What to Expect if You Get a Speeding Ticket in Colorado: Fines, Points, and Penalties Explained

Getting a speeding ticket in Colorado can be an expensive and frustrating experience. Not only do you have to pay a fine, but you may also face points on your license, higher insurance rates, and other penalties. In this article, we’ll explain what you need to know about speeding tickets in Colorado, including fines, points, and penalties, as well as your options for fighting your ticket.

Fines for Speeding Tickets in Colorado

The amount of your speeding ticket fine in Colorado will depend on how fast you were going over the speed limit. Here are the fines for various speeding violations:

  • Driving 1 to 4 miles per hour over the speed limit: $35
  • Driving 5 to 9 miles per hour over the speed limit: $80
  • Driving 10 to 19 miles per hour over the speed limit: $140
  • Driving 20 to 24 miles per hour over the speed limit: $220
  • Driving 25 miles per hour or more over the speed limit: $300

It’s worth noting that these fines are just the base amount. With additional fees and surcharges, your total fine can be much higher.

Points for Speeding Tickets in Colorado

In addition to fines, Colorado also assigns points to your license for speeding violations. The number of points you’ll receive depends on how fast you were going over the speed limit:

  • 1 point for driving 1 to 4 miles per hour over the limit
  • 4 points for driving 5 to 9 miles per hour over the limit
  • 6 points for driving 10 to 19 miles per hour over the limit
  • 6 points for driving 20 to 39 miles per hour over the limit
  • 12 points for driving 40 miles per hour or more over the limit

If you accumulate too many points on your license, you could face a license suspension. Here’s how many points it takes to get your license suspended in Colorado:

  • 12 points in 12 months
  • 18 points in 24 months
  • 24 points in 36 months

Penalties for Speeding Tickets in Colorado

In addition to fines and points on your license, you may also face other penalties for speeding in Colorado. Some of the possible penalties include:

  • Increased insurance rates
  • Mandatory Driver Improvement course
  • License suspension or revocation
  • Community service
  • Jail time (for excessive speeding or repeat offenses)

The severity of your penalties will depend on a variety of factors, including how fast you were going over the speed limit, whether you have any prior traffic violations on your record, and whether you caused an accident.

Fighting a Speeding Ticket in Colorado

If you receive a speeding ticket in Colorado and you believe you were wrongly accused, you have the right to fight your ticket in court. Here are some tips for fighting a speeding ticket in Colorado:

  • Request a hearing: When you receive your ticket, you’ll have the option to either pay the fine or request a hearing. If you believe you have a strong case, it’s worth requesting a hearing.
  • Gather evidence: If you plan to fight your ticket, you’ll need to gather evidence to support your case. This could include photos, witness statements, and any other relevant information.
  • Hire an attorney: A traffic attorney can help you build a strong case and may be able to negotiate a reduced fine or even get your ticket dismissed.