Class B traffic infractions in Colorado are minor traffic violations that are punishable by $15 to $100 plus a small surcharge and no DMV points. As civil cases, class B traffic infractions carry no jail time. However, failure to pay can result in a driver’s license revocation. Class B traffic infractions cannot be sealed from your record.
In this article, our Colorado criminal defense attorneys discuss:
- 1. What are class B traffic infractions?
- 2. What is the sentencing?
- 3. Will I lose my license for not paying?
- 4. What are examples?
- 5. When are class B traffic infractions sealable?
- 6. Will a bench warrant be issued if I fail to appear?
- 7. Can I have a jury trial?
- 8. Can I keep my guns?
1. What are class B traffic infractions?
Class B traffic infractions are a category of Colorado traffic violations under state law. They are less serious than class A traffic infractions. And unlike misdemeanor traffic offenses, Colorado traffic infractions are civil – not criminal.1
Allowing an unauthorized minor to drive is a class B traffic infraction in Colorado.
2. What is the sentencing?
Class B traffic infraction sentences include no jail time under Colorado state law. Instead, the punishment consists of fines ranging from $15 to $100 plus a surcharge. They do not carry points on your driver’s license.2
Note you may be able to do community service / public service with the judge’s permission instead of a fine.
3. Will I lose my license for not paying?
Yes. People with unpaid class B traffic infraction tickets in Colorado have what is called an outstanding judgment warrant (OJW). People with an OJW will have their driver’s license suspended by the Colorado Department of Revenue (DMV). The DMV will block the issuance or renewal of a driver’s license to anyone with an OJW.
Once you have an OJW, you must pay the ticket all at once – not in installments. If you continue driving despite having an OJW, you face a class A traffic infraction ticket for driving under restraint (CRS 42-2-138).3
Even if you pay the overdue traffic infraction tickets, you must apply to reinstate the license. This carries an additional $95 fee.
4. What are examples?
Five examples of class B traffic infractions in Colorado include the following traffic law violations:
- Driving with an expired license (CRS 42-2-101), expired less than one year
- Permitting an unauthorized person to drive (CRS 42-2-140)
- Permitting an unauthorized minor to drive (CRS 42-2-139)
- Driving without license plates (CRS 42-3-202)
- Driving a motor vehicle without a seat belt (CRS 42-4-237)
Therefore, class B traffic infractions are minor violations of traffic regulations.
See the state government’s official list of class B traffic infractions.
Class B traffic infractions in Colorado carry fines and no DMV points.
5. When are class B traffic infractions sealable?
Never. Class B traffic infractions can never be sealed from your Colorado driving record. They remain on your record forever. 4
Learn more about Colorado criminal record seals.
6. Will a bench warrant be issued if I fail to appear?
No, not for class B traffic infractions. Instead, the county court- or municipal court judge will impose a judgment against you if you either fail to pay or fail to show up to court appearances.5
7. Can I have a jury trial?
No. But Colorado drivers cited for class B traffic infractions can have a bench trial, where a judge decides the verdict.6
8. Can I keep my guns?
Yes. Class B traffic infractions do not affect firearm rights in Colorado.7
Additional Reading:
See our related articles on careless driving (CRS 42-4-1402) – including on a scooter, exceeding the speed limit (CRS 42-4-1101) – including in a school zone or construction zone, reckless driving (CRS 42-4-1401), eluding law enforcement / peace officers / police officers (CRS 42-4-1413), DUI, hit-and-run causing bodily injury (CRS 42-4-1603) and petty offenses.
Legal References
- Colorado Revised Statute 42-4-1701; see also People v. Cherry (2005) 119 P.3d 1081; see also Carlson v. Ferris (2003) 85 P.3d 504.
- CRS 42-4-1701; CRS 42-4-1709.
- CRS 42-4-1710; CRS 42-4-1716; CRS 42-2-122; CRS 42-2-138 (subsection 1.5).
- CRS 24-72-701 – 708.
- CRS 42-4-1710.
- CRS 42-4-1708.
- See CRS 18-12-108; see Colorado Constitution, Article IV, § 7.