| The State of Vermont has been clamping down on | | | | substance, or a combination of substances. If you've |
| drunk driving offenders, and the statistics are proving | | | | been convicted of your first Vermont DWI, you'll face |
| the results. There has been a 54% decline in | | | | up to two years in jail, DUI fines of up to $750, and |
| alcohol-related driving accidents since 1998, which is the | | | | surcharges of a minimum of $160. Your license will be |
| highest improvement of any State. Vermont wants to | | | | suspended for 90 days, and its reinstatement is |
| ensure that this trend continues, so the State legislature | | | | dependent upon completion of DUI classes; e.g., an |
| is discussing whether to strengthen its DUI laws by | | | | alcohol and driving education program, treatment |
| lowering the blood alcohol concentration (BAC) level, | | | | assessment, and a therapy program. |
| the point at which a person is deemed to be | | | | A second DUI conviction will bring a jail term of up to |
| intoxicated, from .08 to .05. This means that almost | | | | two years, a fine of $1,500, and surcharges of a |
| anyone who has had two or more drinks and chooses | | | | minimum of $160. Your license will be suspended for 18 |
| to drive could potentially be found guilty of a Vermont | | | | months, and reinstatement is dependent upon the |
| DUI. | | | | completion of an alcohol and driving rehabilitation |
| Vermont is one of only three States that does not | | | | program. You will be required to serve for a minimum |
| already have an ignition interlock device (IID) law. An IID | | | | of 200 hours in the community, or spend a minimum of |
| is similar to a breathalyzer, in that a driver blows into it; | | | | 60 consecutive hours in prison. |
| the vehicle will not operate if the driver has consumed | | | | A third Vermont DUI / DWI offense will put you in jail |
| alcohol over a pre-set level. The Vermont House is | | | | for a maximum of five years, impose fines of a |
| working on Bill 363, which will allow a court to order the | | | | maximum of $2,500, and surcharges of a minimum of |
| installation of an IID upon the second or any | | | | $160. Your driver's license will be suspended for your |
| subsequent offense of operating while intoxicated. An | | | | lifetime; however, your license may be restored after a |
| IID will also be required for anyone who has a BAC | | | | period of three years of total abstinence from drugs |
| of.15 or higher. | | | | and alcohol, along with a $500 application fee. You |
| Driving under the influence (DUI) in Vermont is referred | | | | may be required to forfeit your vehicle. You must |
| to as driving while intoxicated (DWI). The intoxicant | | | | serve 400 hours in the community, or a minimum of |
| doesn't have to be alcohol - it can be any controlled | | | | 1,000 consecutive hour in prison. |