Vermont DUI Penalties — Fines, Jail & Probation
Common consequences to discuss with counsel.
First offense §23-1201
A first DUI in Vermont is classified as a civil violation (first offense, no prior within 10 years; no jail for civil DUI).
- Jail: none (civil first offense); 24 hours (criminal if applicable) minimum to 2 years (if charged criminally due to prior record) maximum
- Fine: $750 to $750 (civil); up to $750 (criminal first offense)
- License suspension: 90 days
- Substance abuse program: driver rehabilitation program (DRP) required
- Community service: court may order community service
- Probation: available
Second offense
- Jail: 60 hours minimum to 2 years maximum
- Fine: $750 to $1,500
- License suspension: 18 months
Third and subsequent offenses
- Jail/prison: 96 hours minimum to 5 years maximum
- Fine: $750 to $2,500
- License suspension: indefinite (lifetime revocation possible for 4th+)
- Felony threshold: DUI causing death is a felony (§ 1210); three DUI convictions trigger 5-year felony charge
Penalty comparison by offense tier
| Offense | Jail Range | Fine Range | License Suspension | |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| First DUI | none (civil first offense); 24 hours (criminal if applicable)–2 years (if charged criminally due to prior record) §23-1201 | $750–$750 (civil); up to $750 (criminal first offense) §23-1201 | 90 days §23-1201 | |
| Second DUI | 60 hours–2 years §23-1201 | $750–$1,500 §23-1201 | 18 months §23-1201 | |
| Third DUI | 96 hours–5 years §23-1201 | $750–$2,500 §23-1201 | indefinite (lifetime revocation possible for 4th+) §23-1201 |
Lookback period
Vermont uses a 10 years Lookback period to determine how prior offenses affect sentencing. Only DUI convictions within this window count toward the escalating penalty tiers.
Enhanced penalties for aggravating factors §23-1201(b)
- BAC ≥ 0.16 (enhanced fines and mandatory IID)
- Prior DUI within 10 years
- Passenger under 16 in vehicle
- DUI causing death or serious bodily injury
What these penalties mean in practice
Mandatory minimums cannot be suspended or reduced by the judge — they must be served. Fines do not include surcharges, court costs, and program fees, which can substantially increase the total financial impact. License suspension affects employment, insurance rates, and daily logistics.
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Frequently Asked Questions
General answers to common questions. Specific outcomes depend on your facts and timing.
If you have a deadline, court notice, or upcoming hearing, mention it when requesting assistance so timing can be evaluated promptly.
Related guides
- 1st offense: none (civil first offense); 24 hours (criminal if applicable) to 2 years (if charged criminally due to prior record) jail, $750-$750 (civil); up to $750 (criminal first offense) fine, 90 days suspension
- 2nd offense: 60 hours to 2 years jail, $750-$1,500 fine
- 3rd+ offense: 96 hours to 5 years jail, $750-$2,500 fine
- Lookback period: 10 years