How a Vermont license suspension works
A suspended Vermont driver's license means the state has temporarily taken away your right to drive. You cannot legally operate a vehicle during the suspension period, and driving anyway can result in criminal charges, fines, and a longer suspension. The suspension is not permanent — it ends on a specific date or when you complete certain requirements — but you must stop driving when ready once notified.
Vermont suspends licenses for many reasons: unpaid traffic tickets or fines, failure to appear in court, accumulating too many traffic violations, driving under the influence (DUI), not maintaining car insurance, or failing to pay child support. The reason matters because it determines how long the suspension lasts and what you must do to get your license back.
The Vermont Department of Motor Vehicles (DMV) sends a notice by mail when your license is suspended. That notice includes the reason, the suspension start date, and the end date or the steps you need to take. Keep this letter — you will need it to prove your suspension status to employers, insurance companies, or law enforcement.
Key Takeaways
- A suspended license means you cannot legally drive in Vermont or any other state until the suspension ends.
- The Vermont DMV sends a written notice by mail that explains why your license was suspended and when it will be restored.
- Suspensions end either on a set date or when you complete specific requirements, such as paying fines or completing a DUI program.
- Driving on a suspended license is a crime and can result in jail time, additional fines, and a longer suspension period.
- You can check your suspension status through the Vermont DMV website or by calling their customer service line.
Common reasons Vermont suspends a license
Traffic violations and unpaid fines are the most frequent cause of suspension. If you receive a ticket and do not pay the fine or fail to appear in court, the DMV will suspend your license. This is called a "failure to pay" or "failure to appear" suspension. The suspension stays in place until you pay the fine, appear in court, or resolve the ticket through other means.
Accumulating too many violations in a short time also triggers suspension. Vermont uses a point system: each traffic violation adds points to your record. If you reach 12 points within a 12-month period, your license is suspended for 30 days. If you reach 18 points within 24 months, the suspension is 90 days. A third violation within 36 months results in a six-month suspension.
DUI convictions carry automatic suspension. A first DUI offense suspends your license for at least 90 days. A second offense within ten years results in a two-year suspension. A third or subsequent offense within ten years means a three-year suspension. Some DUI suspensions can be shortened if you complete a substance abuse program.
Other suspension reasons include driving without insurance, failure to pay child support, medical conditions that make driving unsafe, or failure to respond to a court order. Each reason has its own timeline and restoration requirements.
How to learn about your Vermont license is suspended
The fastest way is to check the Vermont DMV website. Go to dmv.vermont.gov and look for the "Check License Status" or "Driver Record" section. You will need your driver's license number and date of birth. The system will tell you whether your license is suspended, the reason, and the restoration date or requirements.
If you do not have internet access or prefer to speak with someone, call the Vermont DMV at 802-828-2000. Have your license number and date of birth ready. The staff can tell you the suspension reason, the end date, and what you need to do to restore your license. Wait times vary, but calling early in the morning usually means shorter holds.
You can also visit a DMV office in person. Vermont has offices in Montpelier, Rutland, and St. Johnsbury. Bring your driver's license or ID and ask to speak with a representative. They can print your driving record and explain your suspension status on the spot.
Steps to restore your suspended license
The process depends on why your license was suspended. For a failure-to-pay suspension, you must pay the fine in full. You can pay online through the Vermont DMV website, by phone, by mail, or in person at a DMV office. Once payment is received and processed, your license is usually restored within one to three business days.
For a failure-to-appear suspension, you must go to court or contact the court that issued the ticket. The court can dismiss the case, allow you to pay the fine, or reschedule your hearing. Once the court resolves the matter, it notifies the DMV, and your license is restored.
For a DUI suspension, you may be able to shorten the suspension by completing a substance abuse program. Vermont recognizes certain programs, and completion can reduce your suspension time. You must enroll in an approved program, complete it, and provide proof to the DMV. Even after the suspension ends, you may be required to install an ignition interlock device on your vehicle for a set period.
For a point-based suspension, you straightforward wait out the suspension period. The suspension ends automatically on the date listed in your notice. However, if you receive another violation before the suspension ends, the new violation may extend the suspension or result in a longer one.
What you cannot do while your license is suspended
You cannot legally drive any vehicle in Vermont or any other state. A Vermont suspension is recognized nationwide, and driving in another state does not bypass it. If you are pulled over while driving on a suspended license, you face criminal charges, which can include jail time, fines up to $500 or more, and an additional license suspension.
You also cannot renew your license online or by mail while it is suspended. Any attempt to renew will be rejected. You must wait until the suspension ends or the requirements are met before you can renew.
Some employers require employees to have a valid license. If your job involves driving or your employer has a policy requiring a valid license, a suspension may affect your employment. Tell your employer about the suspension and the expected restoration date so they understand the situation.
Options for getting around without a license
Public transportation is available in many Vermont towns and cities. The Vermont Agency of Transportation runs regional bus services, and larger cities like Burlington have local transit systems. Check the AONB (Agency of Transportation) website or call 511 for route and schedule information.
Rideshare services like Uber and Lyft operate in Vermont cities and towns. You can use these services to get to work, appointments, or errands. The cost varies by distance and demand, but it is a legal option while your license is suspended.
Carpooling with friends, family, or coworkers is another option. Make sure the driver has a valid license. Some employers offer carpool programs or can help coordinate rides with other employees.
Biking and walking are free options for short distances. Vermont has bike paths in many communities, and walking is always available. For longer distances or bad weather, combine walking or biking with public transit or rideshare.
Preventing future suspensions
Pay traffic fines on time. If you receive a ticket, pay the fine by the due date or appear in court. If you cannot pay in full, contact the court about a payment plan. Courts often allow you to pay in installments rather than all at once.
Appear in court when required. If your ticket says you must appear, mark the date on your calendar and go. If you cannot attend, contact the court in advance to ask about rescheduling or appearing by phone.
Maintain car insurance. Vermont requires all drivers to carry liability insurance. Keep your policy active and current. If your policy lapses, notify the DMV when ready and provide proof of new coverage.
Drive safely and follow traffic laws. Speeding, reckless driving, and other violations add points to your record. The more violations you accumulate, the closer you get to suspension. Safe driving keeps your record clean and your license active.
Frequently Asked Questions
Can I drive to work if my license is suspended?
No. A suspended license means you cannot legally drive anywhere, including to work. Driving on a suspended license is a crime. If you are caught, you face criminal charges, fines, and jail time. Use public transit, rideshare, carpooling, or ask your employer about flexible work arrangements until your license is restored.
How long does it take to restore my license after I pay a fine?
Once the Vermont DMV receives and processes your payment, your license is usually restored within one to three business days. If you pay in person at a DMV office, the process may be faster. If you pay by mail, allow extra time for the payment to arrive and be processed.
Will my suspension show up on a background check?
A license suspension is part of your driving record, which is separate from a criminal background check. However, if you were charged with a crime for driving on a suspended license, that charge will appear on a criminal background check. Employers who check driving records will see the suspension.
Can I get a hardship license while my license is suspended?
Vermont does not issue hardship or restricted licenses during a suspension. However, if your suspension is due to a medical condition, you may be able to request a review. Contact the Vermont DMV to ask about your specific situation and whether any exceptions explore.
What happens if I move out of Vermont while my license is suspended?
Your Vermont suspension remains in effect even if you move. If you move to another state, you must resolve your Vermont suspension before you can get a license in the new state. Most states check for out-of-state suspensions when you explore for a license.