Vermont Ignition Interlock & State DUI Laws

Administrative License Revocation (ALR) Procedures

Vermont Department of Motor Vehicles

Vermont is one of 42 states that has implemented ALR, meaning that your license will be confiscated immediately if your BAC is above .08 OR if you refuse a BAC test. Your license will either be suspended or revoked at that point, even though you have not been officially convicted in a criminal trial.

You can be charged with an administrative license suspension even if you are not later charged with driving under the influence offense. This action was designed to be in addition to and separate from the traditional DUI judicial conviction penalties such as license suspension, jail time, community service hours, ignition interlock device, and alcohol and drug rehabilitation.

Judicial Procedures

In Vermont, the drunk driving law prohibits a person from driving when they have a BAC of .08% or higher. Courts will not order the installation and monitoring of an interlock device, however, depending on the circumstances, an interlock device can be installed instead of suspension.

License Revocation, Fines, and Jail

• First Offense – Misdemeanor: up to $750 fine plus $160, up to 2 years in jail, 90 days license suspension (may be eligible for an ignition interlock restricted license after first 30 days of suspension), 6 months ignition interlock restricted license, and mandatory alcohol and driving education program before license will be reinstated. Possible alcohol screening and treatment as required.
• Second Offense – Misdemeanor: up to $1,500 fine plus $160 surcharge, up to 2 years in jail, 18 months license suspension (may be eligible for an ignition interlock restricted license after first 90 days of suspension), 18 months ignition interlock restricted license, mandatory alcohol and driving education program before license will be reinstated. Possible 200 hours of community service, alcohol screening and treatment, and immobilization of the vehicle.
• Third Offense – Felony: up to $2,500 fine plus $160 surcharge, up to 5 years in jail, lifetime revocation of license (may be eligible for an ignition interlock restricted license after first 1 year of suspension), and 3 years ignition interlock restricted license (RDL). If RDL is permanently revoked then full license reinstatement will not be considered until 4 years from the date of suspension and only if 3 years of total abstinence from alcohol and/or drugs can be proven, and mandatory alcohol and driving education program before the license will be reinstated. Possible 400 hours community service, alcohol screening, and treatment, and immobilization or forfeiture of vehicle.
• Fourth and Subsequent Offense – Felony: up to $5,000 fine plus $160 surcharge, up to 10 years in jail, lifetime suspension of license, and alcohol screening and treatment as required. Possible 400 hours of community service and immobilization or forfeiture of vehicle.