Vermont · DUI · Checked October 2026
Refusing a Breath or Blood Test in Vermont
Refusing a Breath or Blood Test in Vermont: What Are the Rules?
What happens if you refuse a breath or blood test in Vermont.
- Refusal penalty
- Civil suspension of 6 months for a first refusal, 18 months for a second and life for a third, plus a $50 refusal surcharge before reinstatement; the refusal can be used as evidence. Refusing is a crime if you have a prior DUI conviction, or if you were in a crash causing serious bodily injury or death, and is punished under the DUI penalty section
- License suspension for refusing
- 6 months (first); 18 months (second); life (third or subsequent)
- Deadline to challenge
- 7 days
Refusal Penalties in Vermont
Civil suspension of 6 months for a first refusal, 18 months for a second and life for a third, plus a $50 refusal surcharge before reinstatement; the refusal can be used as evidence. Refusing is a crime if you have a prior DUI conviction, or if you were in a crash causing serious bodily injury or death, and is punished under the DUI penalty section23 V.S.A. §§ 1201(b), (c); 1202(a), (b), (d); 1205(a)(1), (m), (r); 1210
License Suspension for Refusing in Vermont
6 months (first); 18 months (second); life (third or subsequent)23 V.S.A. § 1205(a), (c), (d), (e), (f), (m)
More on DUI Law in Vermont
See the full overview of DUI laws in Vermont and read about implied consent laws 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
What Happens if You Refuse a Breath Test in Vermont?
Civil suspension of 6 months for a first refusal, 18 months for a second and life for a third, plus a $50 refusal surcharge before reinstatement; the refusal can be used as evidence. Refusing is a crime if you have a prior DUI conviction, or if you were in a crash causing serious bodily injury or death, and is punished under the DUI penalty section
How Long Is the Suspension for Refusing?
6 months (first); 18 months (second); life (third or subsequent)