Vermont DUI Laws

In the state of Vermont, driving under the influence is a serious offense. Not only will you lose your license (and possibly your freedom) for 2-5 years, the judge may also send you back to driving school—no matter how old you are. The threat of jail time and license suspension, as well as the embarrassment of having to attend driver’s education all over again is enough to keep the vast majority of Vermont license holders from drinking and driving. And the statistics prove it.  Each year, 20-25 people lose their lives to drunk drivers in the state of Vermont. Overall, 70-80 people die in fatal car crashes in the state each year. This gives Vermont one of the top three lowest rankings on the list.

What is the blood alcohol content level (BAC) limit in the state of Vermont?

In the state of Vermont, it is a crime to operate a motor vehicle with a blood alcohol content level (BAC) of 0.08% or higher. Sentence enhancements exist for cases involving a BAC of 0.15% or higher.

In the state of Vermont what is the administrative license suspension period for a first offense?

In the state of Vermont, if you get arrested for DUI, the administrative license suspension time for a first offense is 3 months. During the 3-month revocation period, the driver may not obtain a limited license.

In the state of Vermont, what are the penalties for a first DUI offense? Second offense?

First time DUI offenders in the state of Vermont will lose their licenses for 90 days. You must complete an alcohol and driver education program before your driving privileges will be restored. In addition, you will have to pay a $750 fine and you could spend up to 24 months in jail. For second offenses, you may end up in prison for 24 months, and you will have to pay up to $1,500. Your license may be suspended for 1-½ years, and you may have to do community service.

For third offenses, you risk losing your license for life. You may also go to jail for up to 5 years, you may have to pay a $2,500 fine, and your vehicle may be immobilized for a period of time to be determined by the courts. Multiple offenses carry mandatory enrollment in a substance abuse program and additional counseling at your own expense.