B26 is Vermont's suspension code for driving with a suspended or revoked license
A B26 suspension on your Vermont driver's license means you have been caught driving while your license was already suspended or revoked. This is not the same as receiving a suspension — it is a separate violation that occurs when you operate a vehicle during a period when you were not legally permitted to drive. Vermont's Department of Motor Vehicles (DMV) issues this code to track the offense and enforce penalties.
The suspension itself may have started for many reasons: unpaid traffic fines, failure to pay child support, medical reasons, DUI convictions, or accumulation of points from traffic violations. Driving during that suspension period creates a second legal problem on top of the original one. Vermont treats this as a criminal offense, not merely a traffic violation.
Understanding what B26 means and what it triggers is the first step toward resolving it. The code appears on your driving record and affects your ability to restore your license, your insurance rates, and your legal standing in the state.
Key Takeaways
- B26 is Vermont's code for driving with a suspended or revoked license, and it is a criminal offense, not a traffic ticket.
- The original suspension may have been issued for unpaid fines, child support arrears, medical reasons, or DUI, and you must resolve that first before the B26 can be cleared.
- A B26 conviction can result in jail time, fines, and a longer suspension period than the original one.
- Your driving record will show the B26 code, which affects insurance rates and your ability to restore your license through Vermont DMV.
- Resolving a B26 requires addressing both the original suspension reason and the criminal charge from driving during suspension.
Why your license was suspended in the first place
Before a B26 violation can occur, your license must already be suspended or revoked. Vermont suspends licenses for specific reasons, and identifying yours is necessary because you cannot restore your license until that reason is resolved. Common suspension triggers include unpaid traffic fines or court costs, failure to pay child support, medical conditions reported to the DMV, conviction of a DUI or related offense, or accumulation of 12 or more points within a 12-month period.
You should have received a notice from Vermont DMV explaining why your license was suspended. This notice typically arrives by mail and includes the reason code, the effective date of suspension, and instructions for what you must do to restore it. If you did not receive a notice or cannot locate it, you can contact the Vermont DMV directly to learn the suspension reason. This information is essential because each reason has a different path to restoration.
Some suspensions are temporary — for example, a suspension for unpaid fines ends once you pay. Others, such as medical suspensions, require a doctor's clearance. DUI-related suspensions often require completion of an alcohol education program or installation of an ignition interlock device. Until you address the underlying reason, your license remains suspended, and driving during that time creates the B26 violation.
How B26 differs from the original suspension
The original suspension is an administrative action by Vermont DMV — it removes your driving privilege because a condition has been met (unpaid fines, points accumulation, medical issue). The B26 violation is a criminal charge that arises when you drive during that suspension. These are two separate legal problems that must be handled separately.
When you are stopped while driving on a suspended license, law enforcement will cite you for violating Vermont's statute against operating a vehicle with a suspended or revoked license. This citation becomes a criminal charge, not a civil traffic violation. You will receive a court date and a case number. A conviction for B26 can result in jail time (up to 6 months for a first offense), fines (up to $500 for a first offense, higher for repeat offenses), and an additional suspension period imposed by the court on top of the original one.
The original suspension and the B26 charge are tracked separately on your driving record. Resolving one does not resolve the other. You must address the reason for the original suspension (pay fines, complete a program, obtain medical clearance) and also resolve the criminal charge through the court system.
What happens when you are charged with B26
If you are stopped while driving on a suspended license, the officer will issue you a citation for violating Vermont's law against operating a vehicle with a suspended or revoked license. This citation will include a court date, usually scheduled 4 to 8 weeks after the stop. You will receive the citation in person at the roadside and may also receive a copy by mail.
You have the right to appear in court on that date. You can represent yourself or hire an attorney. At your first court appearance, you will be informed of the charge, your rights, and the possible penalties. You may be asked to enter a plea (guilty, not guilty, or no contest). If you plead guilty or no contest, the court will impose a sentence. If you plead not guilty, the case will be scheduled for trial.
Many people facing a B26 charge choose to work with an attorney because the charge is criminal and can result in jail time. An attorney can review the circumstances of the stop, advise you on your options, and potentially negotiate with the prosecutor for a reduced charge or sentence. Some courts offer diversion programs or conditional discharge options for first-time offenders, which may allow you to avoid a conviction if you meet certain conditions.
Restoring your license after a B26 suspension
After the criminal charge is resolved and the original suspension reason is addressed, you can begin the process of restoring your license through Vermont DMV. The restoration process depends on what caused the original suspension and whether you have been convicted of the B26 charge.
If the original suspension was for unpaid fines, you must pay those fines in full. If it was for child support arrears, you must contact the Vermont Department for Children and Families to arrange payment or a payment plan. If it was for points accumulation, you must wait out the suspension period (usually 30 days to 1 year depending on the number of points) and then request reinstatement. If it was medical, you must obtain a letter from your doctor stating you are fit to drive and submit it to the DMV.
Once the underlying reason is resolved, you can request reinstatement by contacting Vermont DMV. You may be required to pay a reinstatement fee (typically $100 to $150). If you have been convicted of B26, the court may have imposed an additional suspension period, which must also expire before your license can be fully restored. After all conditions are met, the DMV will reinstate your license, and you will receive a new license card by mail.
How B26 affects your driving record and insurance
A B26 conviction appears on your driving record as a criminal offense, not a traffic violation. This record is visible to insurance companies, employers, and anyone else who requests your driving history. Insurance companies treat criminal driving offenses more seriously than traffic violations, and a B26 conviction typically results in higher premiums or cancellation of your policy.
Some insurance companies will not insure drivers with a recent B26 conviction. If you do find an insurer willing to cover you, expect to pay significantly higher rates — sometimes double or triple the standard premium. This surcharge usually lasts for 3 to 5 years, depending on the insurer's policy. You may also be required to file an SR-22 form with Vermont DMV, which is a certificate of financial responsibility that proves you carry the minimum required insurance.
The B26 conviction also affects your employment prospects. Many employers conduct background checks that include driving records, and a criminal conviction for driving with a suspended license may disqualify you from jobs that require driving or involve public safety. The conviction remains on your record permanently, though its impact on insurance and employment typically diminishes after 5 to 7 years.
Options if you cannot afford to resolve the underlying suspension
If your license was suspended for unpaid fines or court costs and you cannot afford to pay the full amount, Vermont DMV and the courts offer payment plan options. You can contact the court that issued the fine and request a payment arrangement. Many courts will accept monthly payments of $25 to $100, depending on the amount owed and your financial situation. Once you enter into a payment plan, you can request a temporary license restoration while you pay, though this is not may provide.
If your suspension is related to child support arrears, contact the Vermont Department for Children and Families. They can work with you to establish a payment plan based on your income. Some arrangements allow for partial license restoration while you are making payments. If your suspension is medical, work with your doctor to address the underlying condition. If it is DUI-related, contact the Vermont DUI Education Program or a treatment provider to understand what steps are required.
Legal aid organizations in Vermont may also help you navigate the court process for the B26 charge. Vermont Legal Aid provides free or low-cost legal representation to people who cannot afford an attorney. You can contact them to determine whether you may have access to for their services.
Frequently Asked Questions
Can I drive to work if my license is suspended?
No. Driving for any reason — work, medical appointments, errands — while your license is suspended is illegal and creates a B26 violation. Some states offer work-restricted licenses, but Vermont does not. Your only legal option is to use public transportation, carpool, or arrange alternative transportation until your license is restored.
What is the difference between a suspension and a revocation?
A suspension is temporary — your license is removed for a set period or until a condition is met, after which it can be restored. A revocation is permanent — your license is cancelled and you must reapply for a new one, usually after a waiting period. Both carry the same B26 penalty if you drive during either status.
Will a B26 charge show up on a background check for employment?
Yes. A B26 conviction is a criminal offense and will appear on background checks. Employers who conduct driving record checks will see it. Some employers may overlook a single B26 conviction, especially if it was years ago, but others will not hire applicants with criminal driving convictions. This depends on the employer and the job.
Can I get the B26 charge dismissed if I pay the original fine?
Paying the original fine resolves the suspension but does not dismiss the B26 criminal charge. These are separate legal matters. You must address the criminal charge through the court system, either by pleading guilty, negotiating with the prosecutor, or going to trial. An attorney can advise you on whether the prosecutor might agree to reduce or dismiss the charge in exchange for paying the fine and completing other conditions.
How long does a B26 stay on my driving record?
A B26 conviction remains on your driving record permanently in Vermont. However, its impact on insurance rates and employment typically decreases after 5 to 7 years. Some insurance companies will stop charging a surcharge after that period, though the conviction itself does not disappear from the record.