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. Persons convicted of Class 1 or Class 2 misdemeanor traffic offenses must also pay restitution and may be sentenced to community service.
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)
5 to 9 mph over the reasonable and prudent speed, or over the maximum lawful speed of 75 mph (Class A traffic infraction)
10 to 19 mph over the reasonable and prudent speed, or over the maximum lawful speed of 75 mph (Class A traffic infraction)
20 to 24 mph over the reasonable and prudent speed, or over the maximum lawful speed of 75 mph (Class A traffic infraction)
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 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 10 days
Driving at a speed that is not reasonable and prudent given road conditions (Class A traffic infraction)
Driving at such a slow speed that the normal and reasonable forward movement of traffic is impeded (Class A traffic infraction)
Exceeding a safe speed on a bridge or elevated structure (Class A traffic infraction)
Source: Section 42‑4‑1701 (4)(a)(I)(L), C.R.S.