If you have received a 6-point speeding ticket in Colorado Springs, you are likely worried about more than just the fine. A 6-point violation can put you dangerously close to losing your driver’s license—or push you past the threshold if you already have points on your record. As a criminal defense attorney with over 20 years of experience in Colorado Springs, I have helped many clients fight these tickets and protect their driving privileges.
In this post, I will explain how Colorado’s point system works, what a 6-point speeding ticket really means for your license, and the proven strategies I use to fight these charges.
How the Colorado Point System Works for Speeding Tickets
Colorado uses a point system to track driving violations. When you receive a traffic citation, points are added to your driving record based on the severity of the offense. For speeding tickets, the Colorado speeding ticket points are assigned as follows:
- 1 point — Speeding 5 to 9 mph over the limit
- 4 points — Speeding 10 to 19 mph over the limit
- 6 points — Speeding 20 to 39 mph over the limit
- 12 points — Speeding 40 mph or more over the limit
A 6-point speeding ticket means you were clocked driving 20 to 39 mph over a reasonable and prudent speed or the posted speed limit. This is one of the most common high-point violations I see at my office, and it carries consequences that extend far beyond the initial fine.
The number of points it takes to trigger a Colorado driver’s license suspension for speeding depends on your age:
- Drivers 16–17: 6 points in 12 months triggers suspension
- Drivers 18–20: 9 points in 12 months or 12 points in 24 months
- Drivers 21+: 12 points in 12 months or 18 points in 24 months
For younger drivers especially, a single 6-point speeding ticket can mean an immediate license suspension. Even for drivers over 21, a 6-point ticket combined with any prior violations can quickly push you over the limit.
The Real Cost of a 6-Point Speeding Ticket in Colorado Springs
Many people think a speeding ticket is just a fine and they can move on. But the true cost of a 6-point speeding ticket in Colorado Springs is much higher than most people realize:
- Fines and surcharges — Depending on your speed, you could face fines ranging from $150 to $300 for a Class 2 misdemeanor, plus additional court surcharges
- Insurance rate increases — A 6-point speeding violation will almost certainly increase your auto insurance premiums, often for three to five years
- License suspension risk — Accumulating too many points can result in a license suspension lasting up to one year
- Possible jail time — If you were driving 25+ mph over the limit, the offense becomes a Class 2 misdemeanor, which carries a potential jail sentence of 10 to 90 days
- Employment consequences — If you drive for work, a suspended license or misdemeanor conviction can cost you your job
I have seen clients who assumed a speeding ticket was no big deal—only to face a license suspension hearing weeks later. That is why I always recommend consulting with a speeding ticket attorney in Colorado Springs before simply paying the fine, which is the same as pleading guilty.
How to Fight a Speeding Ticket in Colorado
The good news is that you have options. Simply paying a speeding ticket is an admission of guilt, and the points will go on your record immediately. Instead, here are the proven strategies I use to fight a speeding ticket in Colorado for my clients:
- Challenge the speed measurement — Radar guns, laser detectors, and even pacing by patrol vehicles must meet strict calibration and operational standards. If the officer’s equipment was not properly calibrated or the measurement was taken under questionable conditions, the evidence may be inadmissible.
- Argue reasonable and prudent speed — Even if you were driving above the posted limit, Colorado law allows a defense based on the argument that your speed was reasonable and prudent for the conditions at the time, such as light traffic, clear weather, and open road.
- Request the officer’s training records — Officers must be properly trained to operate speed detection equipment. Gaps in training documentation can undermine the prosecution’s case.
- Negotiate a reduction — In some cases, I can negotiate with the prosecutor to reduce the charge to a lesser violation that carries fewer points, helping you avoid a license suspension altogether.
Each of these strategies requires knowledge of Colorado traffic law and courtroom experience. As someone who has spent decades in the Colorado Springs court system—including years as a prosecutor—I know how to build an effective defense against speeding charges.
Why You Should Hire a Speeding Ticket Attorney Instead of Just Paying the Fine
I understand the temptation to just pay the ticket and move on. But consider this: paying the fine is a guilty plea that puts 6 points on your record immediately. Once those points are there, they stay for years and can compound with future violations.
By hiring a speeding ticket attorney in Colorado Springs, you gain:
- A professional evaluation of the evidence against you
- The possibility of reduced charges or even dismissal
- Protection of your driving record and insurance rates
- Someone who will appear in court on your behalf, saving you time and stress
- Peace of mind knowing your case is being handled by an experienced attorney
At Christian A. Schwaner, P.C., I provide personalized attention to every traffic case. I do not hand your file off to a paralegal or assistant—I handle your defense personally, from start to finish.
Take Action to Protect Your License Today
If you have received a 6-point speeding ticket in Colorado Springs, time is of the essence. You have a limited window to contest the ticket, and the sooner you act, the more options you will have. Do not make the mistake of simply paying the fine and accepting the points on your record.
I offer free consultations for traffic defense cases. Contact me today to discuss your situation and learn how I can help you fight your speeding ticket and protect your license.
Related Resources
For more information on traffic violations and driving defense in Colorado Springs, check out these additional resources from my blog:
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