Vermont ignition interlock & DUI requirements

What Vermont law requires

Vermont's ignition interlock, SR-22, and reinstatement rules are set by the statute and agency rules cited below. The values in the tables on this page are taken from those sources and are not interpretations of how they apply to any particular case.

Primary source: 23 V.S.A. § 1213

Ignition interlock requirement

For a first alcohol-related DUI suspension an ignition interlock is optional: 23 V.S.A. § 1206(c) provides that during the suspension an eligible person "may operate" under an ignition interlock restricted driver's license (RDL), and § 1209a(a)(1)(C) makes IID use a reinstatement condition only "if the individual elects" to drive under an RDL. DMV's Ignition Interlock Program FAQ (VL-086) states that for all first alcohol offenses the RDL is voluntary. An RDL becomes mandatory before reinstatement for second offenses (on or after July 1, 2016) and third or subsequent offenses (§ 1209a(a)(2)-(3)).

Approved interlock providers

Vendors listed here appear on the Vermont licensing agency's approved-device list. Listing order is alphabetical and is not a ranking or endorsement. Installation locations are on each vendor's own locator.

Official approved-vendor list: Vermont agency vendor list

SR-22 requirement

An SR-22 is a certificate an insurer files with the state to confirm that a driver carries the liability coverage the state requires. Some states use an FR-44 or a different form for alcohol-related offenses; where Vermont does, the sources below say so.

SR-22. 23 V.S.A. § 801(a)(1)(B) requires proof of financial responsibility from a person convicted of any violation of § 1201 (DUI) or suspended under § 1205; DMV accepts only an SR-22 certificate filed by the insurance company and states the filing must be maintained for a minimum of three years. § 1213(a)(1)(B) also requires proof of financial responsibility to obtain an ignition interlock RDL.

Program costs

Fees set by the state are cited to the fee schedule. Vendor charges vary by vendor and are shown as published ranges with the month they were checked.

Frequently asked questions

Is an ignition interlock device required after a first DUI conviction in Vermont?

No. Under 23 V.S.A. § 1206, a first conviction carries a 90-day suspension, and an eligible person "may operate" during that suspension under an ignition interlock RDL issued under § 1213. Under § 1209a(a)(1)(C), IID use is a reinstatement condition only if the individual elects an RDL. DMV's Ignition Interlock Program FAQ states the RDL is voluntary for first alcohol offenses.

How long must an ignition interlock RDL be held after a second DUI in Vermont?

Under 23 V.S.A. § 1209a(a)(2)(C), after a second suspension a license is not reinstated until the individual has operated under an ignition interlock RDL or certificate for 18 months (one year for someone subject to the one-year hard suspension in § 1213(a)(1)(C)), plus any extension arising from a § 1213 violation.

What does an ignition interlock RDL cost in Vermont?

Under 23 V.S.A. § 1213(a)(1)(A), the RDL application fee is $125, and § 1213(a)(2) sets the annual renewal fee at $125. The RDL holder pays the device installation, lease, calibration, data-retrieval and removal costs (§ 1213(e)). Under § 1213(l)(1), approved manufacturers must cut installation, lease and de-installation costs by at least 50% for recipients of 3SquaresVT, LIHEAP or Reach Up benefits.

Does Vermont require an SR-22 after a DUI?

Yes. Under 23 V.S.A. § 801(a)(1)(B), proof of financial responsibility is required from a person convicted of a § 1201 violation or suspended under § 1205. Vermont DMV states it accepts only an SR-22 certificate issued by the insurance company and that the filing must be maintained on file for a minimum of three years.

What is the license reinstatement fee after a DUI suspension in Vermont?

Under 23 V.S.A. § 675(a), before a suspension or revocation issued by the Commissioner may be terminated or a license reinstated, a fee of $96.00 must be paid to the Commissioner in addition to any other fee required by statute.

Sources

1. 23 V.S.A. § 1213 – Ignition interlock restricted driver's license or certificate; penalties (Vermont Statutes Online)
2. 23 V.S.A. § 1206 – Suspension of license for DUI; first conviction
3. 23 V.S.A. § 1209a – Conditions of reinstatement
4. 23 V.S.A. § 675 – Fee prior to termination or reinstatement of suspension
5. 23 V.S.A. § 801 – Proof of financial responsibility required
6. Vermont DMV – IID Manufacturers (approved providers and installers)
7. Vermont DMV – Ignition Interlock Device (program page and rules)
8. Vermont DMV – Restricted Driver's Licenses (RDL)
9. Vermont DMV – Ignition Interlock Program FAQ (VL-086, 02/2024)
10. Vermont DMV – Insurance (Financial Responsibility / SR-22 filing)
11. Vermont DMV – Why is Financial Responsibility Insurance required for an alcohol offense?