Vermont Driving Records

Driving records, also known as driving history reports or DMV driving records, are official documents that track a motorist's driving activity over time. They typically assess a person's reliability behind the wheel and are crucial in various official proceedings.

Each state manages driving records under its laws and administrative rules. You must follow the state's procedures to manage and monitor your records. By doing so, you may be able to verify their accuracy, dispute any errors, and avoid adverse complications in critical areas of life like insurance evaluations, employment, and legal cases involving traffic violations.

What Is a Vermont Driving Record?

Vermont driving records are official documents that detail a licensed individual's driving history within the state. The Vermont Department of Motor Vehicles (DMV) maintains and governs these records, along with other associated driving documents.

Note that driving records may be referred to by different names depending on the state or country, such as motor vehicle record (MVR), driving abstract, or driver's license history. Regardless of the varying terminology, these records uniformly provide a detailed overview of an individual's driving behavior.

What Is The Difference Between Official MVRs and Public Driving Records?

Official motor vehicle records (MVRs) and public driving records in Vermont provide information about a driver's history. However, they serve different purposes and contain varying levels of detail:

• Official MVRs
  • Obtained and certified by the Vermont DMV and valid for official and legal purposes.
  • Only accessible to the driver, authorized entities (like employers or insurers), or with the driver's written consent.
  • Includes comprehensive driving behavior details like license status, convictions, and points.
• Public Driving Records
  • May be retrieved through third-party data providers like RecordsFinder.
  • Not certified and are not accepted for legal or formal documentation needs.
  • Accessible to the general public.
  • May contain limited information and might not include sensitive or complete violation data.

Why Would You Need a Driving Record?

Obtaining a Vermont driving record is generally important for various legal, professional, and personal reasons. Below are some common reasons why you may need a copy of your record:

• Personal Review or Dispute of Information: Vermont residents may request their driver record to check for errors or outdated information, especially before renewing their license or applying for new driving privileges.
• Commercial Driver's License (CDL) Compliance: If you hold a CDL, you may need a copy of your driving history reports to comply with state and federal regulations, particularly when applying for jobs or completing required safety audits.
• Insurance Rate Evaluation: Vermont insurance providers may request your driving report to assess your risk level and determine your premium. If you have a bad record, you might face higher premiums or difficulty securing a policy.
• Employment Requirements: Most employers of driving-related jobs typically check applicants' driving records to know if they meet safety standards.
• Court or Legal Proceedings: If you are involved in a traffic-related court case in Vermont, such as a hearing or traffic citation dispute, the court may require your record as part of the legal documentation.

What Information Is Included in a Driver Report?

A Vermont driver report has varying information depending on its source or type. However, it typically contains the following:

• The driver's personal information, such as full name, date of birth, and address
• Driver's license status (valid, suspended, revoked, or expired), license class, issue and expiration dates, and endorsements and restrictions
• Driving history that includes traffic violations, convictions, dates and descriptions of violations, court dispositions, and points assigned
• Reported accidents involving the driver, the date and location of the crash, and whether the driver was at fault
• Administrative actions, such as license suspension, revocation, and reinstatement requirements
• Completion of driving courses or mandated training programs (if applicable)

Types of Driver Records Available in Vermont

The Vermont DMV offers two main types of driver records: the 3-year driver record and the complete driver record.

3-Year driver records include information from the most recent three years of a person's driving history. It may contain details such as traffic violations, license suspensions or revocations, and reportable accidents that occurred within that period. This type of record is commonly used by employers, insurance companies, or individuals who wish to review their recent driving activity.

Meanwhile, complete driver records provide a comprehensive account of a person's driving history on file with the Vermont DMV. They generally include all recorded violations, suspensions, revocations, and reportable accidents, regardless of when they occurred. Complete driver records are often used for official purposes requiring a complete driving history.

Both types of records may be requested in certified form if an official or legally valid version is needed for court proceedings or government documentation.

In addition to these driver records, the Vermont DMV provides access to related documents, such as police crash reports and individual crash reports. These records may be particularly useful for individuals involved in a traffic accident, legal representatives handling a claim, or insurance companies conducting investigations.

Traffic Violations and Tickets in Vermont

Traffic violations in Vermont refer to actions that jeopardize the safety of both drivers and pedestrians on state roadways. More specifically, these offenses breach the traffic laws and regulations included in the Vermont Traffic Codes.

When a violation occurs, law enforcement officers typically issue a ticket to the driver responsible. The consequences of these violations may vary based on the severity of the offense. For instance, individuals may face fines, be required to complete mandatory driving education programs, or, in more serious cases, endure jail time or a suspension of their driving privileges.

Additionally, some violations may necessitate an appearance at a hearing. The Vermont Judicial Bureau oversees and manages cases related to traffic offenses.

Common Types of Traffic Violations

Vermont traffic violations are classified into moving and non-moving violations, each of which may be categorized as a felony, misdemeanor, or traffic infraction.

Felonies are the most serious offenses involving significant or potential harm to others. These carry severe penalties such as at least 5 years imprisonment, hefty fines, and permanent criminal records. Examples include vehicular manslaughter or causing death while driving under the influence (DUI).

Misdemeanors are less severe than felonies but may result in fines, license suspension, and a jail term. Examples of misdemeanors include reckless driving or driving with a suspended license.

Traffic infractions are minor violations that typically do not carry criminal penalties but may result in fines or points on the driver's license. Examples include speeding or failing to yield. Generally, traffic infractions are penalized with fines and do not lead to jail time.

What To Do When You Get a Traffic Ticket

When you receive a traffic ticket in Vermont, you have 21 days to respond. You generally have two response options:

• Pay the Ticket: This option admits the violation or offense. It is considered a guilty plea and closes the case. You may pay for the ticket online, by mail, or in person through the Vermont Judicial Bureau.
• Contest the Ticket: If you believe the ticket was issued in error or have a valid defense, you may plead not guilty. You must mark not guilty on the ticket and send it to the Judicial Bureau to request a hearing.

If you decide to contest the ticket, you may want to consult with a traffic ticket attorney to understand your chances of success and to help present your case effectively.

Note that if you pay the ticket or are found guilty at the trial, the violation may appear on your driving record, which may lead to consequences such as higher insurance premiums or even license suspension if too many points accumulate.

How Does the Vermont Point System Work?

The Vermont point system is used by the DMV to monitor driving behavior and penalize traffic violations in the state. When convicted of a moving violation, points are typically assigned to a driver's record. Accumulating too many points may lead to license suspension.

Each moving violation is assigned a specific number of points. The more serious the offense, the higher the point value. Below are some examples:

• Speeding: 2 points
• Failure to obey traffic signals: 2 points
• Driving without a license: 2 points
• Tailgating: 3 points
• Failure to obey enforcement officers: 4 points
• Reckless driving: 5 points
• Evading a police officer: 10 points

Drivers who accumulate the following points in 2 years will face license suspensions:

• 10 points: 10-day suspension
• 15 points: 30-day suspension
• 20 points: 90-day suspension
• Every additional 5 points: An etra 30-day suspension

How Long Do Violations Stay on Your Driving History?

While points generally expire after two years, the actual violations may stay on your Vermont driving history for a longer period. It is common for violations to stay visible for three to five years, depending on the severity of the offense.

Can You Remove Violations from Your Record?

Non-criminal traffic violations are automatically expunged two years after the conviction. However, for other traffic violations, particularly those classified as misdemeanors like DUI or reckless driving, you may need to petition the court to seal or expunge them.

Eligibility depends on factors such as the nature of the offense and your age at the time of the offense.

If you have a single DUI conviction committed under the age of 25, you may petition to have it sealed. Convictions for negligent operation of a motor vehicle may also be eligible for sealing under certain circumstances.

To initiate this process, you must file a petition with the criminal court in the county where you were charged or convicted. There is generally no filing fee for these petitions, except in specific cases like sealing a DUI conviction.

Note that sealing differs from expungement; sealed records are not publicly accessible but may still be viewed by courts and law enforcement.

How To Check Your Vehicle History

To request your Vermont motor vehicle history or driving record, download and fill out the VT DMV Record Request Form VG-116. This form requires the following information:

• Requester name, address, and contact information
• Information about the record being requested, like driver's name, license number, date of birth, and Social Security Number
• Intended use for the record being requested.
• Requester and record-holder signature

Once completed, the form should be mailed along with the appropriate fee to the Department of Motor Vehicle at:

If you prefer, you may also submit the form in person by scheduling an appointment at the Montpelier DMV office.

Meanwhile, organizations seeking access to multiple records must complete the DPPA User Agreement Form (VG-118). They must also establish a subscriber agreement with NIC Vermont, which enables secure electronic access to DMV records.

How Much Does It Cost to Get a Driving Record in Vermont?

The Vermont DMV generally charges $17 for a certified copy of the 3-year driving record. If you request a certified copy of your complete driving record, the cost is $24. You may pay these fees via check or money order for mail requests and cash if you request in person.

Mail-in requests are typically processed up to two weeks after the DMV receives your form and payment. If you submit the request in person at the Montpelier DMV office, records are usually processed and provided on the same day, depending on office volume and appointment availability.

How To Check Your Driving History for Free?

As mentioned, the Vermont DMV charges fees for obtaining official copies of your driving record. However, alternative ways exist to access portions of your driving history at no cost.

If you have been involved in traffic violations or driving-related court cases, you may view these records online through Vermont's court system. Additionally, local police departments or sheriff's offices may provide information about recent citations or incidents within their jurisdiction.

Your auto insurance provider may also be a useful resource. They often maintain records of accidents, claims, and reported violations, which influence your premium rates and may give you a partial view of your driving history.

What Happens If You Have a Bad Driving Record?

A bad driving record typically includes multiple traffic violations, particularly moving violations such as reckless driving, DUI convictions, speeding tickets, and numerous instances of at-fault accidents. These infractions may have negative consequences, such as fines, points on your driving record, license suspension or revocation, and even potential jail time.

Minor violations, like parking tickets, do not usually appear on your Vermont driving record. Warnings are also not reflected on these documents, as they do not result in a formal citation or conviction.

How Does a Bad Driving Record Affect Insurance and Employment?

A bad driving record may significantly impact your auto insurance in the following ways:

• Increased Premiums: Insurers may substantially raise your rates if you have traffic violations, DUI convictions, or at-fault accidents.
• Policy Denial or Non-Renewal: Some insurance providers may decline to renew your policy or refuse to issue coverage altogether if your record is considered too risky.
• Loss of Discounts: You may lose good driver discounts and become ineligible for bundling or safe driving incentives.
• High-Risk Classification: Drivers with poor records may be placed in a non-standard or high-risk pool, which limits insurer options and increases costs.

A poor driving record may also limit job opportunities, especially in driving roles. Employers may conduct background checks using your driving record. If you have multiple violations, you may be disqualified from the position.

A clean driving record is also often required for roles that involve operating a company vehicle (e.g., delivery driver, CDL operator). Even for jobs that do not involve driving, employers may review your driving history as part of their overall character and liability assessment.

Who Can Access Your Vermont Driving History?

The Federal Driver's Privacy Protection Act (DPPA) and the Vermont Statutes Section 104 govern access to your MVR records. These regulations aim to safeguard your personal information by limiting access to your record to the following entities:

• Government agencies
• Insurance companies
• Employers
• Licensed private investigators
• Researchers and statisticians
• Towing companies
• Entities with written consent

FAQs About Vermont Driving Records

The following common questions may provide further information about Vermont driving records:

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