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Penalties for Speeding Violations

Under Colorado law, a violation of driving 1 to 24 mph over the posted speed limit is a Class A traffic infraction.  A violation of driving 25 mph or more over the posted limit is a Class 2 misdemeanor traffic offense.  A violation of driving 25 mph or more over the posted limit in a construction zone is a Class 1 misdemeanor traffic offense.  Failure of a driver to reduce vehicle speed to a reasonable and prudent level under hazardous conditions is a Class A traffic infraction.
 
Traffic infractions in Colorado are separated into two categories: Class A traffic infractions and Class B traffic infractions.  Generally, the penalty range for the commission of Class A or Class B traffic infractions is a fine of $15 to $100, although higher penalties are specified for certain infractions.
 
Misdemeanor traffic offenses in Colorado are separated into Class 1 misdemeanor traffic offenses and Class 2 misdemeanor traffic offenses.  Persons convicted of a Class 1 misdemeanor traffic offense are subject to a minimum sentence of 10 days in jail or a $300 fine, or both, and a maximum sentence of one year in jail or a $1,000 fine, or both.  Persons convicted of a Class 2 misdemeanor traffic offense are subject to a minimum sentence of 10 days in jail or a $150 fine, or both, and a maximum sentence of 90 days in jail or a $300 fine, or both.
 
In addition to fines, surcharges are assessed for traffic infractions.  Revenues generated by these surcharges are credited to the Crime Victim Compensation Fund and the Victims and Witness Assistance and Law Enforcement Fund.
 
Statutory penalties for speeding violations that are traffic infractions and misdemeanor traffic offenses are shown in the table below.
 
Penalties for Speeding Violations

Violation

Fine

Surcharge

Jail Time

1 to 4 mph over the reasonable and prudent speed, or over the maximum lawful speed of 75 mph (Class A traffic infraction)

$30

$6

None

5 to 9 mph over the reasonable and prudent speed, or over the maximum lawful speed of 75 mph (Class A traffic infraction)

$70

$10

None

10 to 19 mph over the reasonable and prudent speed, or over the maximum lawful speed of 75 mph (Class A traffic infraction)

$135

$16

None

20 to 24 mph over the reasonable and prudent speed, or over the maximum lawful speed of 75 mph (Class A traffic infraction)

$200

$32

None

25 or more mph over the reasonable and prudent speed, or over the maximum lawful speed of 75 mph (a fine, or jail time, or both may be imposed) (Class 2 misdemeanor traffic offense)

Minimum $150

Maximum $300

Not Applicable

Minimum 10 days

Maximum 90 days

25 or more mph over the reasonable and prudent speed, or over the maximum lawful speed of 75 mph in a construction zone (a fine, or jail time, or both may be imposed) (Class 1 misdemeanor traffic offense)

Minimum $300

Maximum $1,000

Not Applicable

Minimum 10 days

Maximum 1 year

Driving at a speed that is not reasonable and prudent given road conditions (Class A traffic infraction)

$100

$10

None

Driving at such a slow speed that the normal and reasonable forward movement of traffic is impeded (Class A traffic infraction)

$50

$6

None

Exceeding a safe speed on a bridge or elevated structure (Class A traffic infraction)

$30

$6

None

Source: Section 42‑4‑1701 (4)(a)(I)(L), C.R.S.