Vermont · DUI · Checked October 2026
DUI License Suspension in Vermont: Hearing Deadline and Hardship License
DUI License Suspension in Vermont: What Are the Rules?
You have 7 days to challenge a license suspension after a DUI arrest in Vermont.
- Deadline to challenge
- 7 days
- How it is counted
- Receipt of the notice of intention to suspend and of suspension (the notice says: within seven days after the date of notice); a mailed notice is deemed received three days after mailing
- Failed test
- 90 days (first); 18 months (second); life (third or subsequent)
- Refused test
- 6 months (first); 18 months (second); life (third or subsequent)
- Hardship license
- Not available for this suspension
How to Request a Hearing in Vermont
Sign the hearing request form attached to the notice and mail or deliver it to the Commissioner of Motor Vehicles at the address shown; the hearing is held in the Criminal Division of the Superior Court
Suspension if You Fail a Test in Vermont
90 days (first); 18 months (second); life (third or subsequent)23 V.S.A. § 1205(a), (c), (d), (e), (f), (m)
Suspension if You Refuse a Test in Vermont
6 months (first); 18 months (second); life (third or subsequent)23 V.S.A. § 1205(a), (c), (d), (e), (f), (m)
Hardship License in Vermont
Vermont doesn't offer a hardship license for this suspension. Vermont law does not provide a hardship or work license. During an alcohol suspension an eligible person may drive only on an ignition interlock restricted driver's license (RDL): $125 application fee, proof of an installed interlock and an SR-22; for a refusal you must first wait 30 days (first), 90 days (second) or 1 year (third or later); 1 year if the offense caused death or serious bodily injury. No commercial vehicles.
More on DUI Law in Vermont
See the full overview of DUI laws in Vermont and read about hardship licenses in every state.
This page summarizes Vermont law from official sources, checked October 2026. It isn't legal advice; a lawyer licensed in Vermont can advise on your case.
Frequently Asked Questions
How Long Do You Have to Request a Hearing in Vermont?
7 days. How it is counted: receipt of the notice of intention to suspend and of suspension (the notice says: within seven days after the date of notice); a mailed notice is deemed received three days after mailing.
How Long Is the License Suspension for Failing a Test?
90 days (first); 18 months (second); life (third or subsequent)
Can You Get a Hardship License in Vermont?
Vermont law does not provide a hardship or work license. During an alcohol suspension an eligible person may drive only on an ignition interlock restricted driver's license (RDL): $125 application fee, proof of an installed interlock and an SR-22; for a refusal you must first wait 30 days (first), 90 days (second) or 1 year (third or later); 1 year if the offense caused death or serious bodily injury. No commercial vehicles.