Colorado Driving Records

Driving records are crucial documents that summarize a driver’s previous road activities. They are used for legal matters such as insurance coverage, road policy drafting, etc. Insurance companies use these records as deciding factors to assess risk and premium rates. They even help the state obtain profiles of high-risk drivers.

In Colorado, driving records are maintained by the Colorado Division of Motor Vehicles (CO DMV). The DMV provides individuals access to driving records within the past seven years. For security reasons, the platform is governed by the Fair Credit Reporting Act, which states the essence of accuracy, fairness, and the privacy of personal information.

Furthermore, the CO DMV provides individuals with different steps for obtaining driving records, whether online, in person, or even for obtaining another person's driving records. A full grasp of these steps is pivotal for smooth and easy access.

Types of Driving Records Available in Colorado

Driving records in Colorado vary. They have specifications depending on the scope of the record. This information may reflect driver’s license status, violations, or any history of legal repercussions. Below are the types of driving records in Colorado:

Standard Driving Record

The Standard Driving Record, or a Motor Vehicle Record (MVR), is the most requested type. This record encompasses histories of violations, accidents, and license statuses from seven previous years.

MVR maintains records of traffic violations, both minor and significant, from speeding to reckless driving. It also includes information about any reported accidents the driver was involved in, regardless of fault. Furthermore, the record may reflect the driver’s license status, whether valid, suspended, or revoked.

For employment reasons, companies often require Colorado MVR during the pre-employment process. This acts as a background check for employers to assess applicants' eligibility, mainly if they apply for a driving position.

Complete Driving Record

The Complete Driving Record in Colorado is a comprehensive document that offers a full-scale view of an individual's entire driving history.

Unlike the standard 7-year record, this version delves deeper into the past. It provides a complete account of a driver's record since they first obtained their license in the state.

While many violations are dropped from standard records after seven years, the complete record retains information about all past infractions, such as parking tickets, DUIs, or reckless driving charges from decades ago.

Commercial Driver’s License (CDL) Record

The CDL Record in Colorado is a specialized document for professional drivers operating large vehicles. This comprehensive record encompasses violations unique to the commercial driving sector and provides a detailed overview of a driver's professional standing.

CDL Record includes industry-specific violations, including hours-of-service infractions, improper cargo securement, and hazardous materials handling errors. Equally important is the detailed medical certification status, which confirms a driver's physical fitness to operate commercial vehicles safely.

This record also tracks endorsements, restrictions, and compliance with Federal Motor Carrier Safety Administration regulations. It offers a complete picture of a commercial driver's capabilities and limitations.

Certified vs. Non-Certified Colorado Driving Record

Two considerations exist when dealing with MVR: the non-certified Colorado driving record reports and the certified Colorado driving history reports.

Non-certified Colorado driving record reports are unofficial copies sent via email or to the physical address given at the time of the request.

On the other hand, individuals may request a certified Colorado driving history report when they need a driving record that can be used in court. The state checks these reports carefully before sending them out, which makes them acceptable as evidence in legal proceedings.

Driving Record Fees

Individuals must note that an MVR report may cost $9-10 when requested directly from the state, depending on the version requested. Typically, a standard seven-year driving history incurs a $9 fee. A fee of $10 is charged to obtain a certified Colorado MVR.

How To Request a Colorado Driving History Report?

Obtaining the Colorado driving history report comes in three ways: online, by mail, or in person. Each of these processes has specific steps, and here are the things individuals need to know:

Online Application

Applicants should use the CO DMV online service to request driving records. Upon clicking, two tabs will appear: the self-record and attorney tabs. The self-record tab is used if applicants want access to their records.

On the other hand, the attorney tab is used when requesting another individual’s driving record. Applicants must attach the completed Driver Record Requestor Release and Affidavit of Intended Use (DR 2489) or Permission to Release Driver Records to Self or Another Person form (DR 2559). If DR 2489 is provided, a Statement of Fact (DR 2478) must be attached.

Note that non-certified copies are sent via email to the provided physical mailing address, while certified copies are sent via postal mail.

Mail Application

For mail applications, individuals must take note of the required specific details. This includes the following:

Full name
Birth date
Driver license number (if available)
Driver’s original signature
Photocopy of driver’s photo ID bearing the signature
Completed form DR 2489
Appropriate fee

Applicants may refer to the mailing address stipulated on Form DR2489 for the mailing address. Specified fees are also given for the applicant’s reference.

In-Person Application

Applicants may apply in person by visiting driver license offices in Colorado. Applicants must bring the completed form DR 2559, including a legible signature.

They must also specify whether they request a certified or non-certified copy of the driving record. Cash, checks, money orders, or credit cards are accepted forms of payment.

Uses of Colorado Driving Records

Government agencies use these records as a basis for law enforcement and for purposes such as prosecutions and investigations.

As mentioned above, driving records are also used as background checks for potential employees, especially those applying for company driving positions.

Additionally, driving records may be a crucial deciding factor for insurance companies. Insurers use these records to determine insurance rates and assess risk. A clean driving record can lead to lower premiums.

Moreover, professional licensing boards and regulatory agencies may require driving records for license applicants or as part of disciplinary actions. Private individuals can also obtain their driving records for personal use or to share with authorized entities such as employers, insurance companies, etc.

For data safety reasons, individual data is protected by the Colorado Privacy Act. This guarantees that data are handled properly and no individual is allowed to use someone’s data without the person’s consent.

Understanding Colorado Driving Laws

Colorado's traffic laws prioritize road safety. Minor traffic violations are typically punishable by fines. However, more serious offenses that pose a significant risk to public safety are outlined in detail within the Colorado Revised Statutes (CRS) Title 42.

Here are some of the driving laws in Colorado:

Speeding Laws and Penalties

Colorado law categorizes speeding infractions based on how much over the speed limit a driver is going. According to CRS Section 42-4-1101, exceeding the speed limit by up to 24 miles per hour (mph) is a minor traffic offense, but going 25 mph or more over the limit is considered a criminal offense.

In Colorado, speeding in construction zones is considered a more serious offense. Drivers must also adjust their speed to match hazardous road conditions.

Failure to do so is a traffic violation that can result in fines of up to $1,000 and a year in jail, depending on the severity of the offense.

Reckless and Careless Driving Laws and Penalties

As indicated in CRS Section 42-4-1401, reckless driving is considered a more serious offense than careless driving in Colorado. It is a Class 2 misdemeanor punishable by up to 90 days in jail, a $300 fine, and eight points on a driver's license.

On the other hand, careless driving without causing injury is also a Class 2 misdemeanor, but it carries only four points on an individual’s driving record.

However, if someone is injured due to careless driving, the charges escalate to a Class 1 misdemeanor with potential penalties of up to a $1,000 fine, one year in jail, and ten points on a motorist’s driving record.

Driving Under the Influence (DUI) Laws and Penalties

According to CRS Section 42-4-1301, operating a vehicle with a blood alcohol content (BAC) surpassing 0.08% constitutes a DUI offense. Even if a driver's BAC is below the legal limit, impairment by any substance can lead to a DUI charge.

Colorado's penalties for a first-time DUI offense are severe. They include fines of up to $1,000, jail time of up to one year, license suspension, and mandatory community service. Subsequent offenses result in even harsher punishments.

The Point System in Colorado

Colorado employs a point system to monitor driver conduct and enforce traffic laws. This system assigns points for various infractions, with more serious violations carrying higher point values. For instance, major violations like DUI or fleeing an accident scene carry substantial point penalties, often 12 points each.

The Colorado Department of Transportation (CO DOT) has established different point thresholds based on age groups. Younger drivers face stricter limits, with those under 21 allowed only 6 points in a year or 7 points total before reaching 21.

Drivers between 18 and 21 have slightly higher limits, while those over 21 can accrue up to 12 points annually or 18 points over two years before facing suspension.

Criminal vs. Civil Driving Offenses in Colorado

Under legal jargon, driving offenses in Colorado are categorized as criminal and civil driving offenses. Having firsthand information on these terms is crucial to avoid potential repercussions.

Here’s how the two differ:

Civil Driving Offenses

Civil traffic infractions in Colorado are considered minor offenses. These typically involve common traffic violations such as speeding, running a red light, or failing to use a seatbelt. Unlike more severe offenses, civil traffic infractions do not result in jail time.

Penalties for these violations usually consist of fines and points accumulating on the driver's record. These cases are handled administratively, so they do not require a formal court process with a jury.

Criminal Driving Offenses

Criminal traffic offenses in Colorado are considered more severe violations of traffic law. These offenses include reckless driving, DUI, vehicular homicide, and driving without a valid license.

Unlike civil traffic infractions, criminal traffic offenses can result in significant penalties, including fines, jail time, and the suspension or revocation of driving privileges. Individuals charged with criminal traffic offenses have the right to a jury trial, a legal protection not afforded to those facing civil traffic infractions.

It is highly suggested that drivers adhere to the Colorado Driver’s Handbook, which allows them to access crucial information to protect themselves from potential traffic sanctions.

Colorado Driving Statistics and Goals

Colorado is reporting a decrease in traffic fatalities for the first half of 2024, according to the CO DOT. There has been a 9% reduction in overall traffic deaths compared to last year. While this is positive news, officials emphasize that even one fatality is too many.

Key factors contributing to the decline include a decrease in pedestrian fatalities (down 24%), impaired driving fatalities (down 16%), and fatalities involving children and teens (down 23%). Additionally, there has been a reduction in deaths involving unbuckled occupants and motorcyclists.

The sudden decrease was attributed to the state’s initiative to focus on four areas: drivers, people, roads, and post-crash care. The CO DOT is taking steps to help people learn how to drive. They are creating an audio version of the driver's handbook and offering more materials to help new drivers.

Frequently Asked Questions About Colorado Driving Records

Below are some of the most common questions related to driving records in Colorado. Individuals may use this information as an additional guide about these records.

How To Correct an Error on a Driving Record?

Individuals should obtain a copy of their driving record to identify the mistake. They should also gather supporting documentation, such as court records or police reports.

To dispute the error, applicants may contact the CO DMV, and all detailed information and supporting evidence must be prepared.

A formal written dispute may be necessary, and applicants must be eager to follow up on the dispute's status. If difficulties arise, seeking legal assistance is advisable.

Can Traffic Violations on Driving Records Be Expunged or Sealed?

Expungement is the legal process of removing a criminal record. In Colorado, people can request that their records be sealed if they were arrested but not convicted. However, this isn't possible for certain traffic violations, such as DUIs and commercial driving-related crimes.

How Long Do Points Stay on a Driver’s Record?

Points on a Colorado driver's record remain for varying periods, typically ranging from one to five years, depending on the severity of the offense. Even after points expire, the violation itself may still be visible on a driver's record for a longer period.

How To Request For Another Person’s Driving Record in Colorado?

For privacy reasons, obtaining a person’s driving record without the person’s written consent is prohibited. Employers or those with a court case pending may refer to form DR 2489 to check whether they are eligible to get a copy of someone else’s driving record.

Be sure to fill out DR 2478 or the Statement of Fact at the end of form DR 2489 to explain the reasons for requesting the record.

The application may be submitted online, by mail, or through CO DMV’s physical offices.

Helpful Links and Resources

Below are the links that will provide an extensive view of information related to Colorado driving laws, points, and 2024 crash stats.

Traffic rules in Colorado: https://leg.colorado.gov/content/traffic-rules-and-guidelines
CO point suspension: https://cdor.colorado.gov/hearings-homepage/motor-vehicle-hearings/point-suspensions
CO DOT 2024 crash data report: https://www.codot.gov/news/2024/july/cdot-data-shows-positive-trends-in-trafficsafety-2024

Counties in Colorado

List of Content

Types of Driving Records Available in Colorado
How To Request a Colorado Driving History Report?
Uses of Colorado Driving Records
Understanding Colorado Driving Laws
The Point System in Colorado
Criminal vs. Civil Driving Offenses in Colorado
1. Civil Driving Offenses
2. Criminal Driving Offenses
Colorado Driving Statistics and Goals
Frequently Asked Questions About Colorado Driving Records
Helpful Links and Resources