Motor Vehicle Laws and the Point System

The Department of Motor Vehicles (DMV) puts points on your driving record each time you are found guilty of breaking a motor vehicle law (see 23 V.S.A. § 2502). If the violation has resulted in an accident and you are found to be at fault, you may receive additional points. If you accumulate a certain number of points within a specific period, the DMV will suspend your driving privilege. The DMV charges a reinstatement fee after every suspension.

Certain violations and the accumulation of a certain number of points may result in the revocation of a learner's permit or junior operator's license (see 23 V.S.A. § 607a).

Similarly, if you are convicted of a number of serious traffic violations within a specified term, your commercial driver's license may be disqualified or suspended (see 23 V.S.A. § 4116 and § 4116a). Serious traffic violations may include speeding, driving in a careless and negligent or reckless manner, changing lanes improperly, following another vehicle too closely, and violating traffic control laws in connection with an accident resulting in death.

Please contact the DVM for any questions about points on your driver's license. 

Paying Judicial Bureau Fines

If you admit to an alleged violation, then you may waive your right to appear in court and pay the waiver amount. Mark the plea as "admitted" or "no contest" and sign the complaint. Deliver your plea and the fine to the Vermont Judicial Bureau by mail, in person, or online within 20 days to avoid extra fees.