Vermont (VT) Teen Auto Insurance Laws, Rates & Requirements

In the state of Vermont, driver’s ages 16-19 are more likely to be in a fatal car crash than any other group. Not only this, but most teen car crashes in the state occur at night, and many occur on Friday, Saturday, and Sunday. To help reduce the number of teen driving accidents on its roads, the state of Vermont makes it mandatory for all teens to participate in the Graduated Driver Licensing (GLD) program. In order for teens to obtain a full license in the state, he or she must complete three levels of licensing. Vermont’s Graduated Driver Licensing laws have been in place since July 1, 2000.

Continue reading to learn more about Vermont teen driving laws and the consequences for violating them.

Vermont Graduated Driver Licensing (GDL) and Driver License Requirements

Vermont’s Graduated Driver Licensing program has three stages:

1.    Learner’s Permit
2.    Junior Operator License
3.    Operator License

Under the terms of the learner’s permit, the permit holder must be at least 15 years of age. He must also hold the permit for at least one year before applying for a junior operator license. During this time, the permit holder must:

•    Complete 40 hours of practice driving, including 10 at night
•    Maintain a clean driving record for a six month period prior to applying for the junior operator license

To apply for the learner’s permit, you must take the following documents to the Vermont Department of Motor Vehicles:

•    Signature of parent
•    Proof of insurance
•    Proof of name and date of birth
•    Proof of identity

You will be required to take a written exam and vision test in order to obtain the permit. Once you have satisfied all of the conditions of the learner’s permit and you have maintained a clean record, you may apply for a junior operator license.

Under the terms of the junior operator license, you must carry the license for 6 months without any violations. When the 6 month period ends and if you are at least 8 years of age, you are eligible to apply for your operator license. Please continue to the next section to learn about restrictions and penalties for violations.

Vermont Teen Driving Laws and Enforcement

Under the terms of the learner’s permit the following supervising drivers are allowed:

•    A licensed parent or guardian
•    A licensed or certified driver education instructor
•    A licensed individual who is at least 25 years of age

It is important to note that if you get stopped for any reason and your supervising driver is impaired in any way, your learner’s permit may be recalled for 90 days. Recalled basically means “suspended.”

Under the terms of the junior operator license, the licensee:

•    May not operate a vehicle in the course of their employment for one year following the issuance of the Junior Operator License
•    May not carry passengers for hire
•    During the first three months of operation under a Junior Operator License, the individual is restricted to driving alone, or with a supervising driver for the first 3 months
•    May transport other passengers if the supervising driver is seated in the front passenger seat next to the licensee at all times
•    Cannot transport more passengers than there are safety belts
•    May begin transporting immediate family members (siblings),
•    during the second three months of operation

After holding the junior operator license for 6 months, the passenger restrictions will be lifted.

If you violate any of the restrictions or laws associated with the learner’s permit or the junior operator license, your driving privileges will be suspended for 90 days.

Vermont Cell Phone Use/Texting While Driving Laws

On April 9, 2009, House Bill 147, was given preliminary approval. The bill places a full ban on cell phone use by teens while driving. Violation will carry a fine (TBD).

Vermont Teen DUI Laws

In the state of Vermont, it is a crime for a teen to operate a motor vehicle with a blood alcohol concentration level (BAC) of 0.02% or higher. A BAC of 0.02% is as little as one beer, one glass of wine or one mixed drink for most people. It can be even less for some. Proof of a BAC of 0.02% is all that is needed to convict a Vermont teen of DUI. If you get caught driving with a BAC of 0.02% or higher, under Vermont’s new “Use and Lose” law, your license will be suspended on the spot. Enhanced penalties exist for a BAC of 0.15% or higher.

Vermont Teen Auto Insurance Requirements

In the state of Vermont, auto insurance is mandatory for all drivers, regardless of age, The state has established the following minimum coverages: $25,000 for death or injury of one person, $50,000 for death or injury of two or more persons, and $10,000 for property damage (25/50/10). Because the risk of an auto collision is significantly higher during a teen’s first year behind the wheel, Vermont auto insurance companies recommend purchasing higher amounts of coverage than the legal limits. If you plan to add a teen driver to your policy, keep in mind that your annual rate will increase anywhere from $1,200 to $4,900 a year. The average increase is around $2,171 a year.