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How do I fight a speeding ticket in Colorado?

Federal & State Law Editorial TeamLast reviewed: 2026-05-17

Colorado speeding tickets are handled by county court and elevate to criminal misdemeanors quickly.

1. Pay vs. Contest

  • Pay: penalty assessment notice, guilty plea, points to DOR.
  • Plead not guilty: arraignment, then trial. Bench trial typical; jury trial available for misdemeanor speeding charges.
  • Plea bargain: prosecutor amendments to defective vehicle (CRS § 42-4-202) — 0 points — are common in many jurisdictions.

    • 2. Speed Limits & Reckless Threshold

    CRS § 42-4-1101 sets posted limits and basic rule.

  • Speeding 25-39 mph over: Class 2 misdemeanor traffic offense (CRS § 42-4-1101(8)(a)).
  • Speeding 40+ mph over: Class 1 misdemeanor traffic offense — up to 1 year jail.
  • Reckless driving (CRS § 42-4-1401): Class 2 misdemeanor — 8 points.
  • Careless driving (§ 42-4-1402): Class A traffic infraction — 4 points.

    • 3. DOR Points & Suspension

  • 1 point: 5-9 mph over
  • 3 points: 10-19 over
  • 4 points: 20-24 over
  • 6 points: 25-39 over (also misd)
  • 12 points: 40+ over (also misd)

    • Adult drivers: suspended at 12 points/12 months or 18/24 months. Drivers 18-21: 9 points/12 months or 12/24 months. Under 18: 6 points/12 months.

    4. Defensive Driving School

    DMV-approved program. Judge may order on plea/sentencing; does not automatically remove points but can offset point accumulation through DOR-approved programs (CRS § 42-4-1701(5)).

    5. Defenses & Discovery

  • Subpoena under Crim. P. 17(c) or Civ. P. 45: officer's radar/lidar calibration log and certification.
  • Colorado uses both radar and aerial pacing; cross-examine on baseline marking and timing.

    • 6. CDL Holders

    49 CFR § 384.226 — no plea-down to mask CMV conviction; serious violations cause 60-day disqualification.

    This is legal information, not legal advice.

    When to Talk to a Lawyer
    • Speed 25+ mph over (Class 2 misd) or 40+ over (Class 1 misd)
    • CDL holder facing any moving violation
    • License suspension imminent (12+ points/12 months)
    Related Statutes & Laws
    • Colo. Rev. Stat. § 42-4-1101
    • Colo. Rev. Stat. § 42-4-1401
    • Colo. Rev. Stat. § 42-4-1402
    • Colo. Rev. Stat. § 42-2-127
    • Colo. Rev. Stat. § 42-4-202

    This is legal information, not legal advice. Laws vary by jurisdiction and change frequently. Always verify current law with official sources and consult a licensed attorney in your jurisdiction for advice on your specific situation.