Vermont’s Traffic Violation Point System

Like most states, Vermont has a point system to identify drivers who get lots of tickets. This article explains how Vermont's point system works and the consequences you'll face for racking up too many points.

How Does Vermont's Traffic Violation Point System Work?

The Department of Motor Vehicles assigns points for traffic tickets and at-fault accidents. The number of points generally depends on the seriousness of the offense (see chart below).

Drivers who accumulate too many points will face license suspension. However, points don't stay on your record forever, and you can sometimes avoid points for a traffic violation.

License Suspension for Getting Too Many Points in Vermont

Any driver who obtains ten points in a two-year period will receive a notice of suspension. The suspension period depends on the number of points the driver currently has.

• Ten points will result in a ten-day suspension
• 15 points will result in a 30-day suspension, and
• 20 points will result in a 90-day suspension.

For every five points above 20, the suspension period will increase by 30 days. For example, a driver will receive a 120-day suspension for 25 points and a 150-day suspension for 30 points.

Vermont does not issue hardship licenses for point suspensions.

How Long Do Traffic Ticket Points Stay on Your Vermont Driving Record?

Points expire after two years. Also, the judge can waive the issuance of points under certain circumstances. Drivers are eligible for point forgiveness if:

• they have no tickets in the last five years
• they have no more than three points in the last ten years
• they do not hold a commercial driver’s license
• the current violation is no more than three points, and
• the violation did not involve bodily injury.

Vermont has Stricter Point Standards for "Junior License" Holders

Youth drivers holding a junior license are subject to stricter point limitations. Any 3-point speeding violation will result in an immediate 90-day license suspension. Accumulation of six points will also result in a 90-day suspension. The youth may also have to retake the written portion of the driving examination.

Point Values for Traffic Tickets in Vermont

The Vermont Department of Motor Vehicles receives notice of and records all traffic violation convictions that occur in the state. The following list indicates the number of points for various violations.

Also, two points will be added if the violation resulted in an at-fault accident or collision.