Suspended Driver's License In Colorado

Driving privileges are frequently taken for granted, but one bad decision can result in losing those privileges or worse. If you're unsure what can get your license suspended, check Colorado laws to ensure you stay on the right side of the law.

Reasons For License Suspension In Colorado

Several factors can result in the suspension of your driver's license. Driving without insurance is illegal and will almost certainly result in the suspension of your license. It is taken very seriously and is viewed as a major indicator that you are unfit to continue driving. Fine-related issues, such as failing to pay a traffic ticket or child support, will result in the same situation in the long run. Having too many points on your license is probably the most common, as most people lose track of how many they have and are unaware of how many each infraction is worth. Your age and timeframe determine the number of points you can earn safely. In Colorado, your license can be suspended for a variety of reasons. The following are the most common reasons for your driving privileges being temporarily revoked.

DUI

Your license may be suspended if you are convicted of driving under the influence of alcohol or drugs. The length of the suspension can vary depending on the situation and whether it is your first or second offense. DUI carries the following suspensions:
  • 9 months for the first offense
  • 1 year for a second offense
  • 2 years for a third offense

Refusing A BAC Test

Your driver's license may be suspended if you refuse to take a blood alcohol test. The following are the consequences of refusing a BAC test:
  • 1 year for the first offense
  • 2 years for a second offense
  • 3 years for a third offense

Driving While Your License Is Suspended

If you are stopped while driving while your license is suspended, the length of your suspension will be increased based on the severity of the infraction. You could also face a $500 fine and up to five days in prison.

Driving Without Insurance

All Colorado drivers are required to carry the state's minimum insurance coverage. If you are caught driving without insurance, you face immediate license suspension, fines, and possibly jail time. In Colorado, the following are the typical penalties for driving without insurance:
  • First offense: Class 1 misdemeanor, $500 fine, license suspension, $40 reinstatement fee, and three years of SR-22 coverage required
  • Second offense within five years: $1,000 fine, four-month suspension, $40 reinstatement fee, and three years of SR-22 insurance coverage.
  • Third or subsequent offense: $1,000 fine, eight-month suspension, $40 reinstatement fee, three-year SR-22 coverage, 40 hours community service, and up to one year in jail.

Driving Without License

If you are cited for driving without a license, but police do not suspend your license at the scene, you will receive a suspension notice in the mail. If you provide proof of insurance (SR-22) within 20 days of receiving the notice, you can avoid the penalty.

Driving Violations

In Colorado, your driver's license can be suspended for other offenses such as:
  • Unsafe driving
  • A negligent accident that results in serious injury or death
  • Vehicle abandonment on a public highway

Physical Or Psychological Disqualification

If you provide evidence of your ability to operate a vehicle safely, the DMV may order a re-examination.
  • A doctor of medicine
  • Law enforcement
  • Courts
  • A member of one's immediate family
Your license will be suspended if you are physically or psychologically incapable of driving a vehicle.

Failure to Pay Traffic Tickets

If you are ticketed, cited, fined, or owe any surcharges, make sure to pay them—failing to do so in Colorado can result in your driver's license being suspended.

Leaving the Accident Scene

If you leave the scene or fail to stop immediately after an at-fault accident that results in serious injury or death, your license may be suspended.

Colorado Point System

Drivers in Colorado may also have their licenses suspended if they accumulate many traffic ticket points on their records. The DMV in Colorado assigns a different number of penalty points based on the severity of the traffic violation. Less serious offenses, such as improper turning, resulted in three points. Reckless driving carries an eight-point penalty. Fleeing a police officer is a serious offense that carries a 12-point penalty. When it comes to driving license suspensions for having too many points, the department has different rules for drivers of different ages. Drivers with suspended licenses in Colorado will be issued:
  • Younger than 18 years old with at least six points in 12 months or seven points for the duration of their credential.
  • Between the ages of 18 and 21, who have accumulated nine points in the previous 12 months, 12 points in the previous two years, or 14 points for the duration of their license.
  • 21-year-olds have accumulated 12 points in one year or 18 points in two years.