Suspended – Revoked License in Vermont

(SEE BELOW FOR COMMERCIAL DRIVER LICENSE (CDL) INFORMATION)

There is a difference between having your Vermont driver’s license suspended and having it revoked.

• A suspension means you cannot drive for a certain period of time, but can get your license back later.
• A revocation of your license means your driver’s license is cancelled, and you will need to submit to an investigation before you can obtain another license.

Insurance companies keep a close watch on license suspensions / revocations. Your insurance premiums may go up drastically, and you may be labeled a “high-risk” customer. Even worse, your insurance company may cancel your policy, leaving you to search for insurance with the “high-risk” driver tag, meaning you’ll have to pay much higher premiums. It is recommended that you get in touch with a DUI/DWI lawyer as they are experts at handling such incidents and can offer you the best advice. Additionally, you will face Heavy Fines and Reinstatement Fees, and Points on your driver’s license! All this information can be found on our website. You could also contact Ticket Counsel absolutely FREE!!!

There are a variety of reasons why your Vermont driver’s license might be suspended. Some of these are related to specific driving violations, while others may be due to violation of other State laws. The following are some of the most common reasons for a Vermont driver’s license to be suspended or revoked.

• Driving Under the Influence: Your Vermont driver’s license will be suspended if you are found guilty of driving under the influence of alcohol or drugs. The length of the suspension will be between 6 months for a 1st offense to 18 months for a 2nd offense. Refusing to take an alcohol test will result in a 6-month suspension.
• Excessive Moving Violations: The state of Vermont operates on a point system, in which drivers accumulate points on their license for every moving violation they commit. If you accumulate 10 or more points on your current driver record in a 2-year period, your license may be suspended for periods ranging from 1 month to over 1 year.
• Failure to Stop Following an Accident: Failing to stop when involved in an accident or attempting to elude a police officer will also result in license suspension.
• Driving with a Suspended License or No License: Driving with a suspended license will lead to an increase in the length of the suspension, and you may also be imprisoned for up to 5 years. The duration of the additional suspension varies depending on the reason for the underlying suspension. Your driver’s license may also be suspended if you do not have your license with you while you are driving.
• Driving without Insurance: All motor vehicles driven in Vermont must be properly insured. Failure to provide proof of valid auto insurance can result in your license being suspended.
• Other Driving-Related Violations: Your Vermont driver’s license may also be suspended if you engage in reckless driving, are found to be at fault in a fatal accident, or if you abandon your vehicle on a public highway.
• Physical or Psychological Disqualification: The DMV can order a re-examination of any person who may not be fit to drive. An individual’s driving privileges may be suspended if the re-examination finds they are physically or psychologically unable to drive safely.
• Non-Driving Reasons for License Suspension: A variety of non-driving violations or issues can result in your license being suspended. These include: not responding to a DMV notice or not appearing in court; failing to pay traffic tickets, fines or surcharges; and not paying child support.

• Having your Vermont driver’s license suspended is a serious matter and it is essential to adhere to State law in the event that your license is suspended. If you believe your license may be suspended due to one of the reasons listed above it is prudent to speak with a traffic ticket lawyer or a DUI-DWI lawyer.
• Check Your Vermont Driver License Status: Traffic violations and accidents can lead to points on your Vermont driving record. If you accumulate too many driving record points, the Vermont DMV will send you a warning letter or suspend your driver’s license. You can order your driving record to: View your traffic offenses, check your driver’s license status and view your driving record points.

If you receive a notice of suspension from the DMV, and you wish to challenge the suspension, you may request a hearing in court. An administrative law judge or DMV representative will hear your case, and determine whether your driver’s license should be suspended or not. In addition, drivers whose license may be suspended due to accumulating excessive points may be eligible to enroll in a Driver Improvement Program. Completing a Driver Improvement Program removes 2 points from the current driving record, and in some cases can enable an individual to avoid having his license suspended. It is a good idea to seek the advice of a traffic ticket lawyer or a DUI-DWI lawyer, based on the reason for the suspension.

Depending on your offense, you may be able to request a Vermont DMV administrative hearing to contest your suspended license.

NOTE: Vermont DMV administrative hearings have no effect on court decisions.

For information about requesting an administrative hearing, contact the Vermont DMV by calling (802) 828-2016.

Depending on the reason for your suspension, you may be eligible for a restricted Vermont driver’s license, which allows you to drive to and from authorized locations.

If your driver license suspension was caused by an alcohol-related offense (DWI/DUI), you may be eligible for an Ignition Interlock Device restricted driver’s license. To apply, you’ll need to:

• Pay the restricted license fee. (See “Fees to Reinstate Your Suspended License” below)
• Serve a minimum period of your suspension.
• Contact the VT DMV at (802) 828-2061.

The Vermont Department of Motor Vehicles will review your driving record and determine your eligibility.

The requirements to reinstate your suspended license will vary depending on your offense. To reinstate your driver’s license, you may need to:

• Submit an SR22/proof of car insurance to the VT DMV, if necessary.
• Retake and pass the driving skills and knowledge tests.
• Satisfy any court requirements, if applicable.
• Pay a reinstatement fee. (See “Fees to Reinstate Your VT Driver’s License” below)

You can pay your reinstatement fees by mail to:

Vermont DMV

Attn: Driver Improvement

120 State St.

Montpelier, VT 05603

• (Include a note that contains your: full name, date of birth, mailing address)

OR Online on the Vermont DMV website. You’ll need to enter your driver license number, suspension notice/ticket number, and date of birth.

After paying reinstatement fees online, the Vermont DMV should contact you within 7 business days.

The fees to reinstate your suspended license will vary depending on your offense. Below are a few general Vermont DMV reinstatement/restricted license fees that may apply to your situation.

Reinstatement Fees:

• Driver license reinstatement: $71.
• Online driver’s license reinstatement: $73.

Restricted Driver’s License:

• Ignition interlock restricted license: $125.
• Enhanced ignition interlock restricted license: $150.

Additional Copies of Notices:

• Suspension and Reinstatement notice: $6.

NOTE: If you were convicted of a crime, you may also face additional court fines and fees.

For fees relating to your specific situation, refer to your suspension notice or contact the Vermont DMV.

Accepted Forms of Payment:

In person: Cash, credit/debit card, check, money order payable to “Department of Motor Vehicles.”

By mail: Check or money order payable to “Department of Motor Vehicles.”

Online: Discover, MasterCard, and VISA credit/debit cards.

(You may be charged an additional convenience fee for certain transactions.)

CDL’s are suspended more easily than standard licenses. This is because commercial drivers are held to very high standards. Your Vermont commercial drivers license (CDL) can be suspended whether you violate traffic laws or commit crimes in Vermont or out of state. The duration and reinstatement requirements of your CDL disqualification will vary depending on your offense and whether or not your non-commercial driving privileges are also suspended. Additionally, your CDL may be disqualified for violations committed in both commercial and non-commercial vehicles. If you were convicted of a crime, you may also face court requirements and fines. Depending on your offense, you may face both state and federal suspensions and charges. Disqualifying violations include:

• Speeding and reckless driving.
• Following too closely and erratic lane changes.
• Violating out-of-service orders.
• Driving without the proper CDL endorsements.
• Driving without a CDL in your possession.

You will receive a 1-year suspension for a 1st violation of a major offense, such as:

• DUI/DWI (BAC of 0.04% or higher) or drug-related offenses.
• Refusing to submit to a BAC test.
• Hit and runs and leaving the scene of a truck accident.
• Using your commercial vehicle in a felony.

• 3 years for a 1st violation of a major offense, if you were transporting hazardous materials.
• A lifetime for a 2nd violation of a major offense.
• 60 to 120 days for multiple serious traffic violations within 3 years.
• 60 to 120 days for railroad highway grade crossing violations.

For a complete list of penalties and CDL suspensions, visit the Federal Motor Carrier Safety Administration website.

By law, you must notify your employer within 30 days of any conviction for a traffic offense or by the end of the next business day after you receive your disqualification notice, if your CDL is suspended, disqualified, revoked, or cancelled. When your CDL is suspended/disqualified, the VT DMV will mail you a notice of suspension/disqualification. For information about your specific situation, refer to your notice or contact the Vermont DMV by e-mail: [email protected] or by phone: (802) 828-2050.

Convictions, license suspensions, and revocations will show up on your 3-year and 5-year driving records. You may be able to dismiss traffic tickets and remove points from your driving record by completing an online defensive driving course. Because your driving record can affect your auto insurance rates and even your employment, it’s crucial that you make sure your information is accurate.

Depending on the circumstances of your CDL disqualification/suspension, you may be able to request a Vermont DMV administrative hearing. DMV administrative hearings have no effect on court decisions. If you want to appeal a court disqualification/suspension, you must contact the court. For information about requesting an administrative hearing, contact the Vermont DMV by calling (802) 828-2016.

Your CDL reinstatement requirements will vary depending on the reason for your disqualification and whether or not your non-commercial driving privileges have also been suspended. To reinstate your Vermont commercial driver’s license, you may need to:

• Retake and pass the commercial driving skills and knowledge tests.
• Satisfy any court requirements, if applicable.
• Pay a reinstatement fee. (See “Fees to Reinstate Your CDL in Vermont” below.)

You can pay your reinstatement fees:

• By mail to: Vermont Department of Motor Vehicles, 
Attn: Driver Improvement, 
120 State St, 
Montpelier, VT 05603

(Provide a note that includes your full name, birth date, and mailing address.)

• Online on the Vermont DMV website. You will need to enter your CDL number, suspension notice/ticket number and birth date.

After paying reinstatement fees online, the Vermont DMV should contact you within 7 business days.

Your Vermont CDL reinstatement fees may vary depending on your offense. Below are general Vermont DMV fees that may apply:

Test Fees:

• Test scheduling deposit: $20.
• Initial knowledge test: $35.
• Subsequent knowledge tests: $30.

Reinstatement Fees:

• Driver license reinstatement: $71.
• Online driver’s license reinstatement: $73.

Additional Copies of Notices:

• Suspension notice: $6.
• Reinstatement notice: $6.

NOTE: If you were convicted of a crime, you may need to pay additional court fees and fines. For specific fees to reinstate your Vermont CDL refer to your disqualification notice or contact the Vermont DMV.

Acceptable Forms of Payment:

• In person: cash, check or money order made payable to “Department of Motor Vehicles”, credit/debit card.
• By mail: Check or money order made payable to “Department of Motor Vehicles.”
• Online: Discover, MasterCard, and VISA credit/debit card.

NOTE: Some transactions may incur an additional convenience fee.