Colorado Traffic Violations

In South Dakota, a traffic violation occurs when a driver or vehicle owner breaks the state's traffic laws. To avoid costly fines and legal issues, Colorado drivers should understand what counts as a traffic violation, the most common types of offenses, how penalties and license points are applied, and how to check their official driving records.

What Is Considered a Traffic Violation in Colorado?

Traffic violations include all criminal and non-criminal offenses that occur while driving a motor vehicle. The most common violations of road rules are considered traffic infractions. The penalties for this type of offense are specified inC.R.S. § 42-4-1701.

More severe actions can result in a misdemeanor traffic offense. In Colorado, it is illegal to drive with a Blood Alcohol Concentration (BAC) of 0.05% or higher. If your BAC is 0.08% or higher, you can be charged with Driving Under the Influence (DUI).

In addition, Colorado has introduced a new hands-free law that prohibits drivers from holding a mobile device while driving, with a few exceptions. A first-time violation is punishable by a fine of up to $75 and 2 points on your driving record. Penalties increase for further violations.

However, if you show proof of purchasing a hands-free device quickly, you can have the charge dismissed once.

Types of Traffic Violations in Colorado

There are many kinds of traffic violations in Colorado, including:

• Speeding. The type of penalty for speeding is determined by law and legislative rules. For example, going 25+ mph over the limit can be considered a misdemeanor traffic offense that might lead to jail time. On the other hand, going 24+ mph is regarded as a Class A infraction.
• Red light/stop sign & failure to yield. Ignoring traffic signals or right-of-way rules is usually treated as a civil infraction and comes with points on your record.
• Driving without a license/while under restraint. Violating licensing laws can range from minor infractions to misdemeanor traffic offenses, depending on your situation and history.
• No insurance (compulsory financial responsibility). Driving without the necessary liability insurance is classified as a Class 1 misdemeanor traffic offense. This carries mandatory minimum fines and can affect your license.
• Reckless or careless driving. Reckless driving (showing willful or wanton disregard) is a misdemeanor traffic offense.

Traffic Violation Penalties in Colorado

In Colorado,the DMV can suspend your driver's license if you get too many points. Drivers aged 21 and older can have their license suspended if they reach 12 points in one year or 18 points over two years. Drivers aged 18 to 20 have lower limits for points. Drivers in this category can be suspended for accumulating 9 points in 12 months and 14 points in 24 months.

The points assigned for different offenses can vary; for instance, points are higher for serious violations like reckless driving, DUI/DWAI, or accidents that result in injuries. It's important to note that even if a court only gives a fine, the points still get recorded and can lead to a suspension, regardless of the court's decision.

Fines, jail, and special regimes

• Speeding: The penalty for this offense is set by statute and legislative guidance.
• DUI/DWAI: Criminal consequences for driving under the influence vary based on blood alcohol content (BAC), previous offenses, and aggravating factors. DWAI is enforced at a BAC of 0.05% or higher, and DUI at 0.08% or higher. Penalties may include jail time, fines, treatment programs, interlock devices, and license revocation.
• No insurance: This is classified as a Class 1 misdemeanor traffic offense. This offense comes with mandatory minimum fines and consequences for your driver’s license.
• Hands-free violations: A first offense results in a $75 fine and 2 points on your record. Penalties increase with further violations. There is an option for a one-time dismissal if you purchase an accessory.

Repeat offenders add points that can lead to suspension. Specific laws require longer minimum penalties or consequences for subsequent violations.

How to Search for Traffic-Violation Records in Colorado

You will typically consult two systems (sometimes three):

1. Your driving record (MVR) — Colorado DMV.You can request an MVR online. The general public can get a standard driving record that shows activity for the last seven years. Authorized individuals can also access 'full history' records. These records reveal convictions, points, and licensing actions.
2. Your court case (ticket) — Colorado Judicial Branch.You can utilize the statewide Docket Search to locate trial-court dockets (County/District). You can search by date, party names, and case number.
3. Statewide Register of Action Search (paid)This is a project linked to the Judicial Branch. It offers case metadata, such as charges, disposition, and events, from participating courts for a fee per search. However, it does not provide PDFs of the documents. To obtain copies of records, visit your local court clerk.

What you’ll typically see:

• DMV record: license class/status, convictions, point entries, suspensions/reinstatements.
• Court docket/Register of Action: case/citation number, statute charged, settings, disposition, and financials; documents usually require a clerk’s request.

In Colorado, case records are considered public information in accordance with the Supreme Court’s Public Access to Information and Records Rules (P.A.I.R.R.). However, certain records are restricted from public view.

How Long Do Traffic Violations Stay on Record in Colorado?

Two horizons matter:

• DMV visibility: Standard MVRs display the activity from the last seven years. However, the DMV maintains complete records that go beyond seven years. Therefore, even when points are no longer considered for suspension, the conviction can still be seen in the seven-year MVR report (or even longer in full records).
• Insurance/employment effects: Most insurance companies look at the driving history of three to five years. However, their underwriting methods can differ. Serious violations, such as DUI, may have longer-lasting effects on pricing compared to minor offenses.

Colorado does not 'erase' DMV history. While points may disappear in 12 or 24 months, the conviction remains part of the driver's history for retention purposes. Separate statutes govern record sealing for criminal matters and do not automatically alter DMV administrative entries.