State Laws

Your teen will soon be a new driver. You’ve been there every step of the way so far, and your state and local governments have, too.

Licensing Authority

The Vermont Department of Motor Vehicles is in charge of licensing for all drivers. The VT DMV conducts the written exam and road test needed to get a lerner's permit, junior operator's license and full license. It also provides study materials to help your teen get ready for the exams.

Policing

State and local police enforce traffic laws and investigate crashes. Remind your teen that police can and will enforce all requirements on safety belt use, drinking and driving and other laws. Breaking the law can lead to fines, license suspension and other penalties. Talk to your teen about these and other consequences, and explain what to do if stopped by police.

• If stopped by the police, teens should expect to present a valid license, vehicle registration and proof of insurance.
• If stopped as a driver or passenger, teens should always cooperate and be respectful with law enforcement.
• If in any kind of situation involving law enforcement, teens should talk to their parents about it, because this can create a learning experience.
• A parent or guardian may suspend their child's provisional license by writing to the Commissioner of Department of Motor Vehicles.

Courts

If your teen gets a ticket or is involved in a crash, it could lead to a court appearance. Judges deal seriously and directly with teen traffic violations. They can assess fines and suspend driving privileges for traffic offenses—even for a first offense.

Each of the following violations of GDL will result in a 90-day suspension:

• Illegally driving for employment.
• Accumulating a single 3-point speeding violation.
• Accumulation of 6 points (total).
• Driving without required supervisor.
• Violating the passenger restriction.

Parents or other drivers who permit teens to violate GDL restrictions may themselves be ticketed for allowing "illegal operation."