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Vermont DUI Laws

Vermont DUI Defense

What you're facing, what the deadlines are, and the questions your attorney needs to answer — specific to Vermont (VT) law.

BAC Limit

0.08

Enhanced BAC

0.16

Higher penalties above this

Lookback Period

Lifetime

Prior offenses count within

7 days-Day DMV Hearing Deadline

In Vermont, you have 7 days days from your arrest to request an administrative DMV hearing. Miss this deadline and your license suspension goes into effect automatically — even if the criminal case is later dismissed.

First Offense Penalties in Vermont

Jail TimeUp to 2 years
FinesUp to $750
License Suspension90 days
Ignition InterlockRequired for BAC 0.16+ or refusal

Implied Consent & Test Refusal

Like all 50 states, Vermont has an implied consent law — by driving on Vermont roads, you've already agreed to submit to a chemical test (breath, blood, or urine) if an officer has probable cause to believe you're impaired.

Refusal Penalty

6-month license suspension

Vermont-Specific Detail

Vermont has a relatively short license suspension (90 days) but a lifetime lookback — every prior DUI counts. The state's maximum jail sentence of 2 years is among the highest for a first offense.

Is your Vermont DUI defense on track?

The Defense Milestone Score checks 10 critical defense behaviors specific to DUI cases. Takes 2 minutes. Instant results.

Take the Free Defense Score

DUI Defense Playbook$97

26 questions your DUI attorney hopes you never ask, a case stage roadmap, red flag checklist, and a case progress scorecard. Instant PDF download — calibrated for Vermont DUI defendants.

Important: This page provides general legal information about Vermont DUI laws as of the date of publication. Laws change frequently. This is not legal advice. Consult a Vermont-licensed attorney for guidance specific to your case.