How to Fight a Point Accumulation Suspension at a Colorado DMV Hearing
In Colorado, accumulating 12 points in 12 months as an adult triggers an administrative license suspension under Colo. Rev. Stat. § 42-2-127. The DMV schedules the hearing with at least 20 days advance notice, where you can present mitigating factors to save your license.
Driving is a necessity for most people living in Colorado. Unfortunately, points on your driving record can add up incredibly fast. A single speeding ticket on I-25 combined with a failure-to-yield citation in downtown Denver can suddenly put your driving privileges in severe jeopardy. When the Colorado DMV determines you have accumulated too many points, they will initiate an administrative license suspension. If you do not act quickly, you will lose your ability to drive to work, school, and medical appointments.
We highly recommend utilizing our US Lawyers directory to find an experienced local traffic attorney. Attempting to fight a point suspension on your own is incredibly risky. A skilled lawyer knows exactly what evidence the DMV hearing officers are looking for and can present a compelling argument to minimize your suspension time or secure a probationary license.
Point Limits Differentiated by Age in Colorado
Under Colo. Rev. Stat. § 42-2-127, the state of Colorado enforces strict point thresholds. The number of points you can accumulate before facing suspension depends entirely on your age at the time of the violations.
Adult Drivers (Ages 21 and Older)
For fully licensed adults in cities like Boulder and Grand Junction, the state is slightly more lenient. An adult's license will be suspended if they accumulate 12 points within any 12 consecutive months, or 18 points within any 24 consecutive months.
Minor Drivers (Ages 18 to 20)
Young adults face stricter regulations. If you are between 18 and 20 years old, your license will be suspended if you accumulate 9 points within any 12 consecutive months, 12 points within any 24 consecutive months, or 14 points total between your 18th and 21st birthdays.
Teen Drivers (Under Age 18)
Teenagers with a provisional license face the harshest point limits in Colorado. A teen driver will lose their license if they accumulate just 6 points within any 12 consecutive months, or 7 points total prior to turning 18. A single major violation, like reckless driving (which carries 8 points), will trigger an immediate suspension.
The Step-by-Step Hearing Process
Step 1: Receiving the DMV Hearing Notice
When you reach the point suspension threshold, the DMV does not require you to initiate an application. Instead, under Colo. Rev. Stat. § 42-2-127(8)(a), the DMV will mail an official Notice of Scheduled Hearing to your address of record, setting a hearing date not less than 20 days after the date of the notice. If you need to request a continuance, upload evidence, or verify your hearing details, you can access your case via the Colorado Department of Revenue Hearings Division, Denver online portal at myDMV (mydmv.colorado.gov).
Step 2: Preparing Your Mitigating Factors
The goal of the hearing is not to argue whether you committed the traffic offenses-those are already on your record. Instead, your lawyer will help you present "mitigating factors" to the hearing officer. These are reasons why your suspension should be shortened or converted into a restricted license. Mitigating factors include: having a previously spotless driving record, proving that a long suspension will cause you to lose your job, or showing that the points came from minor infractions (like broken taillights) rather than aggressive driving.
Step 3: Attending the Hearing
Your hearing will generally take place at the Colorado Department of Revenue Hearings Division, Denver, or via a scheduled phone call. Your attorney will present your mitigating factors, cross-examine the timeline of your tickets, and negotiate with the hearing officer on your behalf.
How Much Does It Cost in Colorado?
| Expense Type | Estimated Cost in Colorado (USD) |
|---|---|
| DMV Hearing Request Fee | $0 (Statutory hearing scheduled by DMV) |
| Reinstatement Fee (if suspended) | $95 |
| Traffic Attorney Representation | $1,000 - $2,500+ |
| Court-Ordered Driving Classes | $100 - $300 |
Once your suspension period ends, you can reinstate your driving privileges directly online through the myDMV portal (mydmv.colorado.gov) by uploading proof of insurance (such as an SR-22 if mandated) and paying the $95 reinstatement fee without needing to mail paper documents.
How Long Does the Suspension Last?
If you lose the hearing, a point accumulation suspension in Colorado can last anywhere from 6 months to 1 year. However, if your attorney successfully presents mitigating factors, the hearing officer may reduce a 1-year suspension to just 3 months, or grant you a "red license" (Probationary License) that allows you to drive to work while suspended.
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)
Can I bring witnesses to my Colorado DMV hearing?
Yes, you can bring witnesses, such as an employer, who can testify that you will be immediately fired if your license is suspended, which helps establish your mitigating factors.
Do camera speeding tickets add points to my license?
Generally, photo radar tickets issued by cities like Denver or Aurora do not assess points against your driver's license under Colorado law, as they cannot prove who was driving the vehicle.
Can the DMV officer increase my suspension time at the hearing?
It is extremely rare, but if the officer discovers aggravating factors during the hearing, such as evidence of extreme road rage, they have the discretion to impose the maximum suspension time allowed by law.
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