Vermont's DUI Laws and Conviction Penalties

In Vermont, the penalties you'll face for a DUI conviction depend mainly on how many prior convictions you have. This article covers the basics of Virginia's DUI laws (including important definitions) and the consequences of a first, second, and third DUI conviction.

Vermont's DUI Law

Vermont prohibits a person from operating, attempting to operate, or being in actual physical control of a vehicle:

• with a blood alcohol content (BAC) of .08% or greater (.04% or more if operating a commercial vehicle and .02% if operating a bus)
• while "under the influence" of any controlled substance, alcohol, or combination thereof.

In other words, a DUI conviction can be based on the amount of alcohol you have in your system or actual drug or alcohol impairment.

Vermont's DUI Law Doesn't Necessarily Require Driving for a Conviction

"Actual physical control" requires the ability to exert control over a motor vehicle, but does not require actual movement, a conscious driver, or even an operable vehicle. "Under the influence" means the person's ability to operate a motor vehicle safely is diminished or impaired to the slightest degree.

How Much Alcohol It Takes to Get a DUI in Vermont

A driver with a BAC of .08% or more is considered to be a "per se DUI," which can result in a conviction regardless of actual impairment. The amount of alcohol needed to reach this BAC level depends on a number of factors, including the person's gender and body size and the type of alcohol.

Vermont 1st, 2nd, and 3rd DUI Penalties

The possible penalties for a DUI conviction depend on the circumstances of the current offense and the number of prior DUI offenses the driver has.

Jail Time and Fines for Vermont DUI Convictions

	1st Offense	2nd Offense	3rd Offense
Jail	Up to two years	Up to two years (minimum 60 hours jail or 200 hours community service)	Up to five years (minimum 96 hours jail)
Fines	Up to $750	Up to $1,500	Up to $2,500

Vermont's DUI Enhancements for Deaths and Injuries ("Aggravated DUI")

DUIs that involve deaths or injuries are considered "aggravated DUIs." A DUI that results in a fatality carries a fine up to $10,000 and a maximum 15 years in prison. A DUI that results in an injury carries a fine of up to $5,000 and a maximum 15 years in prison.

Also, an aggravated DUI charge does not preclude prosecution for vehicular assault or vehicular manslaughter.

Enhanced Penalties for Vermont DUIs Involving High BACs

Anyone convicted of a second DUI with a BAC of .16% or greater—in addition to the normal penalties—will be prohibited from driving with a BAC of .02% or more for the three years after conviction. During these three years, driving with a BAC of .02% or more is a DUI and penalized as such.

Substance Abuse Screening for Vermont DUI Offenders

For a second or subsequent DUI conviction, the judge can order a drug and alcohol screening to determine if treatment is appropriate for the accused. Any time completed in inpatient treatment can be counted towards jail time served.

Driver's License Penalties for Vermont DUI Offenses

The commissioner of motor vehicles receives notice of all DUI convictions. The commission will suspend the convicted driver's license following periods:

• 90 days (one year if fatality or injury is involved) for a first offense
• 18 months for a second offense, and
• lifetime for a third or subsequent offense.

However, even drivers with lifetime license suspension can apply for reinstatement (see below).

Getting an Ignition Interlock License in Vermont

A suspended driver can apply for an ignition interlock device (IID) license. The IID license permits the suspended driver to operate a vehicle equipped with an IID during the suspension period.

To get an IID license, the applicant must pay the $125 application fee and install an IID. Before being eligible for the license, the applicant must complete a period of suspension: 30 days for a first offense, 90 days for a second offense, one year for a third offense, and one year for a DUI involving a death or injury.

An IID license must be renewed annually.

Getting Your Vermont Driver's License Reinstated

Prior to license reinstatement, the convicted motorist must take care of any pending fines or criminal charges. To reinstate after a first DUI, the driver must complete an alcohol and driving education program. Reinstatement after a second DUI conviction requires the completion of an alcohol and driving rehabilitation program and proof of progress in therapy.

A person suspended for life due to a third offense can apply for reinstatement after completing the alcohol and driving rehabilitation program, showing progress in therapy, and abstaining from drugs and alcohol for three years (evidenced by IID use without any violations). Also, the commissioner can add additional restrictions to the licensee.

Vehicle Immobilization for a Vermont DUI Conviction

For a second or subsequent DUI conviction, the court can order the driver's vehicle immobilized. The vehicle will remain immobilized for 18 months or until the driver's license is reinstated.

Vehicle Forfeiture for a Vermont DUI Conviction

For a third or subsequent offense, the court can order the forfeiture and sale of the vehicle used in the commission of the DUI.

Vermont's Implied Consent Law

Pursuant to Vermont's implied consent law, all drivers on Vermont highways are deemed to have consented to testing of their breath or blood for the presence of alcohol or drugs. Refusal to submit to a lawful request for a breath or blood sample will result in license suspension.

For a first refusal, the driver's license will be suspended for six months. Evidence of a test refusal is also admissible in court as proof of culpability.

An officer is also supposed to submit a certificate for drivers who produce a BAC of .08% or greater. The commissioner, having received the notice, will suspend the driver's license for 90 days.

A second or subsequent BAC test failure or refusal will result in an 18-month suspension.

These "administrative" suspension periods can overlap with the criminal suspensions and an IID license is available.

Vermont's Underage DUI Law

All drivers under 21 years old are prohibited from having a BAC of .02% or more. Any underage driver who produces a BAC of .02% or higher or refuses a lawful chemical test will be subject to penalties. For a first violation, the driver's license will be suspended for six months. For a second or subsequent offense, the motorist's license will be suspended until the age of 21. All underage offenders must complete the alcohol and driving program.

Underage drivers who are caught operating a vehicle with a BAC of .08% or more or while "under the influence" as defined above can also be charged with a standard DUI.