(COLO) – No one wants to get pulled over for a traffic violation, including young drivers who have limited financial resources and fewer points allowed on their license before a suspension occurs. That’s why the Colorado State Patrol is sharing some of the top citations of Colorado teen drivers for National Teen Driver Safety Week (October 19-25, 2025), so parents can step in to help coach their young driver.
The most common traffic violation cited for 16-19-year-olds by Colorado State Troopers over the last five years is speeding. Out of the 8,282 citations written by troopers to this age category in 2024, 4,172 (50.3%) were for driving over the posted speed limit. So how fast were these young drivers going?
- 2,178 (26.3%): Speeding 10-19 MPH Over Prima Facie Limit/Posted Limit in Construction/School Zone/Maximum 75 MPH Speed Limit
- 1,731 (20.90%): Speeding 20-39 MPH Over Prima Facie Limit/Posted Limit in Construction/School Zone/Maximum 75 MPH Speed Limit
- 263 (3.18%): Speeding 5-9 MPH Over Prima Facie Limit
Speed increases the risk and severity of crashes. Therefore, penalties adjust based on how much a driver is cited for exceeding the posted speed limit. The Colorado State Patrol citation data considers the highest speed level as those driving from 20-40+ mph over the posted limit. Citations for 20-40 mph over the posted speed limit result in 6 points. In 2024, Colorado State Troopers issued 1,731 citations at the highest intervals for teen drivers.
In Colorado, the number of points accumulated on a driver’s license before suspension varies based on age.
- Drivers 21 and older: 12 or more points in 12 months or 18 points or more points in any 24 months.
- Drivers 18-20: 9 points or more in 12 months, 12 points or more in 24 months, or 14 points total between ages 18-21.
- Drivers 17 and Under: 6 points or more in 12 months or 7 points total while under 18.
“In addition to the dangers they pose, many extreme speeders don’t consider the penalties if caught,” stated Col. Matthew C. Packard, chief of the Colorado State Patrol. “A 17-year-old, getting cited for 25mph over, will hit their 6-point threshold with one ticket. Often, drivers are also charged with careless or reckless driving in conjunction with the underlying speeding offense. Extreme speeding has heavy consequences.”
Looking at the other top citations issued by the Colorado State Patrol to drivers aged 16-19 in 2024:
- Speeding 10-19 MPH Over (2,178)
- Speeding 20–39 MPH Over (1,731)
- Careless Driving (1,146)
- Failure to wear a seatbelt (577)
- No proof of insurance (543)
In Colorado, points from traffic violations remain on a driver’s license permanently, but they only affect driving privileges for two years. However, a driver’s driving record is kept for seven years and can be accessed by vehicle insurance providers and prospective employers.
The Colorado State Patrol is recognizing National Teen Driver Safety Week this October 19 – 25, 2025. This campaign targets the youngest and newest drivers to educate them and their loved ones about the most common behaviors that lead to serious injury and death for their age group on Colorado roadways.
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