Getting traffic tickets in Colorado can happen as a result of committing offenses while operating a motor vehicle on public roads. Too many citations will leave an effect on the driver’s license or driving record. Therefore, drivers must either fight citations or pay the applicable fines.

When fighting traffic tickets in Colorado, drivers must try and prove that they are not guilty of the charge. Paying fines means that drivers have plead guilty to committing the offense. Learn more information about the traffic penalty process by reading the following sections.

Fighting a Colorado Ticket

When drivers decide to fight traffic tickers in Colorado, it means that they consider themselves innocent and want to plead not guilty in front of a court. When entering a not guilty defense, drivers can make a plea bargain for a reduced charge only prior to the court hearing. This will not be possible if you appear in court without a prior agreement.

Drivers can dispute traffic citations by proving they are not guilty and the judge will dismiss their charges. However, they will still be required to pay court and legal fees. Failure to prove that you are innocent will also result in payment of those fines, court and legal fees. In addition, if your offense was severe, such as a DUI, you may get a suspended driver’s license or receive a number of demerit points added to your CO driving record.

Paying a Colorado Ticket

Deciding to pay traffic tickets in Colorado means that drivers admit being guilty of the accusation. Motorists who want to contest their citations must appear in person at the court on the date written on their ticket. Paying online or by phone is not available.

However, if you choose to pay by mail, you need to send a check or a money order to the Colorado Department of Revenue (DOR), while paying in person will enable you to bring cash. If your traffic ticket is designated as a Summons or a Municipal citation, you will not be able to pay through the DOR, instead you will have to pay them at the appropriate court.

Lost Tickets in Colorado

When contesting a traffic ticket in Colorado, drivers need to have the citation in their possession. Losing your ticket will prevent you from fighting or paying the applicable fine. Therefore, drivers can obtain copies of their citations by contacting the Troop Office within 14 days of its issuance.

If those two weeks have already passed, you are encouraged to contact by phone the Colorado Division of Motor Vehicles (DMV). Drivers who have offenses requiring them to appear in court must contact the Troop Office that issued the citation.

Colorado Fines and Penalties

When dealing with traffic tickets in Colorado, drivers may fight them and fail to dismiss them. In those situations, motorists will face certain penalties among which are paying the applicable fines and additional fees.

The penalties may vary based on court, county, or case. Minor traffic violations may require payment of fines with a minimum of $25, while major offenses may amount up to $400. In addition to these fines, drivers may also be required to pay certain court fees.

Points in Colorado

Drivers who fail to dismiss traffic tickets in Colorado will be required to pay the fine and additional fees. Moreover, after receiving a traffic fine and being found guilty, motorists will receive demerit points on their CO driving records.

Depending on the severity of the traffic ticket, the Division of Motor Vehicles will assign different points. Minor traffic violations such as making improper turns may bring you three demerit points on your records, while major offenses such as fleeing from a law enforcement officer will result in accruing 12 points.

Drivers may reduce the number of demerit points by attending a Colorado traffic school. Both traffic citations and demerit points may be dismissed by providing a certificate of completion of a traffic school course.

How Tickets Affect a Colorado Drivers License

Getting traffic citations in Colorado may affect your driver’s license in various ways. Drivers who commit driving offenses may get their driver’s licenses suspended, revoked or canceled, depending on the severity of their offenses. Accumulating demerit points on driving records may also suspend a driver’s credential.

Colorado traffic tickets must be dismissed or fought in a specific timeframe so that motorists can avoid driver’s license suspensions. Assistance from a Colorado traffic lawyer can help you to avoid serious penalties such as jail time.

Colorado Car Insurance Fines and Violations

Receiving traffic tickets in Colorado can bring not only demerit points to drivers, but also an increase in their car insurance premiums. Motorists may dismiss traffic citations in order to avoid higher auto insurance rates.

In addition, drivers can enroll in a Colorado traffic school for lowering insurance premiums. Providing a certificate of completion will help motorists receive a car insurance premium reduction.

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