The Vermont Point System Explained: How to Keep Your Driving Record Clean
When you receive your Vermont driver's license, you also become subject to the state's driver's license point system. This system is managed by the Vermont Department of Motor Vehicles (DMV) to track traffic convictions and identify drivers who may pose a risk on the road.
Understanding how points are assigned for different violations and the serious consequences of accumulating too many is crucial for every driver. It's the key to keeping your driving privilege, avoiding costly fines, and preventing sharp increases in your insurance rates.
How the Vermont Point System Works
When you are convicted of a moving violation in Vermont, the DMV adds a specific number of demerit points to your driving record. The more serious the traffic offense, the more points you will receive. These points serve as an official tally of your driving infractions. If you accumulate too many points within a specific timeframe, your license will be suspended.
Points for Common Traffic Violations
Points for violations in Vermont typically range from 2 to 10. Here is a breakdown of some of the most common offenses and their corresponding point values:
10-Point Violations (Most Severe)
- Grossly Careless or Negligent Driving
- Leaving the scene of an accident
- Driving with a suspended license
- Attempting to elude a police officer
8-Point Violations
- Speeding more than 30 mph over the posted limit
6-Point Violations
- Careless and Negligent Driving
5-Point Violations
- Speeding 11-20 mph over the posted limit
- Failure to yield to an emergency vehicle
3-Point Violations
- Speeding 1-10 mph over the posted limit
- Disobeying a stop sign or traffic light
- Failure to yield right-of-way
2-Point Violations
- Improper turn
- Failure to signal
- Following too closely
- Driving too slowly
The Consequences of Accumulating Points
The DMV takes action once your point total reaches a critical threshold.
The 10-Point Suspension
The most important number to remember is 10.
- If you accumulate 10 or more points within a two-year period, your driver's license will be suspended.
Length of Suspension
The length of the suspension depends on your point total and prior history:
- 10 - 14 points: 10-day suspension
- 15 - 19 points: 15-day suspension
- 20 or more points: 20-day suspension
These periods may be longer for subsequent suspensions. After serving the suspension, you will be required to pay a reinstatement fee and provide proof of financial responsibility (SR-22 insurance) to get your license back.
Special Rules for Junior Drivers
The system is much stricter for new, young drivers with a Junior Driver's License.
- Doubled Points: For some violations, the points assessed against a junior driver may be doubled for the first offense and tripled for a second offense.
- Lower Threshold: A junior driver may face a suspension for accumulating fewer than 10 points.
How Points are Removed from Your Record
- Good Driving: Points for a specific violation are automatically removed from your record two years after the date of the conviction.
- Driver Improvement Course: In some cases, you may be eligible to complete a state-approved "Driver Improvement" or "Defensive Driving" course. Upon successful completion, this may prevent points from being added to your record for a specific violation, or it could remove existing points. This is often at the discretion of a judge or the DMV.
The best way to manage the point system is to avoid getting points in the first place. By driving safely, obeying all traffic laws, and being aware of the consequences, you can protect your driving record and enjoy your driving privilege in the state of Vermont.
