Vermont Traffic Violations

Vermont's traffic laws form the foundation of road safety across the state's diverse terrain, from bustling cities to winding rural roads. Understanding these regulations helps drivers navigate safely and avoid penalties. The Vermont Department of Motor Vehicles (DMV) and state law enforcement agencies work together to enforce these laws and promote responsible driving.

Traffic violations can lead to severe consequences. Drivers may face fines, license suspension, or increased insurance rates. Accumulating points on a driving record can result in long-term impacts on personal and professional life.

Responsible driving is crucial in reducing accidents and maintaining Vermont's road safety. The state's unique weather conditions, from snowy winters to leaf-peeping autumn traffic, require motorists to be vigilant.

Vermont's commitment to road safety extends beyond enforcement. The state offers various driver education programs and resources to help residents and visitors understand and comply with traffic laws.

What Are the Major Traffic Violations in Vermont?

Major traffic violations include speeding, DUI, and reckless driving. Additional violations encompass running red lights, distracted driving, and driving without a valid license. Each offense carries specific penalties, such as fines, points on the driver's license, and potential jail time.

These traffic violations can be classified into felonies, misdemeanors, and infractions.

Vermont Felony Traffic Violations

The state law classifies certain severe traffic offenses as felonies. These violations often involve significant harm to individuals or property and sometimes result in fatalities.

Felony traffic violations carry harsh penalties. Offenders face potential incarceration in state prison for over two years, with some cases leading to life imprisonment.

Courts determine the severity of these crimes and set sentences on a case-by-case basis. Fines for felony traffic offenses can reach up to $5,000, and convicted individuals may lose civil rights and privileges.

Repeat misdemeanor offenses can escalate to felonies, particularly when they cause serious harm. This frequently applies to driving under the influence (DUI) and driving while intoxicated (DWI) cases.

While first and second DUI offenses typically remain misdemeanors punishable by less than two years in local jail, third and subsequent convictions become felonies under Vermont state law.

Vermont's Habitual Offender Law targets individuals with multiple felony convictions. Those convicted of a fourth or subsequent offense may receive a state prison sentence, potentially extending to life imprisonment for severe cases.

Common felony traffic violations include:

• Vehicular homicide or manslaughter
• Multiple DUI or DWI offenses
• Hit-and-run incidents
• Aggravated reckless driving resulting in damage or injury
• Repeatedly driving without a valid license
• Refusing arrest or fleeing law enforcement

Vermont Traffic Misdemeanors

Traffic misdemeanors are driving offenses that are more severe than infractions but less dangerous than felonies. As outlined in Title 13 of the Vermont Revised Statutes, they are punishable by fines up to $10,000 and jail time of less than two years. These offenses often involve trials, legal fees, and significant consequences for the offender.

The courts typically designate traffic violations as misdemeanors when they cause direct injury to a person, damage property, or create a real threat of serious harm.

Unlike some states, Vermont does not subdivide misdemeanors into classes based on severity. Instead, the court determines penalties on a case-by-case basis, considering the specific circumstances of each offense.

Convictions for traffic misdemeanors result in various penalties. Offenders face expensive fines, potential imprisonment, and probable loss of driving privileges. These convictions appear on the offender's driving and criminal records, potentially impacting insurance rates.

Repeated convictions can escalate to felony charges, especially if they involve injury, property damage, or fatalities.

Common examples include:

• Reckless driving
• Driving without insurance
• Operating a vehicle without a valid license
• Failing to stop after an accident
• DUI or DWI (first or second offense)

Traffic Infractions

Traffic infractions represent the least severe category of traffic violations. These non-criminal offenses do not carry the harsh penalties or stigma associated with more serious traffic crimes. Vermont law treats infractions as civil matters, primarily punishable by monetary fines rather than incarceration.

These infractions can result in fines or license suspension due to point accumulation on the offender's driving record. Unlike misdemeanors or felonies, these violations do not subject offenders to trial or jail time.

The state classifies traffic infractions into two categories: moving and non-moving violations. Moving infractions occur when a driver operates a vehicle unsafely, while non-moving infractions typically involve equipment issues or parking violations. Speed limit violations are the most common moving infraction.

Examples of moving infractions include:

• Speeding
• Handling electronic devices while driving
• Failing to stop at red lights or stop signs
• Lane usage violations
• Following too closely
• Turning into the wrong lane
• Refusing to use turn signals
• Failing to yield to pedestrians or traffic

Non-moving infractions encompass violations such as:

• Faulty head or tail lights
• Cracked windshields
• Loud muffler noise
• Excessive window tint
• Parking in front of fire hydrants
• Parking in no-parking zones
• Parking at expired meters

Suspended License Violations

Several major traffic violations can lead to a suspended license. Speeding excessively, especially in school zones or construction areas, often results in severe penalties. Accumulating too many points on a driving record from repeated offenses also triggers suspension.

Driving without a valid license or insurance is another serious violation. Reckless driving, which includes aggressive behaviors such as tailgating and weaving through traffic, poses significant risks and leads to license suspension. Failing to appear in court for traffic-related offenses or not paying fines can also result in suspension.

Speeding Violations

Vermont law establishes clear guidelines for speeding violations, prioritizing safety on its highways. The state's basic rule mandates drivers to operate vehicles at speeds reasonable and prudent for existing conditions, considering actual and potential hazards.

Vermont sets a maximum speed limit of 50 miles per hour on its highways. However, this limit can be altered according to provisions for state speed zones, Interstate highway rules, local speed limits, and special occasions or town highway maintenance.

Drivers must control their speed to avoid collisions with people, vehicles, or objects on or near the highway. The law requires reduced speeds in several situations:

• Approaching and crossing intersections or railway grade crossings
• Navigating curves
• Nearing the crest of a hill
• Traveling on narrow or winding roadways
• Encountering any special hazards

These regulations apply universally across Vermont's diverse road network, from rural byways to urban streets. Law enforcement officers assess speed violations based on posted limits and the basic rule of reasonable and prudent driving for conditions.

Vermont's approach to speeding violations balances the need for efficient travel with the paramount public safety concern. By establishing these guidelines, the state aims to reduce accidents and create safer road conditions for all users, whether in bustling Burlington or along the scenic roads of the Green Mountains.

DUI Vermont Laws

Drug Recognition Experts or Drug Recognition Evaluators (DREs) are law enforcers certified by the state. Their job is to evaluate whether a driver has impaired judgment due to the influence of drugs or other substances. This only shows that Vermont is strict regarding DUI or impaired driving.

Vermont DUI laws are stringent and cover various scenarios involving alcohol and drugs. A person must not operate or be in control of any vehicle on a highway if their alcohol concentration is 0.08 or higher. The limit drops to 0.02 for individuals operating a school bus and 0.04 for those driving commercial motor vehicles.

Driving under the influence of intoxicating liquor or any other drug, or the combined influence of both, is prohibited.

Additionally, if a driver is involved in an accident resulting in injuries or death and refuses a law enforcement officer's reasonable request for an evidentiary breath test, they are violating the law. The officer must have grounds to consider the person has any level of alcohol in their system.

Consequences of Impaired Driving

Vermont imposes severe consequences on drivers convicted of DUI. Offenders face immediate loss of their driver's license, significantly impacting their ability to commute and carry out daily activities.

The financial burden of a DUI conviction in Vermont proves substantial. Offenders typically pay an average of $6,500 in fines, court costs, and attorney fees. Additionally, they may lose approximately $4,000 in wages due to legal proceedings and potential imprisonment.

Jail time looms as a severe consequence for DUI offenders. First-time offenders could face up to two years of imprisonment. Subsequent offenses or cases resulting in fatalities carry even longer sentences.

Vermont law mandates alcohol and drug counseling for DUI convicts, costing between $500 and $1,000. This requirement aims to address underlying substance abuse issues and prevent future offenses.

The state also requires installing an ignition interlock device in the offender's vehicle. This measure costs $60 to $100 for installation, with an additional $75 to $100 for monthly monitoring, creating an ongoing financial obligation.

DUI convictions dramatically impact auto insurance premiums. In the first year following a DUI, drivers can expect their car insurance rates to surge by 45% to 60%, adding a significant long-term financial burden.

These multifaceted consequences reflect Vermont's stringent stance on impaired driving, combining punitive measures with rehabilitative efforts to deter this dangerous behavior on the state's roads.

How Does Vermont's DMV Point System Work?

DMV assigns points for every traffic violation drivers commit. Accumulating traffic violations can also lead to license suspension. If a driver accumulates 10 points in two years, the Commissioner initiates suspension proceedings.

The suspension periods increase with the number of points:

• 10 days for 10 points
• 30 days for 15 points
• 90 days for 20 points
• An additional 30 days for every five extra points

Here is a shortened version of the point system DMV uses. For an exhaustive schedule of violations with assigned points, drivers can check the statutes online:

2-Point Violations

In Vermont, 2 points are added for violations like:

• Driving without a license
• Failing to yield the right of way at an intersection
• Running a red light or stop sign
• Driving with an open container of an alcoholic beverage
• Speeding on an interstate highway
• Driving without insurance
• Failing to use turn signals

3-Point Violations

The VT DMV adds 3 points for infractions such as:

• Illegally passing another vehicle
• Driving on the wrong side of the road
• Following too closely behind another car

4-Point Violations

Offenses that add 4 points include:

• Failing to obey a police officer
• Failure to yield to a pedestrian's right of way

5-Point Violations

Receive 5 points for citations like:

• Illegally passing a school bus
• Failure to yield to emergency vehicles
• Texting while driving

10-Point Violations

The most severe violations, adding 10 points, include:

• Negligent operation of a motor vehicle, endangering others
• Driving a car without the owner's permission
• Leaving the scene of an accident
• Attempting to elude the police

How Long Do Points Stay on Vermont Driving Records?

Under Vermont Statutes Title 23, Section 2503, points from traffic violations remain on a person's driving record for two years from the date of conviction. Vermont does not offer any methods to reduce points on existing violations.

To prevent further penalties or potential license suspension, drivers must practice responsible driving and avoid accumulating points for the two years following a conviction.

What Is the Process for Handling Traffic Tickets in Vermont?

When drivers receive a traffic ticket, they have two main options: pay the fine or contest the ticket. Paying admits guilt and results in conviction, adding points to the driver's license. Accumulating 10 points within two years leads to license suspension.

To pay, drivers mark "admitted" or "no contest" on the ticket and submit it with the fine to the Vermont Judicial Bureau within 20 days. This can be done by mail, in person, or online.

Contesting requires marking "not guilty" and mailing the ticket to the Vermont Traffic Bureau. The court then schedules a hearing. Drivers may present their case or hire an attorney. Winning dismisses the ticket and avoids points while losing incurs original penalties.

Vermont offers an online system for ticket management, allowing drivers to view their ticket status, pay fines, or request court dates. This streamlines the process and provides convenient access to ticket information.

How Are Accident Reports Handled in Vermont?

Accidents must be reported within the specified period, whether or not the damage or injuries are severe.

How To Report an Accident

The operator of a motor vehicle involved in an accident resulting in injury or total property damage amounting to $3,000 or more must file a written report. This report must be submitted to the DMV using prescribed forms and mailed within 72 hours after the crash.

The operator should thoroughly complete the crash report form to report an accident, providing all requested details about the incident. This includes information about the involved parties, the nature of the injuries, and the extent of the property damage. The Commissioner may request further details using supplementary forms if additional information is required.

Citizens and residents can use the address below to send the completed crash report.

Accurate and prompt reporting is critical, as it helps the Vermont DMV maintain comprehensive records of traffic incidents. This process ensures that all relevant information about crashes is documented and available for future reference.

How To Get a Copy of a Crash Report?

Obtaining a copy of a crash report is straightforward but requires attention to detail. The DMV manages these reports, which include crucial information about the incident, such as the date, location, parties involved, and any citations issued.

Requests for crash reports can be made by mail or in person. Individuals must visit the VT DMV office in Montpelier, the state capital for in-person requests. This is the only branch that handles such requests. The requester must complete the Vermont Crash Report Request Form.

To process the request, individuals must bring a valid form of identification. It's advisable to call the VT DMV at (802) 828-2000 beforehand to confirm the needed documents.

For mail requests, the process involves filling out the Vermont Crash Report Request Form and including a check or money order for the applicable fee. The completed form, along with the payment and a copy of a valid ID, should be sent to the official address of the department.

The VT DMV typically processes and mails crash reports within a few weeks. However, this duration might vary based on the volume of requests and the specifics of the incident.

Crash reports are essential for insurance claims, legal matters, and personal records. They provide a comprehensive overview of the accident, helping all parties understand the circumstances and outcomes.

The VT DMV ensures that these reports are accurate and accessible to those entitled to them under the Driver's Privacy Protection Act (DPPA). This includes the individuals involved in the accident, their legal representatives, and insurance companies.

What Should Drivers Know about Traffic-Related Arrests in Vermont?

Traffic-related arrests occur for various reasons, including DUI, reckless driving, and driving with a suspended license. Officers may arrest without a warrant for felonies or witnessed misdemeanors.

For unwitnessed misdemeanors, officers typically issue citations but can make arrests if the person fails to provide identity, obtain evidence, or prevent continued criminal conduct.

During an arrest, officers inform drivers of their rights, including the right to remain silent and to an attorney. Arrested individuals may face legal consequences such as fines, license suspension, or jail time. Personal and professional repercussions can include increased insurance rates and job loss.

Drivers have the right to contact an attorney immediately after arrest. Vermont's public defender system offers legal assistance to those who cannot afford private representation.

Following an arrest, individuals should gather all relevant documentation and prepare for their court appearance. Seeking legal counsel promptly can help navigate the complex legal process and potentially mitigate consequences.

How To Plead Not Guilty to a Traffic Violation in Vermont?

Drivers facing traffic violations have the option to plead not guilty. They must mark "not guilty" on the complaint. The signed complaint must then be delivered to the Vermont Judicial Bureau within 20 days of receiving the ticket. This can be done by mail, in person, or through the online portal.

Choosing to plead not guilty initiates the court process. The Vermont Judicial Bureau will schedule a hearing date and notify the driver. The driver or attorney can present their case at this hearing before a judicial officer. Evidence, witnesses, and legal arguments may be used to contest the violation.

Drivers should note that pleading not guilty does not guarantee dismissal of the charge. However, a not-guilty plea allows for challenging the violation and potentially reducing penalties. Vermont law allows for negotiation with the ticketing officer or state's attorney before the hearing, which may result in a reduced charge or dismissed ticket.

Those who decide not to plead not guilty have alternative options. They can admit to the violation or plead no contest by marking the appropriate box on the complaint. In these cases, drivers waive their right to a court appearance and must pay the specified fine.

To avoid additional fees, payment, and the signed complaint should be submitted to the judicial bureau within the 20-day window. Vermont's traffic laws aim to maintain road safety while providing fair processes for those who wish to contest violations.