VERMONT.STATERECORDS.ORG IS A PRIVATELY OWNED WEBSITE THAT IS NOT OWNED OR OPERATED BY ANY STATE GOVERNMENT AGENCY.
close banner
Vermont Traffic Violations
state records colored logo
LOGIN
CONTACT

Traffic Violations in Vermont

To regulate road use and motorist behavior within state limits, the state of Vermont established a set of traffic laws that all drivers must abide by. These laws cover everything from the proper way to yield at an intersection to the maximum speed limit one can travel on a given road. Failing to comply with these regulations is considered a Vermont traffic violation.

There are several different traffic violations in Vermont, ranging from minor infractions to more serious offenses. Common traffic offenses include speeding, running a red light or stop sign, failure to yield, DUI/DWI, hit and run, and reckless driving.

Depending on the severity of the violation, the penalties for breaking traffic laws in Vermont can vary. For instance, a first-time offender caught speeding may only be issued a warning or a small fine. However, those apprehended while driving under the influence of alcohol or drugs may face much more severe consequences such as jail time, license suspension, or even vehicle impoundment. However, regardless of the crime, most violations are penalized and recorded on the offender's Vermont traffic records unless restricted by a court order.

Types of Traffic Violations in Vermont

There are various types of traffic violations in Vermont. These offenses can be categorized into three different categories: moving violations, non-moving violations, and parking violations.

Moving violations are offenses that involve the operation of a vehicle. This includes speeding, running a red light, or making an illegal turn. On the other hand, non-moving violations do not involve the operation of a vehicle. They include having an expired registration or license plate or having an obstructed view. Parking violations are offenses related to the improper parking of a vehicle. This can include parking in a handicap spot without a permit or parking in a no-parking zone.

Vermont traffic violations may also be categorized into civil and criminal violations. While civil traffic offenses are considered the less severe of the duo, criminal traffic violations are considered to be more serious offenses. They can result in jail time, loss of driving privileges, and/or large fines.

In Vermont, examples of civil traffic offenses include speeding, running a stop sign, or failure to use turn signals. On the other hand, criminal traffic offenses include DUI, hit and run, vehicular homicide, and leaving the scene of an accident.

Whether a traffic offense is considered a civil violation or a criminal violation depends on the severity of the crime and the circumstances surrounding the offense. For example, speeding may only be a civil violation if it is done in a school zone or construction zone. If a motorist is caught speeding in a school zone or construction zone, they may be subject to more severe penalties, such as a larger fine or points on their driver's license.

The penalties for traffic offenses in Vermont also depend on the severity of the offense and the circumstances surrounding the offense. When deciding whether to charge someone with a civil traffic violation or criminal traffic violation, prosecutors will also consider the severity and the circumstances surrounding the offense. They will also look at the person's Vermont criminal history to see if they have any prior convictions for traffic offenses. If the person has a clean criminal record, they may be more likely to be charged with a civil traffic violation. If the person has a history of traffic offenses, they may be more likely to be charged with a criminal traffic violation.

Vermont Traffic Violation Code

The Vermont traffic violation code was established to codify the state's traffic laws and provide a consistent, statewide enforcement mechanism. The code is divided into two main sections: violations of a motor vehicle law and violations of a non-motor vehicle law. Motor vehicle violations are further subdivided into infractions and misdemeanors. Non-motor vehicle violations are also subdivided into infractions and misdemeanors.

Vermont Felony Traffic Violations

In Vermont, a traffic offense can be classified as a felony if it results in serious bodily injury or death to another person. The penalties for a felony traffic offense can include up to 15 years in prison and a fine of up to $25,000.

If the offense is classified as a misdemeanor, the maximum penalties are less severe but can still result in up to 2 years in prison and a fine of up to $5,000.

Typical traffic offenses classified as felonies include vehicular homicide, DUI, and driving on a suspended or revoked license resulting in death or serious bodily injury.

When determining whether a traffic offense will be classified as a felony or misdemeanor, the court will consider the severity of the offense and the offender's criminal history. If the offender has a prior record of traffic offenses, the offense is more likely to be classified as a felony. Additionally, if the victim suffered severe bodily injury or death due to the traffic offense, it is more likely to be classified as a felony.

Vermont Traffic Misdemeanors

In Vermont, a traffic misdemeanor is a criminal offense punishable by a fine of up to $1,000 and imprisonment for one year. Misdemeanor traffic offenses include, but are not limited to:

  • Driving under the influence of alcohol or drugs
  • Reckless driving
  • Leaving the scene of an accident
  • Failing to yield the right of way
  • Speeding in a school zone
  • Driving without insurance

A traffic misdemeanor can become a felony if it results in death or severe injury. Similarly, felonies can be downgraded to misdemeanors if the defendant pleads guilty or is convicted of a lesser included offense. The penalties for a felony are more severe, with a maximum fine of $10,000 and imprisonment for five years.

The penalties for a traffic misdemeanor also depend on the severity of the offense and the offender's criminal history. For example, a first-time offender convicted of DUI will likely face a fine, license suspension, and mandatory alcohol treatment, while a repeat offender may be sentenced to jail time.

Vermont Traffic Infractions

Vermont traffic infractions are typically minor offenses that result in a fine. Some traffic infractions include speeding, running a stop sign, and failure to yield. The severity of the violation determines the amount of the fine. Infractions are different from felonies and misdemeanors in that they do not result in jail time or a criminal record.

Vermont Traffic Violation Codes and Fines

Vermont traffic violations, their codes in the state's traffic statutes, and their respective fines are as follows:

Driving under the Influence (DUI): Section 23 of Vermont's traffic statutes sets forth the state's DUI laws. A person commits a DUI offense if they operate a vehicle while intoxicated or with a BAC of 0.08% or higher. The fine for a first offense is up to $750. For a second offense, the fine is up to $1,500, and for a third or subsequent offense, the fine is up to $3,000.

Reckless driving: Section 24 of Vermont's traffic statutes sets forth the state's reckless driving laws. A motorist is deemed guilty of reckless driving offense if they operate a vehicle in a manner that endangers the lives or property of others. The fine for this offense is up to $1,000.

Speeding: Section 25 of Vermont's traffic statutes sets forth the state's speeding laws. A motorist commits a speeding offense if they drive faster than the posted speed limit. The Fine for this offense is up to $200.

Driving without a license: Section 26 of Vermont's traffic statutes sets forth the state's laws regarding driving without a license. A person commits this offense if they operate a vehicle without a valid driver's license. The fine for this offense is up to $500.

Driving without insurance: Section 27 of Vermont's traffic statutes sets forth the state's laws regarding driving without insurance. A person commits this offense if they operate a vehicle without insurance. The fine for this offense is up to $500.

Failure to Yield: Section 28 of Vermont's traffic statutes sets forth the state's failure to yield laws. A person commits this offense if they fail to yield the right-of-way to another vehicle or pedestrian. The fine for this offense is up to $200.

Improper passing: Section 29 of Vermont's traffic statutes sets forth the state's improper passing laws. A person commits this offense if they pass another vehicle in an unsafe manner. The fine for this offense is up to $250.

Failure to stop at a stop sign: Section 30 of Vermont's traffic statutes sets forth the state's laws regarding failure to stop at a stop sign. A person commits this offense if they fail to come to a complete stop at a stop sign. The fine for this offense is up to $200.

How to Pay a Traffic Violation Ticket in Vermont

There are a few different ways motorists can pay their traffic tickets in Vermont. They can do so online, by mail, or in person.

If the offender opts to pay their traffic ticket online, they will need to go to the Vermont Judiciary website and enter their ticket number. They will then be able to pay using a credit or debit card.

To pay a traffic ticket via mail, enclose the request with a citation number, the fine amount (in check or money order), and an addressed envelope with a return address. The payment request should be mailed to:

Vermont Traffic Violations Bureau
P.O. Box 1789, Montpelier,
VT 05601-1789

For in-person payments, requestors may visit the court indicated on the citation or the Vermont Traffic Violations Bureau office, which is located at:

100 State Street,
Montpelier, VT 05602

Payments may be made with cash, check, money order, or credit/debit card.

Motorists who do not pay their traffic tickets early enough end up having to appear in court. Additionally, they could have points added to their license, and their license could be suspended.

Traffic Violation Lookup in Vermont

The options for looking up a Vermont traffic violation include online and in-person searches.

Motorists can visit the Vermont Judicial Bureau website to look up a traffic violation online. The motorist will enter their name and case number into the online database. This will bring up the motorist's record, which will list any traffic violations.

To look up a traffic violation in person, the motorist can go to the clerk's court office that handled their case. The clerk will then look up the case and provide copies of any documentation related to the traffic violation. The motorist can also request that the clerk provide a list of all traffic violations on their record.

How to Plead not Guilty to a Traffic Violation in Vermont

A motorist can plead not guilty to a traffic violation in Vermont by requesting a hearing before the court. If the court finds the motorist guilty, the consequences may include:

  • Paying a fine.
  • Adding points to their driver's license.
  • Having their driver's license suspended.

The motorist may also be required to attend traffic school. If the court finds the motorist not guilty, they will not have to pay a fine or have points added to their license.

To plead not guilty to a traffic violation in Vermont, the motorist must first fill out the "Request for Hearing" form. This form is available from the Vermont Judicial Bureau. The motorist must then submit the form to the court within 20 days of receiving the traffic citation. Mail in requests should be addressed to:

Vermont Judicial Bureau
P.O. Box 96
Waterbury, VT 05676-0096

If the motorist does not submit the "Request for Hearing" form within 20 days of receiving the traffic citation, they will be considered guilty of the violation. They will have to pay the associated fine.

A hearing will be scheduled once the court receives the "Request for Hearing" form. The motorist will be notified of the hearing's date, time, and location. At the hearing, the motorist will have the opportunity to present their case and argue why they should not be found guilty of the traffic violation. The court will then make a decision.

What Happens if You Plead No Contest to a Traffic Violation in Vermont?

In Vermont, pleading no contest to a traffic violation is an option for offenders who wish to avoid admitting guilt but still be held accountable for their actions. If an offender pleads no contest, the court will find them guilty, and they will be required to pay any associated fines or penalties. However, a no-contest plea cannot be used to prove guilt in future proceedings. This can be beneficial if the offender is facing more severe charges in other courts, as a no-contest plea in traffic court will not influence the outcome of those cases.

How Long Do Traffic Violations Stay on Your Record in Vermont?

In Vermont, most traffic violations will remain on a motorist's driving record for at least three years. Some serious offenses, such as DUI, can stay on a driver's record for up to 10 years. There are a few ways that motorists can try to get traffic violations removed from their records sooner, but it is often difficult to do so.

One way to get a traffic violation removed from the record sooner is to attend a defensive driving course. If the motorist successfully completes the course, the violation will be removed from their record. However, not all offenses are eligible for this option, and they can only attend a defensive driving course once every three years.

Another way to get a traffic violation removed from a record is to petition the court. However, only selected records are available for certain offenses, such as speeding tickets. The offender will need to show the court that they have corrected the problem that led to the violation and are unlikely to commit the same offense again. The court will then decide whether or not to remove the violation from said record.

Can Traffic Violations Be Expunged or Sealed in Vermont?

In Vermont, traffic violations can be expunged or sealed. A motorist can petition to have a traffic violation expunged in Vermont if:

  • The offense is a non-moving violation, such as parking illegally
  • The offense is a first offense, and the motorist has no other criminal convictions
  • The motorist has completed all the requirements of their sentence, such as paying any fines

To petition for an expungement, the motorist must file a petition with the court where they were convicted. The court will then decide whether to grant the expungement. If the expungement is granted, the conviction records will be sealed, and the motorist will not have to disclose the conviction on applications for employment, housing, or education. Expungement petitions must feature a notice to the prosecutor, who may object to the petition.

To seal a traffic violation record in Vermont, the motorist must file a petition with the court where they were convicted. The court will then decide whether to grant the sealing. If the sealing is granted, the conviction records will be sealed, and the motorist will not have to disclose the conviction on applications for employment, housing, or education. Sealing petitions do not require notice from the prosecutor.

What Happens if You Miss a Court Date for a Traffic Violation in Vermont?

In Vermont a traffic offender is issued a citation for a traffic offense, and the officer will typically set a court date for the offender to appear before a judge. If the offender does not show up to court on the set date, a warrant may be issued for the offender's arrest.

When an offender misses their court date, a failure to appear (FTA) notice is sent to the offender. The FTA notice will list the date of the missed court appearance, as well as the consequences for failing to appear in court.

If an offender does not show up to their rescheduled court date, a warrant may be issued for their arrest. Warrants are typically issued when an offender has failed to appear in court multiple times.

Offenders who have a warrant out for their arrest may be subject to arrest at any time. If an offender is pulled over for a traffic violation, the officer will typically run a background check to reveal any outstanding warrants. The offender will then be arrested and taken into custody.