Vermont suspends licenses through the Department of Motor Vehicles, usually for unpaid traffic fines, DUI convictions, or accumulating too many points
A suspended license in Vermont means you cannot legally drive until the suspension is lifted. The Vermont Department of Motor Vehicles (DMV) issues the suspension order, and the reason determines how long it lasts and what you must do to restore driving privileges. Common causes include unpaid traffic citations, DUI or DWI convictions, accumulating 12 or more points within a 12-month period, or failure to pay child support or court-ordered fines.
The suspension takes effect on a date specified in the notice you receive by mail. Driving during a suspension is a separate criminal offense in Vermont, distinct from whatever caused the suspension in the first place. You will receive written notice before the suspension begins, though the notice may arrive weeks after the violation or conviction that triggered it.
Key Takeaways
- Vermont suspends licenses for unpaid fines, DUI convictions, point accumulation, and failure to pay court-ordered obligations, with suspension lengths varying by cause.
- You receive written notice by mail before the suspension takes effect, and the notice specifies the reason and the date the suspension begins.
- Driving with a suspended license is a separate criminal charge that can result in fines, jail time, and a longer suspension period.
- The path to restoring your license depends on the reason for suspension — paying fines, completing DUI programs, or waiting out a point-based suspension.
- You can request a hearing with the DMV to challenge the suspension if you believe it was issued in error or if circumstances have changed.
Why Vermont suspended your license and what each reason means
Vermont suspends licenses for five main categories of violations. Point accumulation is the most common: if you receive 12 or more points within 12 months, your license is automatically suspended for three months. Points are assigned based on traffic violations — speeding, reckless driving, and at-fault accidents each carry different point values. A second point suspension within three years results in a six-month suspension; a third results in one year.
DUI or DWI convictions trigger mandatory suspensions that begin on the date of conviction. A first offense results in a 90-day suspension; a second offense within ten years results in a two-year suspension; a third results in a three-year suspension. These suspensions cannot be shortened, though you may become may be able to access for a hardship license after a waiting period.
Unpaid traffic fines lead to suspension when you fail to pay or fail to appear in court. The DMV suspends your license until the fine is paid and the court is notified. Failure to pay child support or court-ordered fines for other reasons — such as restitution or criminal fines — also triggers suspension. The Vermont Court System or the Department for Children and Families notifies the DMV, which then suspends your license.
Administrative suspensions can result from refusing a breath or blood test during a DUI stop, or from being found to have a blood alcohol content above the legal limit. These suspensions begin when ready and last 90 days for a first refusal, or one year for a second refusal within ten years.
How to read your suspension notice and what it tells you
The notice you receive from the Vermont DMV will state the reason for suspension, the effective date (when the suspension begins), and the length of the suspension. It will also list what you must do to restore your license. Keep this notice — you will need it to prove the suspension is over, and you may need it if you request a hearing.
The notice will specify whether the suspension is indefinite (meaning it continues until you take action) or for a fixed period (such as 90 days). If the suspension is indefinite, the notice will explain what steps you must complete. For example, if the suspension resulted from unpaid fines, the notice will state the amount owed and where to pay it. If it resulted from a DUI conviction, the notice will explain the mandatory waiting period and may reference programs you must complete.
If you do not receive a notice, contact the Vermont DMV directly at their office in Montpelier or through their website. You can also call the DMV's customer service line to confirm whether your license is suspended and to learn the reason. Do not assume the suspension will go away on its own — you must take action to restore your license.
Steps to restore your license after a point-based suspension
If your license was suspended because you accumulated 12 or more points, the suspension lasts three months from the date it took effect. You do not need to pay a fee or complete a program to restore your license after a point suspension — it is restored automatically when the suspension period ends. However, you must not drive during the suspension period.
Before the suspension ends, check your driving record through the Vermont DMV website or by visiting an office in person. Your record will show the suspension date and the date it expires. On the day after the suspension expires, your license is restored and you can legally drive again. If you are unsure of the exact date, contact the DMV to confirm.
If you receive a second point suspension within three years, the suspension lasts six months. A third suspension within three years lasts one year. Each new suspension resets the clock — the suspension period is measured from the date the new suspension takes effect, not from when the previous one ended.
Restoring your license after a DUI suspension or paying unpaid fines
If your suspension resulted from a DUI or DWI conviction, you must wait out the mandatory suspension period before your license is restored. A first offense requires a 90-day suspension; you cannot shorten this period or obtain a hardship license during it. After 90 days, your license is restored automatically, but you may be required to pay a reinstatement fee to the DMV — the amount varies and should be stated in your suspension notice.
If your suspension resulted from unpaid fines, you must pay the full amount owed to the court or the agency that issued the citation. Once payment is received and processed, the court notifies the DMV, which then lifts the suspension. This process typically takes one to two weeks after payment is made. You may also need to pay a reinstatement fee to the DMV, which is separate from the original fine.
If you cannot pay the full amount at once, contact the court that issued the citation to ask about a payment plan. Some courts allow you to pay in installments, which may allow the DMV to lift the suspension once you have made the first payment and entered into an agreement for the remainder. Ask specifically whether the court will notify the DMV once a payment plan is in place.
Requesting a hearing to challenge the suspension
You have the right to request a hearing with the Vermont DMV to challenge the suspension. You must request the hearing within 30 days of receiving the suspension notice. The hearing is your opportunity to present evidence that the suspension was issued in error, or to explain circumstances that the DMV should consider.
To request a hearing, contact the Vermont DMV in writing or by phone. Include your name, license number, the date of the suspension notice, and the reason you believe the suspension should not stand. For example, if you were suspended for points but believe one of the violations was incorrectly recorded, explain that in your request. If you were suspended for unpaid fines but have since paid them, include proof of payment.
The DMV will schedule a hearing date and notify you by mail. At the hearing, you can present documents, testimony, or other evidence. The hearing officer will decide whether to uphold the suspension, modify it, or lift it. The decision is final unless you pursue further legal action through Vermont's court system, which is rare and requires an attorney.
What happens if you drive with a suspended license
Driving with a suspended license in Vermont is a criminal offense. A first offense is a misdemeanor punishable by a fine of up to $500 and up to 30 days in jail. A second offense within five years is also a misdemeanor but carries a fine of up to $1,000 and up to 90 days in jail. A third or subsequent offense within five years is a felony.
In addition to criminal penalties, driving with a suspended license results in an automatic additional suspension. If you are caught driving during a suspension, the DMV will extend your suspension by at least one year. This means the original suspension period is extended, not replaced — you must wait out both the original suspension and the additional suspension before your license can be restored.
If you are stopped by police and your license is suspended, be honest and do not attempt to drive further. Provide your identification and explain that you are aware of the suspension. If you are arrested, you will be taken to a police station or jail for booking. Contact an attorney as soon as possible, as the criminal charges can result in a permanent record that affects employment and housing.
Hardship licenses and conditional driving privileges
Vermont allows hardship licenses in limited circumstances. A hardship license permits you to drive to work, school, medical appointments, or court-ordered programs during a suspension. You are not may be able to access for a hardship license during the first 90 days of a DUI suspension, but you may become may be able to access after that waiting period if you can demonstrate that the suspension causes undue hardship.
To request a hardship license, contact the Vermont DMV and explain your situation. You will need to provide documentation of your work schedule, school enrollment, or medical necessity. The DMV will review your request and decide whether to grant it. A hardship license is not a full license — it restricts where you can drive and when. Violating the restrictions on a hardship license can result in additional criminal charges.
Hardship licenses are not available for all types of suspensions. If your suspension resulted from unpaid fines or point accumulation, you generally cannot obtain a hardship license. Ask the DMV directly whether you are may be able to access based on the reason for your suspension.
Frequently Asked Questions
How long does a Vermont license suspension last?
The length depends on the reason. Point-based suspensions last three months for a first offense, six months for a second within three years, and one year for a third. DUI suspensions last 90 days for a first offense, two years for a second within ten years, and three years for a third. Suspensions for unpaid fines last until the fine is paid. Contact the DMV if you are unsure of your suspension length.
Can I drive to work during a suspension?
Not without a hardship license. A regular suspension means you cannot drive for any reason. You may request a hardship license from the DMV if you can show that the suspension causes undue hardship, but approval is not may provide. Hardship licenses are not available during the first 90 days of a DUI suspension.
What if I paid the fine but the DMV still shows my license as suspended?
The court must notify the DMV after payment is received. This process takes one to two weeks. If more than two weeks have passed since you paid, contact the court to confirm they sent the notification to the DMV. You can also contact the DMV directly to ask them to check whether the payment has been recorded.
Do I have to pay a fee to restore my license after the suspension ends?
Yes, in most cases. The reinstatement fee varies but is typically $50 to $100. The amount should be stated in your suspension notice. Some suspensions, such as point-based suspensions, may not require a reinstatement fee — check your notice or contact the DMV to confirm.
What if I was suspended by mistake or the violation was dismissed?
Request a hearing with the DMV within 30 days of receiving the suspension notice. Bring documentation showing the violation was dismissed or that the suspension was issued in error. If the hearing officer agrees, the suspension can be lifted when ready. If you miss the 30-day important date, you may still be able to challenge the suspension through Vermont's court system, but this requires an attorney.