Prior to 2010 Vermont had zero laws that would allow a person convicted of DUI to get their license back earlier then the the 90 or 180 day suspension period for a DUI-first offense. In a rural place like Vermont this law had drastic effects on those who needed to drive from their small town to a bigger one for work.
With average commutes for many Vermonters an hour or longer, a DUI conviction not only meant a permanent blemish on one’s record, thousands of dollars in fines and potential jail time, but also posed a substantial risk for one’s employment.
The Vermont legislation finally took a step in the right direction with the implementation of the DUI Interlock program (IID for short). Now, those who are facing a DUI conviction may be eligible to pay for the installation of the device to cut their license suspension by up to 75%.
1) DUI First Offense Convictions: Can apply for IID after 30 days of suspension;
2) DUI Second Offense Convictions: Can apply for IID after 90 days of suspension;
3) DUI Third Offense Convictions (Felony): Can apply for IID after 1 year of suspension.
The IID is a great first step for those trying to put their life back in order after a DUI conviction in Vermont. Although navigating the IID process can pose significant issues, the implementation of this law has given those facing such a conviction an ability to navigate their way though the shorter license suspension period so they can move on with as little collateral damage as possible.