How to Get Your License Back After a DUI in Vermont

Vermont Statutes refer to operating, attempting to operate, or being in physical control of a vehicle while under the influence of alcohol or other substances as a DUI violation (Driving Under the Influence). A DUI in Vermont is a misdemeanor or felony (depending on the number of previous violations and the circumstances surrounding the offense). In Vermont, DUI violations have serious consequences, including an automatic license suspension by the Vermont Department of Motor Vehicles (DMV) and additional court-imposed suspension, fines, and possible jail time if the offense results in a conviction.

Step 1: Know the Terms of Your Suspension

Drivers in Vermont face two types of suspensions for DUI offenses. A Vermont DUI will result in an administrative suspension by the state's DMV and additional suspension or revocation by the court if the offense results in a criminal conviction. The length of the suspension and the timeframe for eligibility for a Restricted Driver's License after a DUI violation in Vermont depend on the following factors:

• Number of previous offenses
• Refusal to submit to a chemical test
• Blood Alcohol Concentration at the time of arrest
• Age of the offender (drivers under 21 years typically must have a BAC level below 0.02%)
• Presence of aggravating factors, such as injuries or deaths.

The table below summarizes Vermont's administrative and court-imposed DUI suspensions, their duration, and the waiting periods for Restricted Driver's Licenses. Generally, an offender must observe the suspension period and meet all other requirements to reinstate an unrestricted license.

Furthermore, there is zero tolerance for underage DUI in Vermont. Individuals under the age of 21 driving with a Blood Alcohol Concentration (BAC) ranging between 0.02% and 0.08% for the first time will lose their driving privileges for 6 months (but may be eligible for a Restricted License after 30 days). However, a second DUI violation will result in a 1-year suspension or until the offender turns 21 (whichever is longer).

Step 2: Fulfill Court and DMV Requirements

A Vermont DMV and court-imposed suspensions for DUI are separate penalties for different purposes. The Vermont Department of Motor Vehicles will impose a civil suspension according to the state's Implied Consent Law if:

• A driver's Blood Alcohol Concentration is 0.08% or higher (0.02% or higher for drivers under the age of 21 years and 0.04% for commercial drivers)
• A driver refuses a chemical test after a lawful arrest for a DUI offense.

Contrariwise, a court-imposed suspension results from a conviction for a DUI violation. Unlike the DMV, court-ordered penalties may include fines, community service, and jail time. Beyond the penalties, the court may impose additional requirements for license reinstatement, such as:

• Completion of a state-approved alcohol and driving education or treatment program
• Proof of Financial Responsibility
• Installing Ignition Interlock Device (IID)
• Payment of reinstatement fees
• Making restitution (if there were damages).

Step 3: Complete a DUI Education or Treatment Program

Drivers seeking license reinstatement after suspension for DUI violations in Vermont typically must complete state-approved DUI education and treatment programs. In Vermont, the primary DUI program for license reinstatement is the Impaired Drivers Rehabilitation Program (IDRP). The Vermont Department of Motor Vehicles mandates this program, but the court may also order it as part of DUI sentencing.

The Vermont IDRP program involves an evaluation component and a 10-hour education session that outlines the effects of alcohol and drugs on the body, driving, and risk appraisal. After evaluation, the IDRP evaluator may recommend clinical treatment (4 treatments over 4 weeks for a first DUI or a minimum of 20 hours over 24 weeks for a second DUI or 20 hours) plus participation in the state's Total Abstinence Program for a third and subsequent DUIs.

In addition to IDRP, other DUI programs include Victim Impact Panels and Outpatient Counseling.

The costs for the Impaired Drivers Rehabilitation Program vary with the requirements and location. However, there is a $180.00 mandatory evaluation fee, and a non-intensive education program costs $220.00. Enrollment for the Vermont IDRP is by court order and through state-approved providers on the IDRP webpage.

Step 4: Get SR-22 Insurance or Equivalent

An SR-22 is a certificate of financial responsibility that insurance companies file on behalf of individuals to prove they have the minimum liability coverage required by law. Vermont law requires drivers to show proof of SR-22 coverage for driving under the influence, without insurance, or on suspended licenses. Filing SR-22 may cost between $15.00 and $50.00, but may lead to a 30% to 100% increase in auto insurance premiums (depending on driving and violation history).

Individuals seeking SR-22 coverage may add it to their existing auto policies through their insurers (if they offer SR-22) or switch to high-risk providers. Individuals who do not own vehicles may opt for non-owner SR-22 coverage. In Vermont, DUI offenders typically must maintain SR-22 coverage for 3 years from their license reinstatement to re-suspension.

Step 5: Pay Reinstatement Fees

Drivers seeking license reinstatement after DUI violations in Vermont typically must pay applicable reinstatement fees and other requirements. The costs for reinstating a driver's license in Vermont may include the following:

• Standard reinstatement fee - $98.00
• Restricted Driver's License application fee - $125.00 (or $150.00 for an Enhanced Driver's License).

In addition, applicants typically must make all outstanding payments and meet the other requirements for license reinstatement.

The Vermont Department of Motor Vehicles accepts credit and debit cards and mobile payments through its Driver's License Reinstatement Portal. Applicants may also make in-person cash payments or pay by checks or money orders to the Commissioner of Motor Vehicles.

Step 6: Submit Your License Reinstatement Application

Applicants for driver's license reinstatement in Vermont may submit their applications online through the Vermont DMV Driver's License Reinstatement Service Portal. The DMV will send or mail a personalized checklist with payment confirmation. Alternatively, mail the application along with the accompanying documents and proof of payment to:

Vermont DMV
Attn: Driver Improvement
120 State Street,
Montpelier,
VT 05603-0001.

To schedule an in-person submission or appointment, call (888) 970-0357 or log in to the Vermont DMV Online Scheduling System.

What If You Are Denied License Reinstatement in Vermont?

The Vermont Department of Motor Vehicles may deny an application for license reinstatement after a DUI suspension if:

• There are missing documents or incomplete paperwork
• There are outstanding fines, missing IDRP, or unfinished community service
• The applicant has outstanding charges or suspensions.

If the DMV denies an application, the individual should:

• Call (802) 828-2000 or check their records to confirm any outstanding requirements
• Fix the issues (for instance, pay outstanding fines or finish IDRP)
• Reapply immediately after fixing the problems (there is no waiting period)
• Request an administrative hearing if there are reasons to believe that the denial was in error.

Hardship Licenses: Driving with Limited Privileges

Vermont Restricted Driver's Licenses (RDL) (hardship licenses) permit DUI offenders under suspension to drive non-commercial vehicles after serving part of their sentences and installing an Ignition Interlock Device (IID). The eligibility criteria for a Restricted Driver's License in Vermont include:

• License suspension or revocation for a DUI violation (excluding DUIs resulting in serious injuries or deaths or involving minors, commercial vehicle drivers, and individuals driving on learner's permits)
• A 30-day waiting period for a first offense, 90 days for a second, and 1 year for subsequent violations
• Installing IID and having SR-22 coverage
• Completing the Vermont Impaired Drivers Rehabilitation Program.

Although Vermont's Restricted Driver's License allows DUI offenders to commute to court-specified locations such as work, school, and doctor's appointments, they are subject to random re-tests to enforce IID, which they typically must use during the RDL duration. Also, offenders typically must carry the RDL and SR-22 certificate while driving.

How Long Does It Take to Get Your License Back After a DUI?

The time it takes to regain driving privileges after a DUI suspension in Vermont ranges from 30 days to several years. The timeline depends on several factors, primarily:

• Number of previous offenses
• Mandatory waiting period
• Compliance with the Vermont DMV and court requirements
• Installation of IID
• Timely submission of documentation
• Obtaining SR-22 coverage.

A first-time DUI offender may qualify for a Restricted Driver's License after 30 days, while it takes 90 days to be eligible after a second offense. Individuals under lifetime suspension for third or subsequent DUI violations may file for license reinstatement after 3 years of sobriety with IID use.