps will get you started in the direction of being able to drive freely again.
License Suspension and Driving Records
It’s also important to regularly check your driving record. This report contains:
All past and present violations
Accumulated points
Any license suspensions
Reinstatement status
By checking your record, you can identify potential issues early and take corrective steps. This is particularly helpful for those in occupations that require clean driving records, such as delivery drivers, truck drivers, or ride-share workers.
How to Avoid Future Violations
A proactive approach is the most effective way to protect your driving privileges. Follow these long-term habits:
Avoid aggressive driving — don’t speed or tailgate.
Stay sober — never drink and drive.
Minimize distractions — use hands-free devices or avoid calls altogether.
Obey all signage and traffic laws — including signals, stop signs, and right-of-way rules.
Take a refresher course every few years — especially if you’ve been ticketed before.
By implementing these changes, you lower your risk of accumulating more points and protect your record.
Learn How I Can Help You
Understanding the DMV point system in Colorado is crucial for avoiding license suspension and maintaining a clean driving record. If you're dealing with an accumulation of points or facing an upcoming suspension, don’t take it on alone. Contact me, Jennifer Watkins, Attorney at Law, to explore your legal options. I’m ready to help drivers in Boulder, Colorado, as they fight to protect their driving privileges.