Traffic Violations in Denver

There are a few different levels of traffic violations, including minor infractions, misdemeanors, and felonies. Minor infractions include offenses for which you might only receive a ticket, such as speeding, failure to yield, seat belt violations, and so on. Misdemeanors are more serious and can include DUI (driving under the influence), distracted driving (such as texting while driving), driving without a valid license, speeding in a construction zone, engaging in speed contests, careless driving, and more.

Felony traffic violations are the most severe and could include incidents such as four or more DUIs, driving without a license as a habitual traffic offender, fleeing the scene of an accident where serious bodily injury has occurred, and eluding police while driving recklessly (engaging in a high-speed chase, essentially).

Traffic Violation Penalties in Colorado

Each class of traffic violation entails different levels of penalties, possibly including fines, community service, probation, and jail time. These vary widely depending on the type and severity of the violation.

However, you should know that traffic violations in Colorado are rated on a points system, and when drivers over the age of 21 get 12 points on their license within a 12-month period or 18 points within a 24-month period, they will lose their license for at least a year. Those under the age of 21 have even fewer points.

In addition, certain traffic violations like DUI result in immediate revocation of your license. There’s more, though. Even a single traffic violation could result in your auto insurance provider increasing the cost for your insurance policy, and this could last months or even years. Worse, your insurance provider could drop you for serious violations, depending on their policies.