Vermont Traffic Violation Records

Traffic violation records in Vermont are maintained by the state Department of Motor Vehicles. These records detail drivers' interactions with traffic regulations, administration, and enforcement in the state. In addition, some traffic records are also maintained by the courts, as some traffic infractions are resolved in the state courts.

Documentation of speeding violations in Vermont constitutes a significant part of the traffic violation records maintained by the DMV in Vermont. Nearly 10% of drivers in the state have a prior speeding violation on their record. In order to ensure safety on its roads, the Vermont DMV adds demerit points to driver's licenses for traffic violations. Points vary on the severity of the offense, and if a driver accumulates 10 points within two years, they face a license suspension.

Are Traffic Violations Records Public in Vermont?

Under the Vermont Public Records Act, many traffic records are considered public and can be accessed by individuals, employers, insurance companies, and government agencies. However, the federal Driver's Privacy Protection Act (DPPA) limits the disclosure of personal information, such as names, addresses, and Social Security numbers, to protect individual privacy.

Also, records of civil and criminal traffic offenses such as speeding, DUI, vehicular homicide, and reckless driving handled by the Vermont Judicial Bureau and the criminal division of the Vermont Superior Court are public.

How To Look Up Traffic Tickets in Vermont?

You may look up traffic ticket information via the Vermont Judiciary Portal. To start, select the "smart search" option. Next, click the "Advanced Filtering Options" and select "citation number" under the "Filter by Search Type." Enter the citation and click on "search" to access information about the ticket. Alternatively, you may use a reliable third-party website such as PublicRecords.us to obtain Vermont traffic ticket information. Note that since traffic records are generally public data, third-party websites are able to collate the information for search via their databases.

Where Do I Pay Traffic Violations?

You may pay traffic violation fines to the Vermont Judicial Bureau online via the Vermont Court payment portal using a credit card. Note that there is an additional 2.39% convenience fee to pay using a credit card. You will need your citation number, name, or driver's license number to complete the payment. The portal allows users to use the "Prepay Fees Online" option that permits them to pay fines even though the traffic citation has not yet been entered into the system.

Other methods you may use include:

Mail: Send a check or money order made payable to "Vermont Judicial Bureau" to:

Include your citation number on the check or money order.

In-Person: You may pay in person at:

How Much Does It Cost To Request Your Driving Records Online?

The Vermont DMV does not currently allow requesters for driving records to submit online applications. To obtain a Vermont driving record, you must submit a completed VG-116 Record Request form to the Vermont DMV office in Montpelier by mail or in person. Note that if you submit this application in person at the Montpelier office, you must schedule an appointment.

The Vermont DMV issues a 3-year driving history for $17, while a complete driving record costs $24. The 3-year driving record contains information such as license status, traffic violations, accidents, point accumulations, and license suspensions and revocations from the past three years, while a complete driving record contains the entire driving history on file with the Vermont DMV.

What Are Moving and Non-Moving Violations in Vermont?

A traffic offense in Vermont may be categorized as a moving or non-moving violation. Moving violations occur when a driver operates a vehicle that is in motion in a way that breaks Vermont traffic laws. Examples include:

• Speeding
• Reckless driving
• Driving under the influence
• Failure to yield
• Running a red light or stop sign
• Improper lane changes

Non-moving violations do not involve the vehicle being in motion but instead are offenses related to compliance with state driving or traffic regulations, per vehicle condition, parking, or documentation. Examples include:

• Expired vehicle registration
• Parking in a restricted zone
• Broken or missing headlights or taillights
• Failure to display a license plate properly
• Obstructed windshield
• Illegal window tinting

Penalties for moving violations may include fines, demerit points added to a driver's record, license suspension, and mandatory driving courses. More serious violations, such as DUI or reckless driving, may lead to criminal charges, higher fines, and possible jail time. On the other hand, non-moving violations generally carry less serious penalties, such as fines or corrective actions, like renewing an expired registration or fixing faulty equipment. In some cases, repeated offenses may result in increased fines or towing of the vehicle.

How Long Does a DUI Stay on Your Record in Vermont?

A DUI conviction in Vermont may remain on your driving record for life. While the state ranks 42nd in the worst states for drunk driving, it records about 460.5 DUI arrests, with about 3.36 drunk drivers involved in fatal crashes per 100,000 drivers. Approximately 30% of traffic deaths in the state are caused by drunk drivers.

The state mandates the following penalties for DUI convictions:

• First Offense
• Criminal Classification: Misdemeanor
• License Suspension: 90 days
• Fines: Up to $750
• Jail Time: Up to 2 years (though jail time is uncommon for first-time offenders)
• Additional Consequences:
• Mandatory participation in an alcohol and driving education program
• Potential requirement to install an ignition interlock device
• Average total costs (including fines, court fees, and attorney fees) can be around $6,500
• Second Offense
• Criminal Classification: Misdemeanor
• License Suspension: 18 months
• Fines: Up to $1,500
• Jail Time: Mandatory minimum of 60 consecutive hours or 200 hours of community service; up to 2 years
• Additional Consequences:
• Mandatory installation of an ignition interlock device
• Participation in alcohol treatment programs
• Third Offense
• Criminal Classification: Felony
• License Revocation: Indefinite
• Fines: Up to $2,500
• Jail Time: Mandatory minimum of 96 consecutive hours; up to 5 years
• Additional Consequences:
• Vehicle immobilization for 18 months or until license reinstatement
• Fourth and Subsequent Offenses
• Criminal Classification: Felony
• License Revocation: Indefinite
• Fines: Up to $5,000
• Jail Time: Mandatory minimum of 192 consecutive hours; up to 10 years
• Additional Consequences:
• Potential vehicle forfeiture
• Aggravated DUI (such as DUI resulting in injury or death)
• Criminal Classification: Felony
• Fines: $5,000 to $10,000
• Jail Time: Up to 15 years

What Are the Penalties for Breaking the Speed Limit in Vermont?

Vermont speed restriction laws are outlined under 23 V.S.A. § 1081. Violating posted or absolute speed limits in the state attracts stringent penalties. While speed limits in school zones, urban areas, and residential areas are typically lower, Vermont law states that no individual may drive a vehicle on a highway at a speed in excess of 50 mph except in limited circumstances.

Per the Vermont Judicial Bureau's Speeding Penalty Chart, the following are the fines schedule for speeding violations:

• 1 mph over the limit: $53 fine
• 5 mph over: $76 fine
• 10 mph over: $117 fine
• 20 mph over: $188 fine
• 30 mph over: $259 fine
• 40 mph over: $330 fine
• 50 mph over: $401 fine

Note that fines are higher in locations designated as work zones. Also, besides fines, speeding violations may result in the accumulation of points, which in turn lead to increased insurance premiums and potential license suspension. The points added to the records of drivers vary between two and eight, depending on how much over the limit the driver travels. Accumulating 10 or more points within two years can lead to license suspension.

Following 23 V.S.A. § 1097, a driver caught traveling at 60 miles per hour or more and exceeding the posted speed limit by at least 30 miles per hour may face up to three months in jail, a fine of up to $300, or both for a first offense. For a second offense, the penalties may include up to six months in jail, a fine of up to $500, or both.

How Long Does a Speeding Ticket Stay on Your Record in Vermont?

In Vermont, a speeding ticket generally remains on your driving record for two years from the date of conviction.

How To Appeal A Traffic Ticket?

Some strategies you may use to defend yourself in court against a Vermont traffic citation include the following:

• Challenge the Officer's Observations: Since many traffic violations rely on an officer's subjective judgment, you may prove that the officer misinterpreted the situation, such as mistaking your speed or failing to see an obstruction. The courts may accept these grounds when you contest the ticket in court.
• Question the Accuracy of Speed Detection Devices: If your ticket was issued based on radar or laser speed detection, you may request records on the device's calibration and maintenance. If the device was not properly maintained or calibrated, you may also question its accuracy.
• Argue Necessity or Emergency Situations: If you were speeding or violating a traffic law due to an emergency, such as avoiding an accident or responding to a medical crisis, you may be able to argue that your actions were necessary and justified.
• Find Errors in the Ticket: Clerical mistakes on a traffic ticket, such as incorrect vehicle details, location, or time, may also lead to the dismissal of a ticket. Reviewing the ticket for errors and presenting them in court may help your case.
• Present Witness Testimony or Dashcam Footage: If you have a witness who may confirm your version of events or dashcam footage that contradicts the officer's claims, this evidence may be used in fighting the ticket in court.

While minor traffic violations may not require legal representation, you should consider hiring a traffic attorney in conditions such as:

• If your ticket carries heavy fines, license suspension, or potential jail time
• If you are a Commercial Driver License holder, as CDL holders face stricter penalties.
• If you have prior violations. In such a case, an experienced traffic attorney may help negotiate less severe penalties.

How To Resolve an Out-of-State Traffic Ticket?

Most U.S. states, including Vermont, are members of the Driver License Compact (DLC) and the Non-Resident Violator Compact (NVC). These two compacts are agreements between participating states to ensure that traffic violations committed outside the violators' home states are reported and enforced.

Under the DLC, if you receive a ticket in another member state, that state will report the violation to your home state's Department of Motor Vehicles (DMV). Your home state may then apply penalties such as points or suspensions as though the offense occurred locally. On the other hand, the NVC focuses more on compliance. If you fail to respond to an out-of-state ticket, such as not paying a fine or missing a court date, the state that issued the ticket may notify your home state. Your home state may then suspend your license until the matter is resolved.

To resolve an out-of-state ticket, consider taking the following steps:

• Review the Ticket: Read the ticket to understand the deadline for responding, available options (such as pleading guilty, not guilty, or no contest), and the payment or appeal procedures.
• Check for Online Payment Options: Many states offer online payment for minor traffic offenses. Visit the website of the traffic or court office in the state and county where the ticket was issued to see if this option is available.
• Contest the Ticket if Necessary: If you believe the ticket was issued in error, you may request a court hearing or submit a written defense. You may provide witness reports or dashcam footage to back up your claims.
• Consider Hiring a Local Attorney: For serious offenses like DUI or if you are unable to appear in court, hiring a lawyer in the state where the ticket was issued may help. The attorney may help reduce or dismiss the charge.
• Follow Up With Your DMV: After resolving the ticket, contact your home state's DMV to ensure your driving record is updated correctly.

How Do Vermont Traffic Laws Differ From Other States?

Despite Vermont sharing traffic laws with most states in the United States, the state still has a few unique traffic laws, such as:

• Under 23 V.S.A. § 1110, Vermont prohibits idling a vehicle for more than five minutes in most situations to reduce pollution. Exceptions apply in extreme weather.
• Vermont allows right turns on red lights after a complete stop, unless a sign prohibits it. However, turning right on a red arrow is prohibited unless a sign explicitly permits it.
• Unlike many states, Vermont law permits passing on a double yellow line when it is safe to do so, provided there is no oncoming traffic and the maneuver can be completed safely.
• Vermont law requires drivers to provide at least four feet of clearance when passing cyclists, pedestrians, and other vulnerable roadway users. Additionally, drivers entering a highway from a private road must yield to these users and proceed only when it is safe to do so.