In Colorado, a traffic ticket (assuming you don’t beat the ticket in court) usually leads to a fine and points being assessed to the motorist’s driving record. Accumulating too many points can lead to license suspension.
Below you’ll find the fines, points, and other consequences for some common traffic violations in Colorado. But the specific penalties for a traffic ticket can vary depending on the circumstances of the case.
What Are the Fines, Points, & Jail Time for Colorado Speeding Tickets?
Penalties for Colorado speeding tickets depend mostly on the driver's speed in relation to the speed limit.
Colorado's Three Types of Speed Limits
Colorado has three types of speed limits: basic, absolute, and presumed. The basic speed limit prohibits driving faster than is reasonable and prudent given the current conditions. An absolute limit is simply the maximum speed—which is usually posted—that a motorist can drive on a certain roadway or portion thereof. And presumed limits are like absolute limits except the violator can beat the ticket by showing the speed—though faster than the presumed limit—was safe. (Colo. Rev. Stat. Ann. § 42-4-1101 (2025).)
Penalties for Speeding Violations in Colorado
| Type of Violation | Fine and Surcharge | Jail | Points |
|---|---|---|---|
|
1 to 4 miles per hour over the limit |
$36 |
None |
None |
|
5 to 9 miles per hour over the limit |
$80 |
None |
1 |
|
10 to 19 miles per hour over the limit |
$151 |
None |
4 |
|
20 to 24 miles per hour over the limit |
$232 |
None |
6 |
|
25 or more miles per hour over the limit |
$150 to $300 (judge can impose jail in addition to or in lieu of a fine) |
10 to 90 days possible |
6 (12 points if 40 or more miles per hour over the limit) |
Generally, the fines are doubled for speeding violations that occur within a maintenance, repair, or construction zone. (Colo. Rev. Stat. Ann. §§ 42-2-127, 42-4-1701 (2025).)
What Are the Fines & Points for Stop Sign and Stop Light Tickets in Colorado?
Penalties for running a stop sign or red light in Colorado depend on the type of violation.
Colorado's Stop Sign and Traffic Signal Rules
At a stop sign or stop light, motorists must come to a complete stop before the nearest of a marked stop line, entering the crosswalk, or entering the intersection itself. In Colorado, making a right turn at a red light is permitted provided there’s no sign at the intersection explicitly prohibiting it. (Colo. Rev. Stat. Ann. §§ 42-4-604, 42-4-703 (2025).)
Penalties for Running a Stop Sign or Red Light in Colorado
| Type of Violation | Fine and Surcharge | Points |
|---|---|---|
|
Stop light |
$110 |
4 |
|
Stop sign |
$80 |
4 |
|
$75 maximum |
None |
(Colo. Rev. Stat. Ann. §§ 42-4-110.5, 42-2-127, 42-4-1701 (2025).)
What Are the Fines, Points, and Jail Time for Distracted Driving in Colorado?
Penalties for distracted driving in Colorado vary depending on the driver's age, the driver's record, and whether the violation result in injuries.
Colorado's Texting and Cell Phone Rules for Drivers
Colorado’s distracted driving laws prohibit texting or using any mobile electronic device while operating a vehicle. The restrictions contain exceptions, including hands-free use. (Colo. Rev. Stat. Ann. § 42-4-239 (2025).)
Penalties for Distracted Driving in Colorado
| Violation | Fine and Surcharge | Jail | Points |
|---|---|---|---|
|
First offense |
$85 |
None |
2 |
|
Second offense within 24 months |
$160 |
None |
3 |
|
Third offense within 24 months |
$260 |
None |
4 |
|
Texting (involving bodily injury or death) |
$300 to $1,000 (judge can impose jail in addition to or in lieu of a fine) |
10 days to 1 year possible |
Depends on circumstances |
(Colo. Rev. Stat. Ann. §§ 42-2-127, 42-4-1701 (2025).)