Vermont DUI Laws: 2025 DUI Charges Guide

Getting Started

If you’re arrested for a DUI in Vermont, you face both administrative penalties through the Department of Motor Vehicles (DMV) and criminal charges through the court system. This guide provides general information about Vermont’s DUI laws and processes, but it’s not legal advice. Every DUI case has unique circumstances, so consulting with a qualified DUI attorney is strongly recommended for personalized guidance.

Definitions to Know

Vermont Department of Motor Vehicles (DMV)

The Vermont DMV handles the administrative aspects of DUI cases, including license suspensions, reinstatement processes, and oversight of the ignition interlock device program. They maintain records of violations, process restricted license applications, and monitor compliance with SR-22 requirements for drivers with DUI convictions. The DMV works in coordination with the court system but conducts its own administrative procedures independent of your criminal case.

Steps to Take After DUI Arrest in Vermont

1. Hire an Attorney

   Legal counsel can help navigate both the DMV administrative process and criminal proceedings, potentially reducing penalties or identifying defense strategies.

2. License Suspension

   Be prepared for your driver’s license to be suspended based on the severity of the offense and your BAC level.

3. Request an Administrative Hearing

   If disputing a suspension, you must request a hearing with the Vermont DMV promptly to challenge the administrative license suspension.

4. Apply for a Restricted License

   If eligible, you may apply for limited driving privileges by installing an IID through Vermont’s ignition interlock program.

5. Install an IID

   Required for certain offenses in Vermont, particularly for repeat offenders or high-BAC convictions.
   Explore IIDs

6. File an SR-22 Form

   Vermont may require proof of insurance coverage for license reinstatement after a DUI conviction.

7. Complete Substance Abuse Evaluation and Treatment

   Vermont requires participation in the Impaired Driver Rehabilitation Program (IDRP) through the Department of Health.

8. Pay Fines and Fees

   You’ll need to pay court fines plus additional fees for license reinstatement and other administrative charges.

9. Complete DUI Education Program

   Vermont’s IDRP includes mandatory education components that must be completed before license reinstatement.

10. Attend Court Proceedings

    Your criminal case will proceed through court independently from the DMV administrative actions.

11. Probation

    Probation terms may include regular check-ins and abstaining from alcohol or drugs as determined by the court.

12. Avoid Further Violations

    Any new DUI or violation of license restrictions while on probation or using a restricted license can result in severe penalties, including jail time and extended suspensions.

DUI Laws in Vermont

What Are the Legal Driving Alcohol Limits in Vermont?

In Vermont, it’s illegal to drive if you’re under the influence of alcohol, drugs, or both. The law sets clear blood alcohol concentration (BAC) limits based on your age and license type. Police often use a breathalyzer to quickly check your Breath Alcohol Concentration (BrAC).

Felony vs Misdemeanor DUI Charges

In Vermont, a DUI is typically charged as a misdemeanor for first and second offenses. However, a third or subsequent DUI offense is classified as a felony. Misdemeanor DUIs generally result in fines, possible jail time, license suspension, and mandatory participation in the Impaired Driver Rehabilitation Program. Felony DUIs carry much harsher penalties, including longer prison sentences (up to five years for a third offense), higher fines, longer license suspensions, and mandatory installation of an ignition interlock device.

What Are Drunk Driving Diversion Programs in Vermont?

Vermont offers the Impaired Driver Rehabilitation Program (IDRP) through the Department of Health, which is not a diversion program but a required intervention for all individuals convicted of a DUI. This program focuses on education and treatment rather than providing an alternative to prosecution. To qualify, you must complete an alcohol assessment and follow all recommended treatment plans. The program’s goal is to reduce recidivism by addressing underlying substance use issues.

Refusing a Chemical Test Under Vermont DUI Law

Vermont, like all states, has implied consent laws. When you drive on Vermont roads, you implicitly consent to chemical testing if arrested for suspected DUI. Refusing a test carries administrative penalties separate from any criminal DUI charges.

DUI Penalties & Consequences

Penalties for DUI Offenses in Vermont

Penalties for DUIs in Vermont become progressively severe with each conviction:

Aggravating Factors That Increase Vermont DUI Penalties

In Vermont, these aggravating factors lead to elevated criminal charges, harsher fines, longer jail or prison time, extended license suspensions, and additional requirements:

• Having a BAC of 0.16% or higher (nearly twice the legal limit)
• Causing an accident resulting in injury or death
• Having a minor (under 18) in the vehicle at the time of offense
• Driving with a suspended license when arrested for DUI
• Excessive speed in combination with impaired driving
• Refusal to submit to chemical testing

Driving Without a Valid License

Driving with a suspended license in Vermont due to a DUI is a serious offense that compounds your legal problems. If caught, you face additional criminal charges, which can include jail time, extended suspension periods, and steep fines. The court may view this violation as evidence that you’re not taking your DUI charges seriously, potentially resulting in harsher penalties for your original DUI case. Additionally, if you’re involved in an accident while driving with a suspended license, your insurance likely won’t cover damages, leaving you financially vulnerable to civil lawsuits.

License Suspension

Who Determines if You Can Continue Driving After a DUI 

In Vermont, both the DMV and the courts play roles in determining driving privileges after a DUI. The DMV handles administrative license suspensions, which occur automatically after a DUI arrest if you either fail a chemical test (BAC above the legal limit) or refuse testing.

This administrative process is separate from court proceedings. The court may impose additional license suspension penalties upon conviction. For restricted licenses or reinstatement, you must satisfy both the DMV’s administrative requirements and any court-ordered restrictions.

How Long Will Your License Be Suspended?

Getting your license suspended in Vermont means you are no longer allowed to drive a vehicle, unless you obtain a temporary or restricted license during your suspension. Here’s how long your regular license may be suspended for a DUI in Vermont:

A DUI results in disqualification of a commercial driver’s license (CDL) for at least one year, and a second offense can lead to lifetime CDL disqualification. Vermont does not permit any restricted or probationary CDL following disqualification for DUI, so all commercial driving privileges are lost for the duration of the penalty.

Steps to Reinstate Your License

1. Serve suspension period fully.
2. Pay reinstatement fees.
3. Provide proof of insurance financial responsibility via SR-22 form, if required.
4. Complete the Impaired Driver Rehabilitation Program through the Vermont Department of Health.
5. Install an IID if mandated by court or administrative order.
6. Pass any required re-examination tests.

How to Apply for a Restricted Driver’s License

• Install an IID on your vehicle(s) if required for your offense level.
• Have your insurance company file an SR-22, if required.
• Complete the Impaired Driver Rehabilitation Program through the Vermont Department of Health.
• Provide documentation of need (e.g., employment verification or medical necessity).
• Pay applicable fees, including the license reinstatement fee.
• Submit a Total Abstinence application if applicable for your situation.

Vermont Ignition Interlock Device (IID) Requirements

Vermont requires ignition interlock devices for many DUI offenses, particularly if you have multiple convictions or had a high BAC level at the time of arrest. The device must be installed in any vehicle you operate at your own expense. The Vermont IID program includes:

• Mandatory installation periods ranging from six months for first-time offenses with high BAC to lifetime requirements for drivers with multiple convictions
• Regular calibration and monitoring of the device
• All data from the device is reported to the Vermont DMV
• Any attempts to tamper with or circumvent the device result in program violations and extended requirements
• Users must pay for installation (approximately $100-$200) and monthly monitoring fees (about $75-$100)
• Financial assistance may be available for low-income participants

Selecting the right ignition interlock provider can make a world of difference.

Find an Interlock Provider Near You

SR-22 Insurance Requirements

After a DUI in Vermont, you may be required to file an SR-22 form, which is a certificate of financial responsibility provided by your insurance company to the DMV. This verifies you maintain the minimum required liability insurance coverage. Vermont SR-22 requirements include:

• Must be maintained for at least three years following reinstatement
• Lapses in coverage are reported immediately to the DMV, potentially resulting in re-suspension
• Premiums for insurance with an SR-22 are typically significantly higher
• You must inform your insurance provider about your DUI conviction

Let us help connect you to the right licensed insurance specialist for you.

Explore SR-22 Insurance Requirements

Substance Abuse Evaluation and Treatment

Vermont requires all drivers convicted of DUI to complete the Impaired Driver Rehabilitation Program (IDRP) administered by the Department of Health. This comprehensive program includes:

• A clinical assessment to determine the extent of substance use issues
• Education about the effects of alcohol and drugs on driving
• Treatment recommendations based on assessment results
• Group intervention sessions
• Possible referral to more intensive treatment for those with serious substance use disorders
• Fees for the program (typically $400-$600) with potential financial assistance
• Mandatory completion before license reinstatement

Understand what to expect and how to prepare for a substance abuse evaluation.

Read Our Guide on Alcohol Assessments

FAQs About DUIs in Vermont

Sources

1. Vermont State Highway Safety Office. (n.d.). Impaired Driving. https://shso.vermont.gov/programs/impaired-driving
2. Vermont Department of Motor Vehicles. (n.d.). License Suspensions. https://dmv.vermont.gov/licenses/suspensions
3. Vermont Department of Motor Vehicles. (n.d.). Ignition Interlock Device. https://dmv.vermont.gov/licenses/suspensions/ignition-interlock-device
4. Vermont Department of Health. (n.d.). Impaired Driver Rehabilitation Program. https://www.healthvermont.gov/alcohol-drugs/programs-services/impaired-driver-rehabilitation-program
5. FindLaw. (n.d.). What Are the Vermont DUI Laws? https://www.findlaw.com/state/vermont-law/what-are-the-vermont-dui-laws.html