How to Fight a Stop Sign Ticket in Colorado
If you got a stop sign ticket in Colorado, you can usually pay it, contest it in court, or pursue a dismissal/mitigation option. A stop sign violation is a Class A traffic infraction in Colorado under CRS §42-4-703.
How to fight a stop sign ticket in Colorado, step by step
Decide how to plead
Pleading not guilty preserves your right to contest the stop sign charge in Colorado and review the evidence against you.
Check Colorado's dismissal & mitigation options
Colorado courts may refer drivers to a defensive driving or traffic school course. Completing a court-referred course removes 2 points from your driving record.
Request the evidence in your case
Ask the court for the officer's notes and any photos, device records, or calibration logs relied on to issue your stop sign citation — you have a right to review what the case against you is built on.
Know exactly what you're contesting
A stop sign violation is a Class A traffic infraction in Colorado under CRS §42-4-703.
Show up prepared
Arrive early, dress neatly, and bring your documents plus a short, factual statement of your side.
Prepare for your Colorado court date — free
Get a guided prep chat for your exact violation, then a court-ready mock script you can rehearse.
Start my free court prep →Colorado Stop Sign ticket — frequently asked questions
What is Colorado's stop sign law?
Stop signs in Colorado are governed by CRS §42-4-703. Drivers approaching a stop sign must halt at a marked stop line; if none, before the crosswalk; if neither exists, at the point nearest the intersection where approaching traffic is visible. After stopping, the driver must yield right-of-way to vehicles already in the intersection or approaching so closely as to constitute an immediate hazard. Violating this section is a Class A traffic infraction. Source: Colorado Revised Statutes §42-4-703.
What is the fine for running a stop sign in Colorado?
A stop sign violation is a Class A traffic infraction in Colorado under CRS §42-4-703. The exact fine amount is set by the court's penalty and surcharge schedule under CRS §42-4-1701(4). The Colorado DMV website (dmv.colorado.gov) was not accessible to confirm the exact base fine amount at this time. Check the back of your citation or contact your local County Court clerk for the current penalty schedule.
How many points does a stop sign violation add in Colorado?
The specific point value for a stop sign violation in Colorado is set in the points schedule under CRS §42-2-127(5). The Colorado DMV website was not accessible to confirm the exact value. Contact the Colorado DMV or your County Court for the current points schedule. Under CRS §42-2-127, drivers 21 and older may accumulate up to 12 points in 12 months before facing license suspension.
Can I take traffic school for a stop sign ticket in Colorado?
Colorado courts may refer drivers to a defensive driving or traffic school course. Completing a court-referred course removes 2 points from your driving record. Eligibility and referral are at the court's discretion. For stop sign violations, contact your County Court clerk to ask whether you are eligible for traffic school diversion.
How do I contest a stop sign ticket in Colorado?
To contest a stop sign ticket in Colorado, you must respond to the citation by the deadline on the ticket. You can either pay the penalty assessment amount or request a court hearing at your County Court. At the hearing, the state must prove the violation by a preponderance of the evidence. You may present evidence and question the officer. Contact the County Court listed on your citation for specific hearing procedures in your jurisdiction.
What are the rules for a four-way stop in Colorado?
Specific four-way stop procedures are addressed in CRS §42-4-703 through the general rule that after stopping, a driver must yield to vehicles that have already entered the intersection or are approaching closely enough to constitute an immediate hazard. By convention, the first vehicle to stop proceeds first; if two arrive simultaneously, the vehicle on the left yields to the vehicle on the right. The specific four-way stop language within CRS §42-4-703 was not directly confirmed from the official statutory text.
Zigpon is an educational self-help guide, not a law firm — this is general information, not legal advice. Laws change and every case is different; verify details with your court or a licensed attorney before acting.