Vermont · Handbook chapter 10 · 3 min read
Chapter 10: Points, insurance and owning a vehicle
The Vermont point system and suspension at 10 points, minimum liability insurance, proof of insurance, registration, title, purchase and use tax, and offenses that can cost your license.
Why this chapter matters
Your driving record and your insurance follow you long after the permit test. Point values and insurance minimums are facts the test likes to check.
The point system
Points go on your record each time you are found guilty of a motor vehicle violation. Examples:
| Offense | Points |
|---|---|
| Speeding | 2 to 8, depending on how fast |
| Texting while driving | 2 to 5 |
| Driving without a license | 2 |
| Failing to stop for a STOP sign or red light | 2 |
| Failing to obey a police officer | 4 |
| Failing to yield to a pedestrian in a crosswalk | 4 |
| Failing to yield to an ambulance, fire truck or police officer | 5 |
| Failing to stop for a school bus with red lights flashing | 5 |
At 10 points you receive a notice that your license will be suspended, and you may request a hearing. Points within two years set how long the suspension lasts. Parking and defective equipment violations carry no points.
Other ways to lose your license
- A minor ticketed for buying, possessing or drinking alcohol, or lying about age to get it, must contact the Teen Alcohol Safety Program. If you do not contact the diversion board within 15 days, the case goes to the judicial bureau, with a $300 penalty and a 90-day suspension if found liable.
- Impersonating someone or lying on an application can bring a fine of up to $1,000, up to two years in prison and a 90-day suspension.
- If you are suspended or revoked in another state, Vermont will not license or test you until you are cleared.
Insurance
Vermont's financial responsibility law requires liability insurance of at least:
- $25,000 when one person is hurt or killed,
- $50,000 when two or more people are hurt or killed,
- $10,000 for damage to property.
Carry your insurance card in the vehicle. Driving with no insurance brings a fine and two points. If you have insurance but cannot show the card, you have 15 days to prove it. If you are caught uninsured after a crash or certain offenses, you lose your license until you insure and must prove coverage for three years.
Registration and title
- New residents register their vehicles within 60 days. Name, address or vehicle color changes go to DMV within 30 days.
- Keep the registration in the vehicle and the plates clean and fully visible.
- When you sell, give a bill of sale, sign the title, and remove your plates.
- The purchase and use tax is 6 percent of the price or fair market value, whichever is greater.
- It is illegal to leave a running vehicle unattended in public.
Frequently asked questions
How many points lead to a suspension in Vermont?
10 points.
What are Vermont's minimum insurance amounts?
$25,000 for one person, $50,000 for two or more people and $10,000 for property damage.
How many points for passing a stopped school bus?
Five points.
Do parking tickets add points?
No. Parking and defective equipment violations carry no points.
Based on the Vermont Driver's Manual (VN-007, 2025) and the Vermont DMV Learner's Permit page.