-
Subchapter 001: GENERAL REGISTRATION
§ 301. Persons required to register
(a) As used in this section:
(1) “Resident” means an individual living in the State who intends to make the State the
individual’s place of domicile either permanently or for an indefinite number of years.
(2) “Temporary resident” means an individual living in the State for a particular purpose
involving a defined period, including students, migrant workers employed in seasonal
occupations, and individuals employed under a contract with a fixed term, provided
that the motor vehicle will be used in the State on a regular basis.
(b) Residents, except as provided in chapter 35 of this title, shall annually register
motor vehicles owned or leased for a period of more than 30 days and operated by them,
unless currently registered in Vermont.
(c) Temporary residents and foreign partnerships, firms, associations, and corporations
having a place of business in this State may annually register motor vehicles owned
or leased for a period of more than 30 days and operated by them or an employee.
(d) Notwithstanding this section, a resident who has moved into the State from another
jurisdiction shall register the resident’s motor vehicle within 60 days after moving
into the State.
(e) An individual shall not operate a motor vehicle nor draw a trailer or semi-trailer
on any highway unless the vehicle is registered as provided in this chapter. Vehicle
owners who have apportioned power units registered in this State under the International
Registration Plan are exempt from the requirement to register their trailers in this
State. (Amended 1961, No. 97, § 1, eff. May 3, 1961; 1985, No. 124 (Adj. Sess.), § 6; 2003, No. 56, § 70, eff. June 4, 2003; 2015, No. 47, § 6; 2019, No. 60, § 15; 2023, No. 85 (Adj. Sess.), § 262, eff. July 1, 2024; 2023, No. 165 (Adj. Sess.), § 10, eff. July 1, 2024.)
§ 301a. Repealed. 2015, No. 47, § 5.
§ 302. Period of registration
(a) Except as otherwise provided in this title, every motor vehicle shall be registered
for a period of 12 months from date of issue. Registrations made pursuant to subsections 305(b), 371(b), 376(b), and 376(c) of this title shall expire and the certificate thereof shall become void five years after the date
of issue.
(b) Notwithstanding any other provisions of this title, if registered owners so elect,
all their registrations may be issued to expire on the same date and the registration
fee shall be pro-rated for the amount in excess of the annual 12 months’ fee but not
to exceed 24 months. (Amended 1961, No. 54, § 1, eff. April 1, 1962; 1965, No. 70, § 1; 1969, No. 259 (Adj. Sess.), § 6; 1975, No. 90, § 1; 1977, No. 85, § 1, eff. Sept. 1, 1977; 1979, No. 34, § 1, eff. Nov. 1, 1979; 1995, No. 49, § 1, eff. April 20, 1995; 1995, No. 112 (Adj. Sess.), § 3; 1997, No. 39, § 1; 2015, No. 47, § 7.)
§ 303. Application required
(a) The Commissioner or the Commissioner’s duly authorized agent shall register a motor
vehicle, trailer, or semi-trailer that is required or permitted to be registered in
Vermont upon application on a form prescribed by the Commissioner that is filed with
the Commissioner, showing the motor vehicle to be properly equipped and in good mechanical
condition and accompanied by the required registration fee and evidence of the applicant’s
ownership of the vehicle in the form as the Commissioner may reasonably require. Except
for State or municipal vehicles, registrants and titled owners shall be identical.
(b) An application for registration may be refused by the Commissioner if it is not accompanied
by proof of payment of the use tax imposed by Section 4481 of the Internal Revenue Code of 1986 in such form as may be prescribed by the Secretary of the Treasury or in another
form acceptable to the Commissioner in the case of vehicles that are subject to the
tax. (Amended 1983, No. 123 (Adj. Sess.), eff. April 2, 1984; 1995, No. 19, § 10, eff. April 17, 1995; 2023, No. 85 (Adj. Sess.), § 263, eff. July 1, 2024; 2023, No. 165 (Adj. Sess.), § 11, eff. July 1, 2024.)
§ 304. Registration certificates; number plates; vanity and other special plates
(a) The Commissioner shall issue to the registrant of a motor vehicle a certificate of
registration in the form the Commissioner may prescribe, on which shall appear the
name of the registrant, his or her address, a brief description of the vehicle registered,
and the date of registration. The Commissioner shall also assign to each motor vehicle
registered a distinctive number and issue a number plate or plates showing the assigned
number. The number plate or plates issued shall be of the material, size, shape,
and color, and with the numerals or letters thereon, the Commissioner may determine,
and shall be reflectorized in part or in whole. The certificate and number plates
shall be delivered free of charge by the Commissioner to the registrant as soon as
may be after receipt and acceptance of application for registration.
(b) The authority to issue vanity motor vehicle number plates or special number plates
for safety organizations and service organizations shall reside with the Commissioner.
Determination of compliance with the criteria contained in this section shall be within
the discretion of the Commissioner. Series of number plates for safety and service
organizations that are authorized by the Commissioner shall be issued in order of
approval, subject to the operating considerations in the Department as determined
by the Commissioner. The Commissioner shall issue vanity and special organization
number plates in the following manner:
(1) Vanity plates. Subject to the restrictions of this section, vanity plates shall be issued at the
request of the registrant of a motor vehicle unless the vehicle is registered under
the International Registration Plan, upon application and upon payment of an annual
fee of $58.00 in addition to the annual fee for registration. The Commissioner shall
not issue two sets of plates bearing the same initials or letters unless the plates
also contain a distinguishing number. Vanity plates are subject to reassignment if
not renewed within 60 days of expiration of the registration.
(2) Special organization plates.
(A) For the purposes of this section:
(i) “Safety organizations” are groups that provide police and fire protection, rescue
squads, the Vermont National Guard, organizations required to respond to public emergencies,
and amateur radio operators licensed by the U.S. Federal Communications Commission.
To qualify for a special organization plate, safety organizations must have at least
100 in-state members in good standing.
(ii) “Service organization” includes congressionally chartered or noncongressionally chartered
U.S. Military Service veterans’ groups and any group that:
(I) has as a primary purpose service to the community through specific programs for the
improvement of public health, education, or environmental awareness and conservation
and is not limited to social activities;
(II) has nonprofit status under Section 501(c)(3) or (10) of the U.S. Internal Revenue
Code, as amended;
(III) is registered as a nonprofit corporation with the Office of the Secretary of State;
and
(IV) except for a military veterans group, has at least 100 in-state members in good standing.
(B) The officer of a safety organization or service organization may apply to the Commissioner
to approve special plates indicating membership in a qualifying organization to be
issued to organization members for a $21.00 special fee for each set of plates in
addition to the annual fee for registration. The application shall include designation
of an officer or member to serve as the principal contact with the Department and
a distinctive name or emblem, or both, for use on the proposed special plate. The
name and emblem shall not be objectively obscene or confusing to the general public
and shall not promote, advertise, or endorse a product, brand, or service provided
for sale. The organization’s name and emblem must not infringe on or violate a trademark,
trade name, service mark, copyright, or other proprietary or property right, and the
organization must have the right to use the name and emblem. After consulting with
the principal contact, the Commissioner shall determine the design of the special
plate on the basis that the primary purpose of motor vehicle number plates is vehicle
identification. An organization may have only one design, regardless of the number
of individual organizational units, squads, or departments within the State that may
conduct the same or substantially similar activities.
(C) After the plate design is finalized and an officer or the principal contact provides
the Commissioner a written statement authorizing issuance of the plates, the organization
shall deposit $2,600.00 with the Commissioner. Of this deposit, $500.00 shall be retained
by the Department to recover costs of developing the organization plate. Notwithstanding
32 V.S.A. § 502, the Commissioner may charge the actual costs of production of the plates against
the fees collected and the balance shall be deposited in the Transportation Fund.
Upon application, special plates shall be issued to a registrant of a vehicle registered
at the pleasure car rate or of a truck registered for less than 26,001 pounds (but
excluding trucks registered under the International Registration Plan) who furnishes
the Commissioner satisfactory proof that the registrant is a member of an organization
that has satisfied the requirements of this subdivision (b)(2). For each of the first
100 applicants to whom sets of plates are issued, the $21.00 special plate fee shall
not be collected and shall be subtracted from the balance of the deposit. When the
$2,100.00 balance of the deposit is depleted, applicants shall be required to pay
the $21.00 fee as provided for in subdivision (2)(B) of this subsection. No organization
shall charge its members any additional fee or premium charge for the authorization,
right, or privilege to display special number plates, but any organization may recover
up to $2,100.00 from applicants for the special plates.
(D) When an individual’s membership in a qualifying organization ceases or is terminated,
the individual shall immediately surrender any special registration plates issued
under this subsection to the Commissioner. However, a retired member of the Vermont
National Guard may renew or, upon payment of a $10.00 fee, acquire the special guard
plates after notification of eligibility for retired pay has been received.
(c) The Commissioner shall issue registration numbers 101 through 9999, which shall be
known as reserved registration numbers, for pleasure cars, trucks registered for less
than 26,001 pounds, and motorcycles in the following manner:
(1) A person holding a reserved registration number may retain the number for the ensuing
registration period, provided application is made at least 60 days prior to expiration
of the registration.
(2) If the registrant does not renew the registration, the number may be reassigned to
a member of the immediate family if application is made at least 60 days prior to
expiration of the registration. As used in this subsection, “immediate family” means
the spouse, household member, grandparents, parents, siblings, children, or grandchildren
of the registrant.
(3) The Commissioner shall restrict the issuance of these registrations to residents of
this State and may restrict issuance to applicants who do not already have such a
registration issued to them.
(4) A person holding a reserved registration number on a pleasure car, a truck registered
for less than 26,001 pounds, or a motorcycle may be issued the same reserved registration
number for the other authorized vehicle types, provided that the person receives not
more than one such plate or set of plates for each authorized vehicle type.
(d) Vanity or special organization number plates, whether new or renewed, shall be issued
in any combination or succession of numerals and letters, provided the total of the
numbers and letters on any plate taken together does not exceed seven, and further
provided the requested combination of letters and numerals does not duplicate or resemble
a regular issue registration plate. The Commissioner may adopt rules for the issuance
of vanity or special organization number plates to ensure that all plates serve the
primary purpose of vehicle identification. The Commissioner may revoke any plate described
in this subsection and shall not issue plates with combinations of letters or numbers
that objectively, in any language:
(1) are vulgar, scatological, or obscene, or constitute racial or ethnic epithets;
(2) connote breast, genitalia, pubic area, or buttocks or relate to sexual or eliminatory
functions;
(3) refer to any intoxicant or drug; to the use, nonuse, distribution, or sale of an intoxicant
or drug; or to a user, nonuser, or purveyor of an intoxicant or drug;
(4) refer to gender, gender identity, sexual orientation, or disability status;
(5) suggest a government or governmental agency;
(6) suggest a privilege not given by law in this State; or
(7) form a slang term, abbreviation, phonetic spelling, or mirror image of a word described
in subdivisions (1) through (6) of this subsection.
(e) [Repealed.]
(f) Upon the request of a registrant of a motor vehicle with the previous issue number
plates, the Commissioner shall issue current issue number plates bearing the same
number as shown on the previous issue plates that are being replaced. The initial
one-time fee for the plates shall be $29.00 in addition to the regular registration
fee. Official plates and plates with numbers of 9999 or lower are specifically exempted.
(g) Number plates bearing the Vermont Coat of Arms may be issued only to the Governor,
members of the Vermont congressional delegation, and members of the General Assembly.
(h) The Department, on a quarterly basis, shall provide information to licensed inspection
stations for distribution to the owners of motor vehicles during the annual inspection
of their motor vehicles. That information shall encourage the proper management of
used oil and shall include the telephone number of a recycling hotline that residents
may call to determine the availability of a collection service that accepts used oil
at the curb or otherwise to find the nearest location to recycle used oil.
(i) The Department and the Agency of Natural Resources shall work cooperatively regarding
opportunities to provide information to the public with respect to the proper management
of used oil and shall take appropriate steps to implement efficient and effective
information distribution measures mutually agreed upon by the Department and the Agency.
(j) The Commissioner of Motor Vehicles shall, upon proper application, issue special plates
to Vermont veterans, as defined in 38 U.S.C. § 101(2) and including an individual disabled during active military, naval, air, or space
service, as defined in 38 U.S.C. § 101(24), and to members of the U.S. Armed Forces, as defined in 38 U.S.C. § 101(10), for use on vehicles registered at the pleasure car rate, on vehicles registered
at the motorcycle rate, and on trucks registered for less than 26,001 pounds and excluding
vehicles registered under the International Registration Plan. The type and style
of the plates shall be determined by the Commissioner and the Vermont Office of Veterans’
Affairs. An applicant shall apply on a form prescribed by the Commissioner, and the
applicant’s eligibility as a member of one of the groups recognized will be certified
by the Office of Veterans’ Affairs. The plates shall be reissued only to the original
holder of the plates or the surviving spouse. The Commissioner may adopt rules to
implement the provisions of this subsection. Except for new or renewed registrations,
applications for the issuance of plates under this subsection shall be processed in
the order received by the Department subject to normal workflow considerations. The
costs associated with developing new emblems shall be borne by the Department of Motor
Vehicles.
(k)(1) The Commissioner of Motor Vehicles shall, upon proper application, issue special gold
star and next-of-kin plates for use only on vehicles registered at the pleasure car
rate and on trucks registered for less than 26,001 pounds and excluding vehicles registered
under the International Registration Plan, as follows:
(A) Gold star plates shall be issued to the widow or widower, parents, and next of kin
as defined in 10 U.S.C. § 1126(d) of members of the U.S. Armed Forces who lost their lives under the circumstances
described in 10 U.S.C. § 1126(a).
(B) Next-of-kin plates shall be issued to the widow or widower, parents, and next of kin
as defined in 10 U.S.C. § 1126(d) of members of the Armed Forces not eligible for gold star plates under subdivision
(A) of this subdivision (1) who lost their lives while serving on active duty or on
active duty for training, or while assigned in a Reserve or National Guard unit in
drill status, or as a result of injury or illness incurred during such service or
assignment.
(2) The type and style of the gold star and next-of-kin plates shall be determined by
the Commissioner and the Vermont Office of Veterans’ Affairs, except that a gold star
shall appear on one side of gold star plates and a distinct emblem shall be approved
for next-of-kin plates. An applicant shall apply on a form prescribed by the Commissioner,
and the applicant’s eligibility will be certified by the Office of Veterans’ Affairs.
A plate shall be reissued only to the original holder of the plate. The Commissioner
may adopt rules to implement the provisions of this subsection. Except for new or
renewed registrations, applications for the issuance of gold star or next-of-kin plates
shall be processed in the order received by the Department subject to normal workflow
considerations.
(l) Not later than July 1, 2026, the Commissioner shall begin issuing number and vanity
plates for plug-in electric vehicles, as defined in subdivision 4(85) of this title, indicating that the vehicle is a plug-in electric vehicle. Not later than July 1,
2028, all plug-in electric vehicles registered in this State shall display plates
indicating that the vehicle is a plug-in electric vehicle. (Amended 1961, No. 54, § 2, eff. April 1, 1962; 1965, No. 154, § 1; 1967, No. 129, § 2; 1975, No. 218 (Adj. Sess.), § 7, eff. April 1, 1976; 1977, No. 258 (Adj. Sess.), §§ 1, 2, eff. April 19, 1978; 1979, No. 190 (Adj. Sess.), § 1; 1987, No. 112, § 5; 1987, No. 230 (Adj. Sess.); 1987, No. 241 (Adj. Sess.), § 13; 1989, No. 51, § 11; 1989, No. 82, § 1, eff. Jan. 1, 1990; 1991, No. 178 (Adj. Sess.), § 1, eff. Dec. 1, 1992; 1993, No. 220 (Adj. Sess.), § 2; 1993, No. 233 (Adj. Sess.), § 93, eff. June 21, 1994; 1995, No. 49, § 3, eff. April 20, 1995; 1995, No. 112 (Adj. Sess.), § 4; 1995, No. 189 (Adj. Sess.), § 17; 1997, No. 85 (Adj. Sess.), §§ 1, 2; 1997, No. 85 (Adj. Sess.), § 3, eff. Nov. 11, 1998; 1999, No. 1, § 77c, eff. March 31, 1999; 1999, No. 155 (Adj. Sess.), § 12e; 2001, No. 102 (Adj. Sess.), § 6, eff. May 15, 2002; 2003, No. 109 (Adj. Sess.), §§ 1, 2; 2003, No. 160 (Adj. Sess.), § 62, eff. June 9, 2004; 2005, No. 175 (Adj. Sess.), § 27; 2007, No. 61, § 3; 2007, No. 181 (Adj. Sess.), §§ 1-3, eff. May 30, 2008; 2009, No. 50, § 37; 2011, No. 46, § 3; 2011, No. 128 (Adj. Sess.), § 11; 2011, No. 164 (Adj. Sess.), § 12; 2013, No. 189 (Adj. Sess.), § 2; 2015, No. 159 (Adj. Sess.), § 8; 2019, No. 131 (Adj. Sess.), § 139; 2023, No. 78, § G.103, eff. January 1, 2024; 2023, No. 85 (Adj. Sess.), § 264, eff. July 1, 2024; 2023, No. 165 (Adj. Sess.), §§ 12, 49, eff. July 1, 2024; 2023, No. 165 (Adj. Sess.), § 39, eff. June 6, 2024.)
§ 304a. Special registration plates and placards for individuals with disabilities
(a) As used in this section:
(1) “Ambulatory disability” means an impairment that prevents or impedes walking. An individual
shall be considered to have an ambulatory disability if the individual:
(A) cannot walk 200 feet without stopping to rest;
(B) cannot walk without the use of, or assistance from, a brace, cane, crutch, another
individual, prosthetic device, wheelchair, or other assistive device;
(C) is restricted by lung disease to such an extent that the individual’s forced (respiratory)
expiratory volume for one second, when measured by spirometry, is less than one liter,
or the arterial oxygen tension is less than 60 mm/hg on room air at rest;
(D) uses portable oxygen;
(E) has a cardiac condition to the extent that the individual’s functional limitations
are classified in severity as Class III or Class IV according to standards set by
the American Heart Association; or
(F) is severely limited in the individual’s ability to walk due to an arthritic, neurological,
or orthopedic condition.
(2) “Blind” means the visual impairment of an individual whose central visual acuity does
not exceed 20/200 in the better eye with corrective lenses or whose visual acuity,
if better than 20/200, is accompanied by a limit to the field of vision in the better
eye to such a degree that its widest diameter subtends an angle of no greater than
20 degrees.
(3) “Special registration plates” means a registration plate for individuals with disabilities
that displays the International Symbol of Access:
(A) in a color that contrasts with the background; and
(B) in the same size as the letters or numbers on the plate.
(4) “Removable windshield placard” means a two-sided, hanger style placard that includes
on each side:
(A) the International Symbol of Access, which is at least three inches in height, centered
on the placard, and is a color that contrasts with the placard’s background color;
(B) an identification number;
(C) a date of expiration; and
(D) the seal or other identification of the issuing authority.
(5) “Temporary removable windshield placard” means a two-sided hanger style placard that
includes on each side:
(A) the International Symbol of Access, which is at least three inches in height, centered
on the placard, and is a color that contrasts with the placard’s background color;
(B) an identification number;
(C) a date of expiration; and
(D) the seal or other identification of the issuing authority.
(6) “Eligible person” means:
(A) an individual who is blind or has an ambulatory disability and has been issued a special
registration plate or a windshield placard by this State or another state;
(B) a person who is transporting an individual described in subdivision (A) of this subdivision
(6); or
(C) an individual transporting an individual who is blind or has an ambulatory disability
on behalf of an organization that has been issued a special registration plate or
a windshield placard by this State or another state for the purpose of transporting
an individual who is blind or has an ambulatory disability.
(b) Special registration plates or removable windshield placards, or both, shall be issued
by the Commissioner. The placard shall be issued without a fee to an individual who
is blind or has an ambulatory disability. One set of plates shall be issued without
additional fees for a vehicle registered or leased to an individual who is blind or
has an ambulatory disability or to a parent or guardian of an individual with a permanent
disability. The Commissioner shall issue these placards or plates under rules adopted
by the Commissioner after proper application has been made to the Commissioner by
any person residing within the State. Application forms shall be available on request
at the Department of Motor Vehicles.
(1) Upon application for a special registration plate or removable windshield placard,
the Commissioner shall send a form prescribed by the Commissioner to the applicant
to be signed and returned by a licensed physician, licensed physician assistant, or
licensed advanced practice registered nurse. The Commissioner shall file the form
for future reference and issue the placard or plate. A new application shall be submitted
every four years in the case of placards and at every third registration renewal for
plates but in no case greater than every four years. When a licensed physician, licensed
physician assistant, or licensed advanced practice registered nurse has previously
certified to the Commissioner that an applicant’s condition is both permanent and
stable, a special registration plate or placard need not be renewed.
(2) Upon application of an organization, the Commissioner shall issue special registration
plates for a vehicle registered in the applicant’s name if the vehicle is primarily
used to transport individuals who have an ambulatory disability or are blind. Placards
shall also be issued without a fee, upon application in a form prescribed by the Commissioner,
to an organization to be used when transporting individuals who have an ambulatory
disability or are blind. The plates and placards shall be subject to the restrictions
set forth in subdivision (a)(3) of this section.
(3) An individual with a disability who abuses such privileges or allows individuals not
disabled to abuse the privileges provided in this section may have this privilege
revoked after suitable notice and opportunity for hearing has been given the individual
by the Commissioner. Hearings under the provisions of this section shall be held in
accordance with sections 105–107 of this title and shall be subject to review by the Civil Division of the Superior Court of the
county where the individual with a disability resides.
(4) An applicant for a registration plate or placard for individuals with disabilities
may request the Civil Division of the Superior Court in the county in which the applicant
resides to review a decision by the Commissioner to deny the applicant’s application
for a special registration plate or placard.
(5) If the authenticity of the medical need for the special registration is challenged
with reasons in writing, the Commissioner may have physicians with the Vermont Department
of Health review the medical facts, with the knowledge of the individual with a disability
and the licensed physician, licensed physician assistant, or licensed advanced practice
registered nurse who filled in the medical form for the special registration, in order
to determine eligibility and so notify all concerned of the facts and the recommendations.
(6) On a form prescribed by the Commissioner, a nonprofit organization that provides volunteer
drivers to transport individuals who have an ambulatory disability or are blind may
apply to the Commissioner for a placard. The organization shall ensure proper use
of placards and maintain an accurate and complete record of the volunteer drivers
to whom the placards are given by the organization. Placards shall be returned to
the organization when the volunteer driver is no longer performing that service. Abuse
of the privileges provided by the placards may result in the privileges being revoked
and the placards repossessed by the Commissioner. Revocation may occur only after
suitable notice and opportunity for a hearing. Hearings shall be held in accordance
with sections 105–107 of this title.
(c) Eligible persons may park vehicles with special registration plates or removable windshield
placards issued by any state in special parking spaces when:
(1) the placard is displayed:
(A) by hanging it from the front windshield rearview mirror in such a manner that it may
be viewed from the front and rear of the vehicle; or
(B) if the vehicle has no rearview mirror, on the dashboard;
(2) the plate is mounted as provided in section 511 of this title; or
(3) the plate is mounted or the placard displayed as provided by the law of the jurisdiction
where the vehicle is registered.
(d)(1) Except as otherwise provided in this subsection, an eligible person shall be permitted
to park, and to park without fee, for at least 10 continuous days in a parking space
or area that is restricted as to the length of time parking is permitted or where
parking fees are assessed.
(2) Notwithstanding the 10-day period in subdivision (1) of this subsection, in the case
of a State- or municipally operated parking garage, an eligible person shall be permitted
to park, and to park without fee, for at least 24 continuous hours.
(3) This subsection shall not apply to spaces or areas in which parking, standing, or
stopping of all vehicles is prohibited by law or by any parking ban or that are reserved
for special vehicles. As a condition to the privilege conferred by this subsection,
the vehicle shall display the registration plate or placard issued by the Commissioner,
or a special registration license plate or placard issued by any other jurisdiction,
in accordance with subsection (c) of this section.
(e)(1) An individual, other than an eligible person, who for the individual’s own purposes
parks a vehicle in a space for individuals with disabilities shall be subject to a
civil penalty of not less than $200.00 for each violation and shall be liable for
towing charges.
(2) An individual, other than an eligible person, who displays a special registration
plate or removable windshield placard not issued to the individual under this section
and parks a vehicle in a space for individuals with disabilities, shall be subject
to a civil penalty of not less than $400.00 for each violation and shall be liable
for towing charges.
(3) A person who violates this section also shall be liable for storage charges not to
exceed $12.00 per day, and an artisan’s lien may be imposed against the vehicle for
payment of the charges assessed.
(4) The person in charge of the parking space or spaces for individuals with a disability
or any duly authorized law enforcement officer shall cause the removal of a vehicle
parked in violation of this section.
(5) A violation of this section shall be considered a traffic violation within the meaning
of 4 V.S.A. chapter 29.
(f) Individuals who have a temporary ambulatory disability may apply for a temporary removable
windshield placard to the Commissioner on a form prescribed by the Commissioner. The
placard shall be valid for a period of up to six months and displayed as required
under the provisions of subsection (c) of this section. The application shall be signed
by a licensed physician, licensed physician assistant, or licensed advanced practice
registered nurse. The validation period of the temporary placard shall be established
on the basis of the written recommendation from a licensed physician, licensed physician
assistant, or licensed advanced practice registered nurse. The Commissioner shall
adopt rules to implement the provisions of this subsection. (Added 1987, No. 268 (Adj. Sess.), § 9, eff. June 21, 1988; amended 1989, No. 51, § 12; 1989, No. 56; 1991, No. 131 (Adj. Sess.), § 1, eff. Jan. 1, 1993; 1999, No. 34, § 5; 1999, No. 155 (Adj. Sess.), § 1, eff. May 29, 2000; 2003, No. 151 (Adj. Sess.), § 7; 2003, No. 160 (Adj. Sess.), § 60, eff. June 9, 2004; 2005, No. 188 (Adj. Sess.), § 2; 2007, No. 61, § 4; 2009, No. 82 (Adj. Sess.), § 1; 2009, No. 154 (Adj. Sess.), § 238; 2011, No. 62, § 39; 2013, No. 57, § 4; 2013, No. 96 (Adj. Sess.), § 142; 2015, No. 23, § 121; 2015, No. 50, § 7; 2017, No. 71, § 1; 2017, No. 132 (Adj. Sess.), § 7; 2017, No. 206 (Adj. Sess.), § 1; 2019, No. 131 (Adj. Sess.), § 140; 2025, No. 66, § 4, eff. July 1, 2025.)
§ 304b. Conservation motor vehicle registration plates
(a) The Commissioner shall, upon application, issue conservation registration plates for
use only on vehicles registered at the pleasure car rate, on motorcycles, on trucks
registered for less than 26,001 pounds, and on vehicles registered to State agencies
under section 376 of this title, but excluding vehicles registered under the International Registration Plan. Plates
so acquired shall be mounted on the front and rear of the vehicle, except that a motorcycle
plate shall be mounted only on the rear of the motorcycle. The Commissioners of Motor
Vehicles and of Fish and Wildlife shall determine the graphic design of the special
plates in a manner that serves to enhance the public awareness of the State’s interest
in restoring and protecting its wildlife and major watershed areas. The Commissioners
of Motor Vehicles and of Fish and Wildlife may alter the graphic design of these special
plates, provided that plates in use at the time of a design alteration shall remain
valid subject to the operator’s payment of the annual registration fee. Applicants
shall apply on forms prescribed by the Commissioner and shall pay an initial fee of
$32.00 in addition to the annual fee for registration. In following years, in addition
to the annual registration fee, the holder of a conservation plate shall pay a renewal
fee of $32.00. The Commissioner may adopt rules under 3 V.S.A. chapter 25 to implement the provisions of this subsection.
(b) Initial fees collected under subsection (a) of this section shall be allocated as
follows:
(1) 46 percent to the Transportation Fund.
(2) 27 percent to the Department of Fish and Wildlife for deposit into the Nongame Wildlife
Account created in 10 V.S.A. § 4048.
(3) 27 percent to the Department of Fish and Wildlife for deposit into the Watershed Management
Account created in 10 V.S.A. § 4050.
(c) Renewal fees collected under subsection (a) of this section shall be allocated as
follows:
(1) 42 percent to the Department of Fish and Wildlife for deposit into the Nongame Wildlife
Account created in 10 V.S.A. § 4048.
(2) 42 percent to the Department of Fish and Wildlife for deposit into the Watershed Management
Account created in 10 V.S.A. § 4050.
(3) 16 percent to the Transportation Fund.
(d) The Commissioner of Fish and Wildlife is authorized to deposit fees collected by the
Department of Fish and Wildlife under subsections (b) and (c) of this section into
the Conservation Camp Fund when the fees collected exceed the annual funding needs
of the Nongame Wildlife Account and the Watershed Management Account. (Added 1995, No. 189 (Adj. Sess.), § 14, eff. May 22, 1996; amended 1997, No. 59, § 73, eff. June 30, 1997; 1997, No. 85 (Adj. Sess.), § 4; 2003, No. 160 (Adj. Sess.), § 63, eff. June 9, 2004; 2005, No. 58, § 1; 2009, No. 50, § 38; 2011, No. 153 (Adj. Sess.), § 31; 2013, No. 116 (Adj. Sess.), § 9; 2015, No. 159 (Adj. Sess.), § 9; 2017, No. 71, § 2; 2023, No. 78, § G.104, eff. January 1, 2024; 2023, No. 165 (Adj. Sess.), § 42, eff. July 1, 2024.)
§ 304c. Motor vehicle registration plates: Building Bright Futures
(a) The Commissioner shall, upon application, issue “Building Bright Futures” registration
plates for use only on vehicles registered at the pleasure car rate, on trucks registered
for less than 26,001 pounds, on vehicles registered to State agencies under section 376 of this title, and excluding vehicles registered under the International Registration Plan. Plates
so acquired shall be mounted on the front and rear of the vehicle. The Commissioner
of Motor Vehicles shall utilize the graphic design recommended by the Commissioner
for Children and Families for the special plates to enhance the public awareness of
the State’s interest in supporting early childhood services. Applicants shall apply
on forms prescribed by the Commissioner of Motor Vehicles and shall pay an initial
fee of $29.00 in addition to the annual fee for registration. In following years,
in addition to the annual registration fee, the holder of a plate shall pay a renewal
fee of $29.00. The Commissioner of Motor Vehicles shall adopt rules under 3 V.S.A. chapter 25 to implement the provisions of this subsection.
(b) Fees collected under subsection (a) of this section shall be deposited as follows:
(1) 29 percent in the Transportation Fund.
(2) 71 percent in the Building Bright Futures Fund created in 33 V.S.A. § 3531.
(c) Renewal fees collected under subsection (a) of this section shall be deposited as
follows:
(1) 79 percent in the Building Bright Futures Fund created in 33 V.S.A. § 3531.
(2) 21 percent in the Transportation Fund.
(d) The Department of Motor Vehicles shall be charged by the Department of Corrections
for the production of the Building Bright Futures license plates. (Added 2001, No. 142 (Adj. Sess.), § 140; amended 2003, No. 66, § 138a; 2003, No. 160 (Adj. Sess.), § 64, eff. June 9, 2004; 2009, No. 50, § 83; 2015, No. 159 (Adj. Sess.), § 10; 2017, No. 71, § 3; 2019, No. 131 (Adj. Sess.), § 141; 2023, No. 78, § G.105, eff. January 1, 2024; 2023, No. 113 (Adj. Sess.), § E.910, eff. January 1, 2024.)
§ 305. Registration periods
(a) The Commissioner of Motor Vehicles shall issue registration certificates and number
plates upon initial registration, and registration certificates for each succeeding
renewal period of registration upon payment of the registration fee. Number plates
so issued will become void one year from the first day of the month following the
month of issue, unless a longer initial registration period is authorized by law or
unless this period is extended through renewal. Registrations issued for motor trucks
shall become void one year from the first day of the month following the month of
issue.
(b) The Commissioner shall issue a registration certificate and a number plate or number
plates for each motor vehicle owned by the State, which shall be valid for a period
of five years. Such motor vehicle shall be considered properly registered while the
issued number plate or number plates are attached to the motor vehicle. The Commissioner
may replace such number plate or number plates when in the Commissioner’s discretion
their condition requires.
(c) [Repealed.]
(d) When a registration for a motor vehicle, snowmobile, motorboat, or all-terrain vehicle
is processed electronically, a receipt shall be available electronically and for printing.
An electronic or printed receipt shall serve as a temporary registration for 10 days
after the date of the transaction. An electronic receipt may be shown to an enforcement
officer using a portable electronic device. Use of a portable electronic device to
display the receipt does not in itself constitute consent for an officer to access
other contents of the device. (Amended 1961, No. 54, § 3, eff. April 1, 1962; 1965, No. 70, § 2; 1967, No. 129, § 3; 1969, No. 259 (Adj. Sess.), § 7; 1971, No. 150 (Adj. Sess.), § 1, eff. Jan. 1, 1973; 1977, No. 85, §§ 2, 3, eff. Sept. 1, 1977; 1979, No. 34, § 2, eff. Nov. 1, 1979; 1985, No. 124 (Adj. Sess.), § 2; 1987, No. 111, § 10; 1993, No. 9, § 1, eff. Feb. 1, 1994; 1995, No. 112 (Adj. Sess.), § 5; 1997, No. 39, § 2; 2001, No. 75 (Adj. Sess.), § 2; 2009, No. 50, § 112; 2009, No. 152 (Adj. Sess.), § 18; 2011, No. 164 (Adj. Sess.), § 2; 2013, No. 57, § 5; 2013, No. 189 (Adj. Sess.), § 3; 2017, No. 71, § 4; 2019, No. 131 (Adj. Sess.), § 142; 2023, No. 41, § 4, eff. November 1, 2023.)
§ 305a. Repealed. 2015, No. 147 (Adj. Sess.), § 4, eff. May 31, 2016.
§ 306. Title to number plates
All number plates shall be the property of the State, and title shall not pass to
a person registering a motor vehicle under the provisions of this title. (Amended 2019, No. 131 (Adj. Sess.), § 143.)
§ 307. Carrying of registration certificate; replacement and corrected certificates
(a) An individual shall not operate a motor vehicle nor draw a trailer or semi-trailer
unless all required registration certificates are carried in some easily accessible
place in the motor vehicle or electronically on a portable electronic device; however,
use of a device for this purpose does not in itself constitute consent for an enforcement
officer to access other contents of the device.
(b) In case of the loss, mutilation, or destruction of a certificate, the owner of the
vehicle described in it shall immediately notify the Commissioner and remit a fee
of $20.00, upon receipt of which the Commissioner shall furnish the owner with a duplicate
certificate.
(c) A corrected registration certificate shall be furnished by the Commissioner upon request
and receipt of a fee of $20.00.
(d)(1) An operator cited for violating subsection (a) of this section shall not be convicted
if the operator sends a copy of or produces to the issuing enforcement agency within
seven business days after the traffic stop proof of a valid registration certificate
that was in effect at the time of the traffic stop.
(2) An operator cited for violating subsection (a) of this section with respect to a pleasure
car, motorcycle, or truck that could be registered for less than 26,001 pounds shall
be subject to a civil penalty of not more than $5.00, which penalty shall be exempt
from surcharges under 13 V.S.A. § 7282(a), if the operator is cited within the 14 days following the expiration of the motor
vehicle’s registration. (Amended 1969, No. 276 (Adj. Sess.), § 2; 1987, No. 241 (Adj. Sess.), § 2; 1989, No. 51, § 13; 2001, No. 102 (Adj. Sess.), § 7, eff. May 15, 2002; 2005, No. 175 (Adj. Sess.), § 28; 2009, No. 50, § 39; 2011, No. 128 (Adj. Sess.), § 12; 2015, No. 159 (Adj. Sess.), § 11; 2017, No. 132 (Adj. Sess.), § 8; 2019, No. 60, § 31; 2023, No. 41, § 15, eff. June 1, 2023; 2023, No. 78, § G.106, eff. January 1, 2024; 2023, No. 85 (Adj. Sess.), § 265, eff. July 1, 2024.)
§ 308. Suspension, revocation, and denial of registration; reinstatement fee
(a) The Commissioner may suspend or revoke the registration of any motor vehicle registered
in this State and repossess the number plates assigned to it, when he or she is satisfied
that:
(1) the vehicle has been stolen and that the registrant does not have legal title;
(2) the vehicle is in such poor mechanical condition as to make its operation and use
a menace or danger;
(3) the vehicle is operated without proper equipment after the owner has been notified
to procure and use such equipment as is required by law or Department rules;
(4) the owner of the motor vehicle has perpetrated some fraud upon the Department of Motor
Vehicles;
(5) the owner of the motor vehicle is a habitual user of alcohol to excess;
(6) the number plates were erroneously issued;
(7) suspension or revocation is authorized under any other provision of law; or
(8) the commercial motor carrier responsible for safety of the vehicle has been prohibited
from operating by a federal agency.
(b) The Commissioner shall deny registration if the applicant fails to disclose material
information required, or if the applicant has made a materially false statement on
the application, or if the applicant’s business is operated, managed, or otherwise
controlled or affiliated with a person who is ineligible for registration, including
the applicant entity, a relative, family member, corporate officer, or shareholder.
A person whose privilege to operate has been suspended in accordance with subsection 3009(b) or 3103(b) of this title or section 110 of this title where the payments were due pursuant to section 3015 or 3106 of this title shall be ineligible for registration. The Department shall deny registration for
a vehicle that has been assigned for safety to a commercial motor carrier who has
been prohibited from operating by the Federal Motor Carrier Safety Administration
or a carrier whose business is operated, managed, or otherwise controlled or affiliated
with a person who is ineligible for registration, including the owner, a relative,
family member, corporate officer, or shareholder.
(c) Prior to terminating the revocation of a registration or reinstating a registration
following suspension, the Commissioner shall require payment of a fee equivalent to
the fee prescribed in section 675 of this title, except that no such fee shall be imposed if the registration was suspended or revoked
following its erroneous issuance by the Commissioner. This fee shall be in addition
to any other fee that may be required by law. (Amended 1997, No. 85 (Adj. Sess.), § 5; 2009, No. 39, § 1; 2015, No. 159 (Adj. Sess.), § 12; 2017, No. 83, § 161(4).)
§ 309. Registering motor vehicle of which applicant is not the owner
A person who registers or attempts to register a motor vehicle, snowmobile, all-terrain
vehicle, or motorboat of which he or she is not the bona fide owner, as defined in
section 4 of this title, shall be fined not more than $500.00 or imprisoned not more than two years, or both. (Amended 2001, No. 69, § 2; 2019, No. 131 (Adj. Sess.), § 144.)
§ 310. Loaning or permitting the use of number plates
A person shall not loan or permit the use of the number plates assigned by the Commissioner
to a motor vehicle owned by such person. (Amended 1971, No. 228 (Adj. Sess.), § 6.)
§ 311. Permits for nonregisterable vehicles
(a) The Commissioner, for an annual fee of $2.00 and under such conditions as he or she
may prescribe, may permit licensed operators to operate motor vehicles not otherwise
registerable across a public highway; however, an unlicensed person may so operate
a motorized wheelchair or an electric personal assistive mobility device as defined
by this title without obtaining a permit.
(b) [Repealed.]
(c) The Commissioner may permit the operation of a specially equipped motor vehicle, not
otherwise registerable, by a person with a disability who holds an operator’s license
permitting the operation of that vehicle. (Added 1963, No. 46, §§ 1, 2, eff. April 19, 1963; amended 1971, No. 228 (Adj. Sess.), § 32; 1977, No. 156 (Adj. Sess.), eff. March 29, 1978; 1983, No. 5; 1989, No. 51, § 14; 2001, No. 91 (Adj. Sess.), § 5; 2013, No. 96 (Adj. Sess.), § 143.)
§ 312. Temporary registration pending issuance of certificate of title
(a) In his or her discretion, the Commissioner may issue a temporary registration certificate
to a person required to obtain a certificate of title in accordance with chapter 21
of this title upon payment of the registration fee provided in subchapter 2 of this
chapter and of the title fee. The temporary registration certificate and the number
plate shall be valid for 60 days and shall not be renewed. At the expiration of the
temporary registration, a permanent registration certificate and a set of number plates
shall be issued, provided that all documents and information required by law are filed
with the Commissioner.
(b) The registration fee paid in accordance with subsection (a) of this section shall
not be refunded, except that the fee shall be deemed the fee for the permanent registration,
if one is issued, or shall be deemed the fee for an application to register another
vehicle, if the title requirements are met during that registration period. Likewise,
the title fee shall be deemed the fee for the title, if one is issued, or shall be
deemed the fee for an application to title another vehicle. (Added 1975, No. 49, eff. April 15, 1975; amended 1995, No. 112 (Adj. Sess.), § 6; 2017, No. 71, § 5.)
§ 313. Commercial vehicle operation; denial of registration
The Commissioner is authorized to refuse registration if a commercial motor vehicle
is being operated by a commercial motor carrier that has been prohibited from operating
in interstate commerce by an agency with authority to do so under federal law. (Added 2003, No. 26, § 2.)
§ 314. Commercial motor vehicles; registration; suspension or revocation
The Commissioner is authorized to suspend or revoke the registration of a commercial
motor vehicle if the commercial motor carrier responsible for safety has been prohibited
from operating in interstate commerce by an agency with authority to do so under federal
law. (Added 2003, No. 26, § 3.)
§ 321. Procedure upon transfer
Upon the transfer of ownership of any registered motor vehicle, its registration shall
expire. The person in whose name the transferred vehicle was registered shall immediately
return to the Commissioner the registration certificate assigned to the transferred
vehicle, with the date of transfer and the name and residence of the new owner endorsed
on the back. However, the Commissioner may accept any other satisfactory evidence
of the date of transfer and new ownership. The transferor shall immediately remove
the registration number plates from the transferred vehicle and may attach the registration
number plates to another unregistered motor vehicle owned by him or her and the owner
or operator shall not, for a period of 60 days, be subject to a civil penalty for
the operation of the latter motor vehicle without the proper registration certificate,
provided he or she has, within 24 hours of the transfer, made application, as provided
in section 323 of this title, for transfer of the registration number plates. If such application for transfer
is not so received by the Commissioner, the number plates shall be returned to the
Commissioner at the end of five days after the transfer of ownership. (Amended 1975, No. 68, § 1, eff. April 18, 1975; 1987, No. 112, § 8; 2017, No. 71, § 6; 2019, No. 131 (Adj. Sess.), § 145.)
§ 322. Failure to return certificate upon sale of vehicle
Except as provided in section 321 of this title, a person shall return to the Commissioner of Motor Vehicles the registration certificate
and number plates of any motor vehicle when the vehicle is sold or exchanged by the
person, together with the notice of the sale, when required by this subchapter. (Amended 1971, No. 228 (Adj. Sess.), § 7; 1987, No. 112, § 9.)
§ 323. Transfer fees
A person who transfers the ownership of a registered motor vehicle to another, upon
the filing of a new application and upon the payment of a fee of $30.00, may have
registered in the person’s name another motor vehicle for the remainder of the registration
period without payment of any additional registration fee, provided the proper registration
fee of the motor vehicle sought to be registered is the same as the registration fee
of the transferred motor vehicle. However, if the proper registration fee of the motor
vehicle sought to be registered by such person is greater than the registration fee
of the transferred motor vehicle, the applicant shall pay, in addition to such fee
of $30.00, the difference between the registration fee of the motor vehicle previously
registered and the proper fee for the registration of the motor vehicle sought to
be registered. (Amended 1969, No. 276 (Adj. Sess.), § 3; 1975, No. 90, § 2; 1979, No. 202 (Adj. Sess.), § 3, Pt. IV, eff. Sept. 1, 1980; 1989, No. 51, § 15; 2001, No. 102 (Adj. Sess.), § 8, eff. May 15, 2002; 2005, No. 175 (Adj. Sess.), § 29; 2009, No. 50, § 40; 2011, No. 128 (Adj. Sess.), § 13; 2015, No. 159 (Adj. Sess.), § 13; 2023, No. 78, § G.107, eff. January 1, 2024.)
§ 324. Use of old number plates
When ownership of a motor vehicle is transferred, the transferer may attach the registration
number plates to another motor vehicle owned by him or her and register the same in
accordance with the provisions of sections 321, 323, and 325 of this title only if such transferred vehicle and such other vehicle are both of the pleasure
car type, both motor trucks or tractors, both motor buses, or both motorcycles, except
that a pleasure car registration and a truck registration shall be mutually transferable
on payment of the difference in registration fees. (Amended 1965, No. 120, § 3; 1975, No. 55.)
§ 325. Refund of part of old registration fee
If the registration fee of the motor vehicle sought to be registered is less than
the registration fee of the transferred motor vehicle, the Commissioner shall certify
to the Commissioner of Finance and Management the facts pertinent to the difference
of such registration fees, giving the name of the owner of such motor vehicle, his
or her address, the amount of the original registration fee paid, the date of application
for transfer, and the correct fee for the motor vehicle sought to be registered.
The Commissioner of Finance and Management shall issue his or her warrant in favor
of the owner for such percent of the difference in registration fees as the unexpired
term bears to the entire registration period, but if a transfer of registration is
made before the 15th day of any month, the transfer, for the purpose of the refund,
shall be considered as having been made on the first day of such month. If such transfer
of registration is made on or after the 15th day of any month, the transfer, for the
purpose of the refund, shall be considered as having been made on the first day of
the month following such application for transfer. (Amended 1977, No. 85, § 4, eff. Sept. 1, 1977; 1983, No. 195 (Adj. Sess.), § 5(b).)
§ 326. Refund upon loss of vehicle
The Commissioner may cancel the registration of a motor vehicle when the owner of
the motor vehicle proves to the Commissioner’s satisfaction that the motor vehicle
has been totally destroyed by fire or, through crash or wear, has become wholly unfit
for use and has been dismantled. After the Commissioner cancels the registration and
the owner returns to the Commissioner either the registration certificate or the number
plate or number plates, or other proof of cancellation to the satisfaction of the
Commissioner, the Commissioner shall certify to the Commissioner of Finance and Management
the fact of the cancellation, giving the name of the owner of the motor vehicle, the
owner’s address, the amount of the registration fee paid, and the date of cancellation.
The Commissioner of Finance and Management shall issue the Commissioner of Finance
and Management’s warrant in favor of the owner for such percent of the registration
fee paid as the unexpired term of the registration bears to the entire registration
period, but in no case shall the Commissioner of Finance and Management retain less
than $5.00 of the fee paid. (Amended 1967, No. 129, § 4; 1975, No. 90, § 3; 1983, No. 195 (Adj. Sess.), § 5(b); 2017, No. 206 (Adj. Sess.), § 2; 2023, No. 41, § 5, eff. November 1, 2023; 2025, No. 66, § 25, eff. July 1, 2025.)
§ 327. Refund when plates not used
Subject to the conditions set forth in subdivisions (1)–(4) of this section, the Commissioner
may cancel the registration of a motor vehicle, snowmobile, or motorboat when the
owner returns to the Commissioner either the number plates, if any, or the registration
certificate. Upon cancellation of the registration, the Commissioner shall notify
the Commissioner of Finance and Management, who shall issue a refund as follows:
(1) For registrations canceled prior to the beginning of the registration period, the
refund is the full amount of the fee paid, less a charge of $5.00.
(2) For registrations canceled within 30 days after the date of issue, the refund is the
full amount of the fee paid, less a charge of $5.00. The owner of a motor vehicle
must prove to the Commissioner’s satisfaction that the number plates have not been
used or attached to a motor vehicle.
(3) For registrations canceled prior to the beginning of the second year of a two-year
registration period, the refund is one-half of the full amount of the two-year fee
paid, less a charge of $5.00.
(4) For registrations canceled prior to conclusion of a five-year registration period,
the refund is as follows:
(A) four-fifths of the full amount of the five-year fee paid less a charge of $5.00 if
canceled prior to the beginning of the second year;
(B) three-fifths of the full amount of the five-year fee paid less a charge of $5.00 if
canceled prior to the beginning of the third year;
(C) two-fifths of the full amount of the five-year fee paid less a charge of $5.00 if
canceled prior to the beginning of the fourth year; and
(D) one-fifth of the full amount of the five-year fee paid less a charge of $5.00 if canceled
prior to the beginning of the fifth year. (Amended 1967, No. 129, § 5; 1969, No. 276 (Adj. Sess.), § 4; 1987, No. 112, § 6; 2001, No. 75 (Adj. Sess.), § 3; 2015, No. 158 (Adj. Sess.), § 59; 2017, No. 206 (Adj. Sess.), § 3; 2023, No. 165 (Adj. Sess.), § 13, eff. July 1, 2024.)
§ 328. Repealed. 2015, No. 47, § 8.
§ 329. Refunds paid from motor vehicle fees
The refunds mentioned in sections 325-327 of this title shall be paid from the fees turned into the State Treasury by the Department of Motor
Vehicles. (Amended 2015, No. 47, § 10.)
§ 330. Transferring number plates
(a) Upon the transfer of ownership of a vehicle, the registration number plates may be
attached to another vehicle that is being leased by the registrant for a period greater
than 30 days. The lessor shall become the registrant.
(b) Upon the termination of a lease of a vehicle, the registration number plates may be
attached to another vehicle being leased by the lessee. The lessor of the new vehicle
shall become the registrant.
(c) Upon the termination of a lease of a vehicle, the registration number plates may be
attached to a vehicle, including the leased vehicle, being purchased or owned by the
lessee. The lessor shall be deleted from the registration.
(d) For purposes of calculating fees, transactions pursuant to subsections (a) and (c)
of this section shall be considered to be new registrations. Transactions pursuant
to subsection (b) of this section shall be treated as registration transfers. A lessor
shall not gain any rights in or to special number plates or reserved registration
numbers through this process nor shall the prohibitions of subdivision 304(c)(3) of this title apply. (Added 1995, No. 97 (Adj. Sess.), § 1, eff. April 10, 1996.)
-
Subchapter 002: FEES AND EXEMPTIONS
§ 361. Pleasure cars [Effective January 1, 2025; Effective until contingency met; see also 23 V.S.A. § 361 effective upon contingency being met, set out below]
(a) The annual registration fee for a pleasure car, as defined in subdivision 4(28) of this title, including a pleasure car that is a plug-in electric vehicle, as defined in subdivision 4(85) of this title, shall be $89.00, and the biennial fee shall be $163.00.
(b) In addition to the registration fee set forth in subsection (a) of this section, there
shall be an annual electric vehicle (EV) infrastructure fee for a pleasure car that
is a battery electric vehicle, as defined in subdivision 4(85)(A) of this title, equal to the amount of the annual fee collected in subsection (a) of this section,
or a biennial EV infrastructure fee equal to two times the annual fee collected in
subsection (a) of this section.
(c) In addition to the registration fee set forth in subsection (a) of this section, there
shall be an annual EV infrastructure fee for a pleasure car that is a plug-in hybrid
electric vehicle, as defined in subdivision 4(85)(B) of this title, equal to one-half the amount of the annual fee collected in subsection (a) of this
section, or a biennial EV infrastructure fee equal to the annual fee collected in
subsection (a) of this section.
(d) The annual and biennial EV infrastructure fees collected in subsections (b) and (c)
of this section shall be allocated to the Transportation Fund for programs administered
by the Agency of Commerce and Community Development to increase Vermonters’ access
to level 1 and 2 electric vehicle supply equipment (EVSE) charging ports at workplaces
or multiunit dwellings, or both. (Amended 1961, No. 286, § 1; 1981, No. 87, § 6; 1989, No. 51, § 16; 1993, No. 27, § 8; 1995, No. 49, § 2, eff. April 20, 1995; 2001, No. 102 (Adj. Sess.), § 9, eff. May 15, 2002; 2005, No. 175 (Adj. Sess.), § 30; 2009, No. 50, § 41; 2011, No. 128 (Adj. Sess.), § 14; 2015, No. 159 (Adj. Sess.), § 14; 2023, No. 41, § 16, eff. June 1, 2023; 2023, No. 78, § G.108, eff. January 1, 2024; 2023, No. 148 (Adj. Sess.), § 36, eff. January 1, 2025.)
NotesHistoryEffective date of 2023, No. 148 (Adj. Sess.).
2023, No. 148 (Adj. Sess.), § 44(b), provides: “Sec. 36 (EV infrastructure fee; 23 V.S.A. § 361) shall take effect on January 1, 2025.”2023, No. 148 (Adj. Sess.), § 44(c), provides: “Sec. 38 (amendments to EV infrastructure fee; 23 V.S.A. § 361) shall take effect on the effective date of a mileage-based user fee for pleasure
cars that are battery electric vehicles, as defined in 23 V.S.A. § 4(85)(A).”
Effective date of 2023, No. 148 (Adj. Sess.).
2023, No. 148 (Adj. Sess.), § 44(b), provides: “Sec. 36 (EV infrastructure fee; 23 V.S.A. § 361) shall take effect on January 1, 2025.”2023, No. 148 (Adj. Sess.), § 44(c), provides: “Sec. 38 (amendments to EV infrastructure fee; 23 V.S.A. § 361) shall take effect on the effective date of a mileage-based user fee for pleasure
cars that are battery electric vehicles, as defined in 23 V.S.A. § 4(85)(A).”
§ 361. Pleasure cars [Effective upon contingency being met; see also 23 V.S.A. § 361 effective January 1, 2025 and until contingency met, set out above]
(a) The annual registration fee for a pleasure car, as defined in subdivision 4(28) of this title, including a pleasure car that is a plug-in electric vehicle, as defined in subdivision 4(85) of this title, shall be $89.00, and the biennial fee shall be $163.00.
(b) [Repealed.]
(c) In addition to the registration fee set forth in subsection (a) of this section, there
shall be an annual EV infrastructure fee for a pleasure car that is a plug-in hybrid
electric vehicle, as defined in subdivision 4(85)(B) of this title, equal to one-half the amount of the annual fee collected in subsection (a) of this
section, or a biennial EV infrastructure fee equal to the annual fee collected in
subsection (a) of this section.
(d) The annual and biennial EV infrastructure fees collected in subsection (c) of this
section shall be allocated to the Transportation Fund for programs administered by
the Agency of Commerce and Community Development to increase Vermonters’ access to
level 1 and 2 electric vehicle supply equipment (EVSE) charging ports at workplaces
or multiunit dwellings, or both. (Amended 1961, No. 286, § 1; 1981, No. 87, § 6; 1989, No. 51, § 16; 1993, No. 27, § 8; 1995, No. 49, § 2, eff. April 20, 1995; 2001, No. 102 (Adj. Sess.), § 9, eff. May 15, 2002; 2005, No. 175 (Adj. Sess.), § 30; 2009, No. 50, § 41; 2011, No. 128 (Adj. Sess.), § 14; 2015, No. 159 (Adj. Sess.), § 14; 2023, No. 41, § 16, eff. June 1, 2023; 2023, No. 78, § G.108, eff. January 1, 2024; 2023, No. 148 (Adj. Sess.), § 36, eff. January 1, 2025; 2023, No. 148 (Adj. Sess.), § 36, eff. January 1, 2025; 2023, No. 148 (Adj. Sess.), § 38.)
NotesHistoryEffective date of 2023, No. 148 (Adj. Sess.).
2023, No. 148 (Adj. Sess.), § 44(b), provides: “Sec. 36 (EV infrastructure fee; 23 V.S.A. § 361) shall take effect on January 1, 2025.”2023, No. 148 (Adj. Sess.), § 44(c), provides: “Sec. 38 (amendments to EV infrastructure fee; 23 V.S.A. § 361) shall take effect on the effective date of a mileage-based user fee for pleasure
cars that are battery electric vehicles, as defined in 23 V.S.A. § 4(85)(A).”
Effective date of 2023, No. 148 (Adj. Sess.).
2023, No. 148 (Adj. Sess.), § 44(b), provides: “Sec. 36 (EV infrastructure fee; 23 V.S.A. § 361) shall take effect on January 1, 2025.”2023, No. 148 (Adj. Sess.), § 44(c), provides: “Sec. 38 (amendments to EV infrastructure fee; 23 V.S.A. § 361) shall take effect on the effective date of a mileage-based user fee for pleasure
cars that are battery electric vehicles, as defined in 23 V.S.A. § 4(85)(A).”
§ 362. Specialized fuel motor vehicles and motor buses
(a) The annual registration fee for any specialized fuel driven motor vehicle, as defined
in subdivision 4(22) of this title, and of motor buses, as defined in section 3002 of this title, shall be one and three-quarters times the amount of the annual fee provided for
a motor vehicle of the classification and weight under the terms of this chapter.
(b) Notwithstanding subsection (a) of this section, the annual and biennial registration
fees for a pleasure car, as defined in subdivision 4(28) of this title, that is a plug-in electric vehicle, as defined in subdivision 4(85) of this title, shall be determined pursuant to section 361 of this chapter, and the annual registration
fee for a motorcycle, as defined in subdivision 4(18)(A) of this title, that is a plug-in electric vehicle, as defined in subdivision 4(85) of this title, shall be determined pursuant to section 364 of this chapter. (Amended 1981, No. 172 (Adj. Sess.), § 2; 1993, No. 212 (Adj. Sess.), § 7; 2007, No. 75, § 33; 2023, No. 41, § 17, eff. June 1, 2023.)
§ 363. Converted motor vehicle
When a motor vehicle of the pleasure car type is built over or converted into a motor
vehicle designed for carrying merchandise or freight, such motor vehicle shall be
registered at the pleasure car rate or at the truck rate as the Commissioner may,
in the Commissioner’s discretion, determine. (Amended 2021, No. 20, § 231.)
§ 364. Motorcycles
The annual fee for registration of a motorcycle, with or without sidecar, shall be
$56.00. (Amended 1981, No. 87, § 7; 1989, No. 51, § 17; 1989, No. 268 (Adj. Sess.), § 2, eff. June 21, 1990; 2001, No. 102 (Adj. Sess.), § 10, eff. May 15, 2002; 2005, No. 175 (Adj. Sess.), § 31; 2009, No. 50, § 42; 2011, No. 128 (Adj. Sess.), § 15; 2015, No. 159 (Adj. Sess.), § 16; 2023, No. 78, § G.109, eff. January 1, 2024.)
§ 364a. Motor-driven cycles: registration; financial responsibility
(a) The annual fee for registration of a motor-driven cycle shall be $34.00.
(b) Motor-driven cycle operators shall be subject to the provisions of section 801 of this title, which requires, in certain cases, that proof of financial responsibility be filed
with the Commissioner after a crash. (Added 1977, No. 20, § 9; amended 1981, No. 87, § 8; 1989, No. 51, § 18; 2001, No. 102 (Adj. Sess.), § 11, eff. May 15, 2002; 2009, No. 152 (Adj. Sess.), § 19b, eff. Sept. 1, 2010; 2015, No. 159 (Adj. Sess.), § 17; 2023, No. 78, § G.110, eff. January 1, 2024.)
§ 364b. All-surface vehicles; registration
(a) The annual fee for registration of an all-surface vehicle (ASV) shall be the sum of
the fees established by sections 3305 and 3504 of this title, plus $32.00.
(b) Evidence of the registration shall be a registration certificate and the number plate
issued pursuant to chapter 31 of this title. (Added 2007, No. 184 (Adj. Sess.), § 3; amended 2015, No. 159 (Adj. Sess.), § 18; 2023, No. 41, § 6, eff. November 1, 2023; 2023, No. 78, § G.111, eff. January 1, 2024.)
§ 365. Hearse or ambulance
The annual fee for registration of a hearse or ambulance, except ambulances owned
by a municipality and used for police patrol purposes, shall be based on the pleasure
car rate.
§ 366. Repealed. 2015, No. 158 (Adj. Sess.), § 78(1).
§ 367. Trucks
(a)(1) The annual fee for registration of tractors, truck-tractors, or motor trucks except
truck cranes, truck shovels, road oilers, bituminous distributors, and farm trucks
used as specified in subsection (f) of this section shall be based on the total weight
of the truck-tractor or motor truck, including body and cab plus the heaviest load
to be carried. In computing the fees for registration of tractors, truck-tractors,
or motor trucks with trailers or semi-trailers attached, except trailers or semi-trailers
with a gross weight of less than 6,099 pounds, the fee shall be based upon the weight
of the tractor, truck-tractor, or motor truck, the weight of the trailer or semi-trailer,
and the weight of the heaviest load to be carried by the combined vehicles. In addition
to the fee set out in the following schedule, the fee for vehicles weighing between
10,100 and 26,099 pounds inclusive shall be an additional $42.53, the fee for vehicles
weighing between 26,100 and 40,099 pounds inclusive shall be an additional $85.03,
the fee for vehicles weighing between 40,100 and 60,099 pounds inclusive shall be
an additional $297.68, and the fee for vehicles 60,100 pounds and over shall be an
additional $467.80. The fee shall be computed at the following rates per 1,000 pounds
of weight determined pursuant to this subdivision and rounded up to the nearest whole
dollar; the minimum fee for registering a tractor, truck-tractor, or motor truck to
6,099 pounds shall be the same as for the pleasure car type:
$18.21 when the weight is at least 6,100 pounds but not more than 8,099 pounds.
$20.83 when the weight is at least 8,100 pounds but not more than 12,099 pounds.
$22.97 when the weight is at least 12,100 pounds but not more than 16,099 pounds.
$24.56 when the weight is at least 16,100 pounds but not more than 20,099 pounds.
$25.71 when the weight is at least 20,100 pounds but not more than 30,099 pounds.
$26.26 when the weight 30,100 pounds but not more than 40,099 pounds.
$26.90 when the weight is at least 40,100 pounds but not more than 50,099 pounds.
$27.13 when the weight is at least 50,100 pounds but not more than 60,099 pounds.
$28.06 when the weight is at least 60,100 pounds but not more than 70,099 pounds.
$29.00 when the weight is at least 70,100 pounds but not more than 80,099 pounds.
$29.94 when the weight is at least 80,100 pounds but not more than 90,099 pounds.
(2) [Repealed.]
(b) The annual fee for registration of a category I special purpose vehicle shall be $214.00,
and the annual fee for a category II special purpose vehicle shall be $498.00.
(c)-(e) [Repealed.]
(f)(1) The annual fee for registration of a farm truck of a total weight, determined as provided
in subsection (a) of this section, used only for the transportation of agricultural
products produced on, and material to be used in connection with the operation of,
a farm or farms owned, operated, or occupied by the registrant, or motor trucks that
are agricultural custom service vehicles as defined in subdivision 4(70) of this title, shall be $40.00 if the total weight is less than 18,000 pounds. If the gross weight
is at least 18,000 pounds but is less than 35,000 pounds, the fee shall be $61.00.
If the gross weight is at least 35,000 pounds but does not exceed 60,000 pounds, the
fee shall be $115.00. If the gross weight exceeds 60,000 pounds but does not exceed
80,000 pounds, the fee shall be $182.50.
(2) In the event that a farm truck or agricultural custom service vehicle so registered
is thereafter registered for general use during the same registration year, the fee
or a pro rata portion thereof shall be applied toward the fee for general registration.
The provisions of this subdivision shall not apply to licensed cattle and poultry
dealers.
(g) [Repealed.]
(h) Loader backhoes used primarily for agricultural related purposes are exempt from the
provisions of this section.
(i) The annual fee for registration of a truck used for logging shall be determined pursuant
to the provisions of subsection (a) of this section. Trucks used for logging shall
be those motor vehicles used exclusively for the transportation of harvested forest
products from a forested site.
(j) [Repealed.] (Amended 1961, No. 286, § 2, eff. Aug. 1, 1961; 1963, No. 223, § 3; 1964, No. 19 (Sp. Sess.), § 2, eff. March 9, 1964; 1965, No. 120, § 1; 1973, No. 156 (Adj. Sess.), § 1, eff. March 15, 1974; 1977, No. 29, eff. April 1, 1977; 1979, No. 46, § 1, eff. April 26, 1979; 1979, No. 196 (Adj. Sess.), eff. May 6, 1980; 1981, No. 87, § 10; 1981, No. 172 (Adj. Sess.), § 3; 1983, No. 112 (Adj. Sess.); 1983, No. 252 (Adj. Sess.), § 1; 1985, No. 85, § 10; 1985, No. 124 (Adj. Sess.), § 4, eff. April 18, 1986; 1987, No. 145 (Adj. Sess.), § 2, eff. May 13, 1988; 1989, No. 51, § 20; 1995, No. 119 (Adj. Sess.), § 1, eff. April 25, 1996; 2001, No. 69, § 10, eff. Jan. 1, 2002; 2001, No. 75 (Adj. Sess.), § 4; 2001, No. 102 (Adj. Sess.), § 12; 2001, No. 139 (Adj. Sess.), § 3, eff. May 15, 2002; 2005, No. 175 (Adj. Sess.), §§ 32, 41; 2009, No. 50, § 43; 2011, No. 128 (Adj. Sess.), § 16; 2015, No. 159 (Adj. Sess.), § 19; 2019, No. 131 (Adj. Sess.), § 146; 2021, No. 20, § 232; 2023, No. 78, § G.112, eff. January 1, 2024; 2025, No. 66, § 34, eff. July 1, 2025.)
§ 367a. Special purpose truck plates; penalties
The misuse of a vehicle registered under the provisions of a special purpose truck
plate under the provisions of section 367 of this title shall be a traffic violation as defined in section 2302 of this title and shall be punishable by a civil penalty of $100.00 for a first offense and by
a civil penalty of $200.00 for a second offense occurring within 12 months. Upon a
conviction for a second offense, the owner shall be required to register the vehicle
at the same rate as provided in subsection 367(a) of this title for other commercial trucks. (Added 1995, No. 119 (Adj. Sess.), § 2, eff. April 25, 1996; amended 2019, No. 131 (Adj. Sess.), § 147.)
§ 367b. Use of wreckers
A motor truck that is registered as a wrecker may tow a motor vehicle on the highway
without the towed vehicle being required to be registered. (Added 2007, No. 20, § 3.)
§ 368. Misuse of farm registration
(a) A person shall not operate or move upon a highway a motor truck registered as a farm
truck:
(1) with a gross weight, including load and vehicle, exceeding the weight for which it
is registered under section 367 of this title; or
(2) for any purpose other than the transportation of agricultural products produced on,
or materials to be used in connection with the operation of, a farm.
(b) Any truck operated or moved in violation of this statute shall be required to be registered
as a commercial truck and any person in violation of this section shall be assessed
a civil penalty of not more than $175.00 for each offense. (Amended 1971, No. 228 (Adj. Sess.), § 8; 1993, No. 65, § 2; 2001, No. 139 (Adj. Sess.), § 4; 2019, No. 131 (Adj. Sess.), § 148.)
§ 369. Tractors other than farm tractors
The annual fee for registration of a tractor, except farm tractors as otherwise provided
in this chapter, shall be based on the actual weight of such tractor at the same rate
as that provided for trucks of like weight under the provisions of this chapter. The
minimum fee for registering any tractor shall be $20.00. (Amended 1964, No. 19 (Sp. Sess.), § 3, eff. March 9, 1964; 1975, No. 213 (Adj. Sess.), § 1, eff. April 1, 1976; 1981, No. 87, § 11; 1989, No. 51, § 21; 2001, No. 139 (Adj. Sess.), § 5; 2015, No. 158 (Adj. Sess.), § 79.)
§ 370. Farm trucks, tractors, and trailers
(a) Notwithstanding any other provisions of law relating to registration fees for motor
vehicles or trailers, farm tractors and farm trailers may be operated on the highway
without being subject to a registration fee.
(b) Subsection (a) of this section shall not be construed to prevent unregistered farm
trucks that are not “agricultural custom service vehicles” as defined in subdivision 4(70) of this title when being used exclusively for farm work:
(1) from being moved upon a highway within the confines of the farm; or
(2) from being moved upon highways from one farm to another.
(c) Subsections (a) and (b) of this section shall not be construed to prevent the:
(1) operation of an unregistered tractor hired by a municipal corporation in the upkeep
and maintenance of the highways; or
(2) operation of a tractor for plowing or removing snow from such highway within such
corporation.
(d) All farm trucks, other than those provided for in subsection (b) of this section,
shall be subject to the registration requirements of subsection 367(f) of this title and shall be exempt from the permit requirements of sections 1400 and 1400a of this title, provided the gross weight of the farm truck does not exceed 60,000 pounds and the
vehicle is in compliance with the provisions of subsection 1391(a) of this title.
(e) A farm tractor or a farm trailer shall be exempt from the permit requirements of sections
1400 and 1400a of this title. (Amended 1975, No. 213 (Adj. Sess.), § 2, eff. April 1, 1976; 2001, No. 139 (Adj. Sess.), § 6.)
§ 371. Trailer and semi-trailer
(a)(1) The one-year and two-year fees for registration of a trailer or semi-trailer, except
a contractor’s trailer or farm trailer, shall be as follows:
(A) $33.00 and $62.00, respectively, when such trailer or semi-trailer has a gross weight
of trailer and load of 1,500 pounds or less.
(B) $63.00 and $123.00, respectively, when such trailer or semi-trailer has a gross weight
of trailer and load of more than 1,500 pounds and is drawn by a vehicle of the pleasure
car type.
(C) $63.00 and $123.00, respectively, when such trailer or semi-trailer is drawn by a
motor truck or tractor, when such trailer or semi-trailer has a gross weight of more
than 1,500 pounds but less than 3,000 pounds.
(D) $63.00 and $123.00, respectively, when such trailer or semi-trailer is used in combination
with a truck-tractor or motor truck registered at the fee provided for combined vehicles
under section 367 of this title. Excepting for the fees, the provisions of this subdivision shall not apply to trailer
coaches as defined in section 4 of this title nor to modular homes being transported by trailer or semi-trailer.
(2) The one-year and two-year fees for registration of a contractor’s trailer shall be
$237.00 and $473.00, respectively.
(b)(1) A trailer or semi-trailer, except a farm trailer, may be registered for a period of
five years for a fee equal to five times the annual fee established by subsection
(a) of this section.
(2) Any registration made for a period of five years shall cost the full fee regardless
of the month in which the registration is made, but a five-year registration may be
transferred or cancelled in the same manner as an annual registration. (Amended 1963, No. 223, § 4; 1964, No. 19 (Sp. Sess.), § 4, eff. March 9, 1964; 1967, No. 37, § 1; 1975, No. 90, § 4; 1981, No. 87, § 12; 1983, No. 102 (Adj. Sess.), § 2; 1989, No. 51, § 22; 2001, No. 102 (Adj. Sess.), § 13, eff. May 15, 2002; 2005, No. 175 (Adj. Sess.), § 33; 2009, No. 50, § 44; 2011, No. 128 (Adj. Sess.), § 17; 2013, No. 57, § 6; 2015, No. 159 (Adj. Sess.), § 20; 2023, No. 78, § G.113, eff. January 1, 2024.)
§ 371a. Exemptions from registration
(a) Notwithstanding any other provisions of law relating to registration fees for trailers,
the following shall be exempt from registration:
(1) wood splitters; and
(2) pole dinkeys.
(b) When any such trailer is used upon a public highway it shall have attached a red reflector
that shall be so displayed as to be clearly visible from the rear, under normal atmospheric
conditions, or a reflectorized slow moving vehicle symbol of a standard type approved
by the Commissioner.
(c) A person in violation of this section shall be assessed a civil penalty of not more
than $25.00 for each offense. (Added 1981, No. 72; amended 2019, No. 131 (Adj. Sess.), § 149.)
§ 372. Motor bus
The annual fee for registration of a motor bus shall be based on the actual weight
of such bus, plus passenger carrying capacity at 150 pounds per person, and shall
be $2.40 per 100 pounds of such weight, except for motor buses registered under section 372a or 376 of this title. Fractions of a hundred-weight shall be disregarded. The minimum fee for the registration
of any motor bus shall be $43.00. (Amended 1981, No. 87, § 13; 1989, No. 51, § 23; 2009, No. 50, § 74; 2015, No. 159 (Adj. Sess.), § 21; 2023, No. 78, § G.114, eff. January 1, 2024.)
§ 372a. Local transit public transportation service
(a) The annual registration fee for any motor bus used in local transit or public transportation
service shall be $75.00, except for those vehicles owned by a municipality for such
service that are subject to the provisions of section 376 of this title. In the event a bus registered for local transit or public transportation service
is subsequently registered for general use during the same registration year, such
fee shall be applied toward the fee for general registration.
(b) As used in this section, a motor bus used in public transportation service is a motor
bus used by a nonprofit public transit system as defined in 24 V.S.A. § 5088(3), and a motor bus used in local transit is a motor bus used entirely within or not
more than 100 miles beyond the boundaries of a city or town. (Amended 1989, No. 51, § 24; 2001, No. 102 (Adj. Sess.), § 14, eff. May 15, 2002; 2009, No. 50, § 75; 2015, No. 159 (Adj. Sess.), § 22; 2017, No. 71, § 7; 2017, No. 113 (Adj. Sess.), § 152; 2021, No. 20, § 233; 2023, No. 78, § G.115, eff. January 1, 2024.)
§ 373. Exhibition vehicles; year of manufacture plates
(a) The annual fee for the registration of a motor vehicle that is maintained for use
in exhibitions, club activities, parades, and other functions of public interest and
that is not used for general daily transportation of passengers or property on any
highway shall be $26.00, in lieu of fees otherwise provided by law. Permitted use
shall include:
(1) use in exhibitions, club activities, parades, and other functions of public interest;
and
(2) occasional transportation of passengers or property not more than one day per week.
(b) Pursuant to the provisions of section 304 of this title, one registration plate shall be issued to those vehicles registered under subsection
(a) of this section.
(c) Vermont registration plates issued prior to 1968 may be displayed on a motor vehicle
registered under this section instead of the plate issued under this section, if the
issued plate is maintained within the vehicle and produced upon request of any enforcement
officer as defined in subdivision 4(11) of this title. (Amended 1981, No. 87, § 14; 1989, No. 51, § 25; 1989, No. 82, § 2; 2001, No. 102 (Adj. Sess.), § 15, eff. May 15, 2002; 2009, No. 50, § 96; 2015, No. 158 (Adj. Sess.), § 60; 2015, No. 159 (Adj. Sess.), § 23; 2017, No. 71, § 8; 2023, No. 78, § G.116, eff. January 1, 2024.)
§ 374. Jitney
The annual fee for registration of a jitney designed to carry not more than seven
persons, including the operator, shall be the same as is required for the registration
of a motor vehicle of the pleasure car type. When a jitney is designed to carry more
than seven passengers, including the operator, the fee shall be the same as is required
for the registration of a motor bus of like passenger carrying capacity.
§ 375. Repealed. 1971, No. 150 (Adj. Sess.), § 3, eff. Jan. 1, 1973.
§ 376. State, municipal, fire department, and rescue organization motor vehicles
(a) A fee shall not be charged for registration of motor vehicles owned by the State.
(b) The fee for registration of a motor vehicle owned by any municipality in this State
and used entirely by it or any other municipality for municipal purposes shall be
$15.00 in lieu of fees otherwise specified in this chapter. For purposes of this subsection,
the term municipality shall include county-owned vehicles. The Commissioner shall
issue specially designed registration plates for county-owned sheriffs’ departments’
vehicles.
(c) The registration fee for registration of a motor truck, trailer, ambulance, or other
motor vehicle, owned by a volunteer fire department or other volunteer firefighting
organization or other organization conducting rescue operations and used solely for
fire fighting or rescue purposes shall be $15.00 in lieu of fees otherwise specified
in this chapter. A motor vehicle or trailer registered under this section shall be
plainly marked on both sides of the body or cab to indicate its ownership.
(d) The use of a school bus owned by a municipality in this State, whether or not that
use is compensated, shall be considered a municipal purpose within the meaning of
this section.
(e) [Repealed.]
(f) A replacement registration plate shall be provided by the Commissioner upon the payment
of a fee of $11.00.
(g)(1) The fee for registration of a motor vehicle obtained from the government as excess
government property, or a vehicle purchased with 100 percent federal funds and used
for federally supported local programs, shall be $14.00, in lieu of fees otherwise
specified in this chapter. The Commissioner shall determine the eligibility as to
whether or not the motor vehicle qualifies for this registration and ownership of
the vehicle shall be plainly marked on both sides of the body or cab.
(2) The registration of a vehicle used for other than federally supported local programs
shall be revoked.
(h)(1) The EV infrastructure fee, required pursuant to subsections 361(b) and (c) of this
subchapter, shall not be charged for vehicles owned by the State.
(2) The EV infrastructure fee, required pursuant to subsections 361(b) and (c) of this
subchapter, shall not be charged for vehicles that are owned by any county or municipality
in the State and used by that county or municipality or another county or municipality
in this State for county or municipal purposes.
(i)(1) The EV infrastructure fee, required pursuant to subsections 361(b) and (c) of this
subchapter, shall not be charged for a motor truck, trailer, ambulance, or other
motor vehicle that is:
(A) owned by a volunteer fire department or other volunteer firefighting organization,
an ambulance service, or an organization conducting rescue operations; and
(B) used solely for firefighting, emergency medical, or rescue purposes, or any combination
of those activities.
(2) A motor vehicle or trailer subject to the provisions of this subsection shall be
plainly marked on both sides of the body or cab to indicate its ownership. (Amended 1961, No. 50, eff. April 1, 1962; 1963, No. 190; 1967, No. 129, § 10; 1971, No. 150 (Adj. Sess.), § 2, eff. Jan. 1, 1973; 1975, No. 192 (Adj. Sess.), § 2; 1977, No. 258 (Adj. Sess.), § 3, eff. April 19, 1978; 1979, No. 42; 1979, No. 190 (Adj. Sess.), § 2; 1981, No. 87, § 15; 1989, No. 51, § 26; 1989, No. 82, § 3, eff. Jan. 1, 1990; 1997, No. 39, § 6; 2015, No. 159 (Adj. Sess.), § 24; 2023, No. 78, § G.117, eff. January 1, 2024; 2025, No. 66, § 6, eff. July 1, 2025.)
§ 377. Government-owned vehicles
The Commissioner shall have authority to issue registration certificates and registration
number plates without charge to passenger car vehicles, not otherwise required to
be registered under the provisions of this title, owned by the U.S. government, other
states, or provinces. (Amended 2019, No. 131 (Adj. Sess.), § 150.)
§ 378. Veterans’ exemptions
No fees, including the annual emissions fee required pursuant to 3 V.S.A. § 2822(m)(1) and the electric vehicle infrastructure fees required pursuant to section 361 of
this subchapter, shall be charged to a veteran of the U.S. Armed Forces who received
a discharge under other than dishonorable conditions and is a resident of the State
of Vermont for the registration of a motor vehicle that the veteran has acquired with
financial assistance from the U.S. Department of Veterans Affairs, or for the registration
of a motor vehicle owned by the veteran during the veteran’s lifetime obtained as
a replacement thereof, when the veteran’s application is accompanied by a copy of
an approved VA Form 21-4502 issued by the U.S. Department of Veterans Affairs certifying
the veteran to be entitled to the financial assistance. (Amended 1975, No. 38, § 1; 2017, No. 206 (Adj. Sess.), § 4; 2025, No. 66, § 7, eff. July 1, 2025.)
§§ 379, 380. Repealed. 1979, No. 34, § 4, eff. Nov. 1, 1979.
§ 381. Fees turned over to State Treasurer
(a) Except as otherwise provided, all fees for registering motor vehicles, licensing operators,
and all other motor vehicle fees shall be collected by the Commissioner and immediately
paid into the State Treasury or deposited to a bank to the credit of the State Treasurer
as the State Treasurer may direct.
(b)-(d) [Repealed.]
(e) Whenever a payment is received that is less than, but within $0.99 of, the required
fee, the transaction shall be processed. The Commissioner may determine that action
will not be taken to collect the missing portion of the fee. When a payment up to
$1.00 greater than the required fee is received, the excess shall not be refunded. (Amended 1987, No. 89, § 309; 1987, No. 241 (Adj. Sess.), § 12; 1991, No. 89; 1997, No. 61, § 240; 2011, No. 164 (Adj. Sess.), § 3; 2023, No. 85 (Adj. Sess.), § 266, eff. July 1, 2024.)
§ 382. Diesel-powered pleasure cars
Notwithstanding any other provision of law, the annual registration fee for a pleasure
car or tractor, truck-tractor, or motor truck up to 6,000 pounds powered by fuel as
defined in section 3002 of this title shall be $89.00, and the biennial fee shall be $163.00. (Added 1999, No. 154 (Adj. Sess.), § 10; amended 2015, No. 159 (Adj. Sess.), § 25; 2023, No. 78, § G.118, eff. January 1, 2024.)
-
Subchapter 004: REGISTRATION OF DEALERS AND TRANSPORTERS
§ 450. Definition
As used in this subchapter, “vehicle or motorboat” means a motor vehicle, snowmobile,
motorboat, or all-terrain vehicle. (Added 2015, No. 50, § 2.)
§ 450a. Dealer registration; eligibility
(a) A person shall not be eligible to register as a dealer unless the person:
(1) Has no previous record of willful violations of dealer laws or rules in this or any
other jurisdiction.
(2) For initial and renewal applicants, has not had a conviction or been incarcerated
for a conviction for extortion, forgery, fraud, larceny, or embezzlement in this or
any other jurisdiction within the 10 years prior to the application.
(3) Has no unsatisfied judgments against the person arising out of violations of consumer
protection laws in Vermont or any other jurisdiction.
(4) Owns real estate (as defined in 1 V.S.A. § 132) as his or her place of business or has a lease with an expiration date not earlier
than the last day of the registration year for which registration is sought under
the provisions of this subchapter, which includes a building of at least 1,200 square
feet in size used primarily for the business of the dealership. The building shall
have adequate facilities for the maintenance of the records required by law to be
kept including those required by section 466 of this title.
(b) In addition to the requirements of subsection (a) of this section, a person shall
not be eligible to register as a dealer in cars, motor trucks, motorcycles, or motor-driven
cycles unless the person presents proof of compliance with the provisions of section 800 of this title at the time application for registration is made.
(c) In addition to the requirements of subsections (a) and (b) of this section, a person
shall not be eligible to register as a dealer in cars or motor trucks unless the person
is open for business at least 146 days during the calendar year. The applicant shall
provide the Commissioner with the hours of operation of the business that the person
shall maintain during the registration period at the time of the application. (Added 2015, No. 50, § 2; amended 2025, No. 18, § 38, eff. May 13, 2025.)
§ 451. Dealer’s certificate
(a) Instead of registering each motor vehicle owned by him or her, a dealer may apply
under oath to the Commissioner, upon forms prescribed and furnished by the Commissioner
for that purpose, and accompanied by such additional information and certifications
as the Commissioner may reasonably require, for a general distinguishing number for
such motor vehicles. If the Commissioner is satisfied that the applicant meets all
the requirements of section 4 and chapter 7 of this title and is qualified to engage
in such business, the Commissioner may issue to the applicant a certificate of registration
containing the name, place of residence, and address of such applicant, the general
distinguishing number assigned, and such additional information as the Commissioner
may determine. If a dealer has a place of business or agency in more than one city
or town, he or she shall file an application and secure a certificate of registration
for each place of business or agency. The place of business or agency shall mean a
place in any town where motor vehicles owned by a dealer are regularly kept or exposed
for sale in the custody or control of the dealer or a salesman, employee, or agent
of such dealer. In his or her discretion, the Commissioner may assign the same distinguishing
number with more than one certificate to any dealer who has separate places of business
within the same or an adjacent city or town within Vermont. The Commissioner may allow
a dealer having one distinguishing number with more than one certificate to maintain
only one central area for the maintenance of records required by law to be kept, including
those required by section 466 of this title and for the transfer of motor vehicles. This location must be in Vermont and must
be disclosed on the application prior to approval and may be changed only with the
approval of the Commissioner or his or her agent. Dealer registration plates shall
contain letters indicating the type of dealer certificate issued before the distinguishing
number.
(b) With the prior approval of the Commissioner, a Vermont dealer may display vehicles
on a temporary basis, but in no instance for more than 14 consecutive days, at a fair,
show, exhibition, or other off-site location. New vehicles may only be displayed off-site
within the manufacturer’s stated area of responsibility in the franchise agreement.
No sales may be transacted at these off-site locations. A dealer desiring to display
vehicles temporarily at an off-site location shall notify the Commissioner in a manner
prescribed by the Commissioner no less than two days prior to the first day for which
approval is requested.
(c) A dealer in new or used motor vehicles may temporarily transfer possession of a vehicle
owned by the dealer on consignment to a registered auction dealer or Vermont licensed
auctioneer to be sold at public or private wholesale auction by the auction dealer
or Vermont licensed auctioneer.
(d) The issuance of snowmobile, motorboat, and all-terrain vehicle dealer registrations
are governed by this chapter and sections 3204, 3305, and 3504 of this title, respectively. (Amended 1965, No. 204, § 2; 1995, No. 19, § 11, eff. April 17, 1995; 1995, No. 112 (Adj. Sess.), § 7, eff. April 22, 1996; 1999, No. 31, § 3; 2013, No. 57, § 8; 2015, No. 50, § 2.)
§ 452. Expiration
Unless otherwise specifically provided or unless canceled, revoked, or suspended,
dealers’ registrations and certificates shall become void one year from the first
day of the month of issue. The Commissioner may renew dealer registrations for two
years and may stagger expiration dates. (Amended 1965, No. 70, § 5; 1999, No. 31, § 4.)
§ 453. Fees and number plates
(a)(1) An application for registration as a dealer in new or used cars or motor trucks shall
be accompanied by a fee of $603.00 for each certificate issued in such dealer’s name.
The Commissioner shall furnish free of charge with each dealer’s registration certificate
three number plates showing the distinguishing number assigned such dealer. The Commissioner
may furnish additional plates according to the volume of the dealer’s sales in the
prior year or, in the case of an initial registration, according to the dealer’s reasonable
estimate of expected sales, as follows:
(A) under 20 sales: 0 additional plates;
(B) 20-49 sales: 1 additional plate;
(C) 50-99 sales: up to 5 additional plates;
(D) 100-249 sales: up to 12 additional plates;
(E) 250-499 sales: up to 17 additional plates;
(F) 500-749 sales: up to 27 additional plates;
(G) 750-999 sales: up to 37 additional plates;
(H) 1,000-1,499 sales: up to 47 additional plates;
(I) 1,500 or more: up to 57 additional plates.
(2) If the issuance of additional plates is authorized under subdivision (1) of this subsection,
up to two plates shall be provided free of charge, and the Commissioner shall collect
$66.00 for each additional plate thereafter.
(b) Application by a “dealer in farm tractors or other self-propelled farm implements,”
which shall mean a person actively engaged in the business of selling or exchanging
new or used farm tractors or other self-propelled farm implements, for such dealer
registration shall annually be accompanied by a fee of $94.00. The Commissioner shall
furnish free of charge with each such dealer registration certificate two sets of
number plates showing the distinguishing number assigned such dealer and in the Commissioner’s
discretion may furnish further sets of plates at a fee of $12.00 per set; such number
plates may, however, be displayed only upon a farm tractor or other self-propelled
farm implement.
(c) Application by a “dealer in motorized highway building equipment and road making appliances,”
which shall mean a person actively engaged in the business of selling or exchanging
new or used motorized highway building equipment or road making appliances, for such
dealer registration shall annually be accompanied by a fee of $148.00. The Commissioner
shall furnish free of charge with each such dealer registration certificate two sets
of number plates showing the distinguishing number assigned such dealer and in the
Commissioner’s discretion may furnish further sets of plates at a fee of $30.00 per
set; such number plates may, however, be displayed only upon motorized highway building
equipment or road making appliances.
(d) If a dealer is engaged only in the business of selling or exchanging motorcycles or
motor-driven cycles, the registration fee shall be $75.00, which shall include three
number plates. The Commissioner may, in the Commissioner’s discretion, furnish further
sets of plates at a fee of $10.00 for each set.
(e) If a dealer is engaged only in the business of selling or exchanging trailers, semi-trailers,
or trailer coaches, the registration fee shall be $148.00, which shall include three
number plates; such number plates may, however, be displayed only upon a trailer,
semi-trailer, or trailer coach. The Commissioner may, in the Commissioner’s discretion,
furnish further plates at a fee of $10.00 for each such plate.
(f) In any year that number plates are reused, the Commissioner shall not be required
to issue new number plates to persons renewing registrations under this section.
(g) The Commissioner of Motor Vehicles shall not issue a dealer’s certificate of registration
to a dealer in new or used motor vehicles, unless the dealer has provided the Commissioner
with a surety bond, letter of credit, or certificate of deposit issued by an entity
authorized to transact business in the same state. The amount of such surety bond,
letter of credit, or certificate of deposit shall be between $20,000.00 and $35,000.00,
based on the number of new or used units sold in the previous year; such schedule
is to be determined by the Commissioner of Motor Vehicles. In the case of a certificate
of deposit, it shall be issued in the name of the dealer and assigned to the Commissioner
or his or her designee. The bond, letter of credit, or certificate of deposit shall
serve as indemnification for any monetary loss suffered by the State or by a purchaser
of a motor vehicle by reason of the dealer’s failure to remit to the Commissioner
any fees collected by the dealer under the provisions of chapters 7 and 21 of this
title or by a dealer’s failure to remit to the Commissioner any tax collected by the
dealer under 32 V.S.A. chapter 219. This State or the motor vehicle owner who suffers such loss or damage shall have
the right to claim against the surety upon the bond or against the letter of credit
or certificate of deposit. The bond, letter of credit, or certificate of deposit shall
remain in effect for the pending registration year and one year thereafter. The liability
of any such surety or claim against the letter of credit or certificate of deposit
shall be limited to the amount of the fees or tax collected by the dealer under chapters
7 and 21 of this title or 32 V.S.A. chapter 219 and not remitted to the Commissioner.
(h) Applications by a snowmobile, motorboat, or all-terrain vehicle dealer shall be accompanied
by the fees prescribed in sections 3204, 3305, and 3504 of this title, respectively. (Amended 1961, No. 286, § 4; 1967, No. 129, § 6; 1977, No. 81, § 3, eff. April 27, 1977; 1981, No. 87, § 16; 1987, No. 190 (Adj. Sess.), § 2; 1989, No. 51, § 29; 2001, No. 102 (Adj. Sess.), § 16, eff. May 15, 2002; 2009, No. 152 (Adj. Sess.), § 13; 2009, No. 152 (Adj. Sess.), § 19c, eff. Sept. 1, 2010; 2013, No. 189 (Adj. Sess.), § 29; 2015, No. 50, § 2; 2015, No. 159 (Adj. Sess.), § 26; 2023, No. 41, § 7, eff. November 1, 2023; 2023, No. 78, § G.119, eff. January 1, 2024.)
§ 454. Dealer’s use of vehicles or motorboats
(a) A motor vehicle owned by a dealer may be operated, while so owned, under the distinguishing
number assigned to him or her as provided in this subchapter, for the following purposes
and uses:
(1) For the purpose of testing or adjusting the vehicle in the immediate vicinity of his
or her place of business.
(2) For some purpose directly connected with the dealer business, purchasing, selling,
or exchanging motor vehicles by the dealer. The words “directly connected” for the
purposes of this subdivision shall not be construed to include towing service unless
the disabled vehicle is being towed to or from the dealer’s place of business for
repair purposes, nor shall it include the transport of crushed vehicles unless all
of the vehicles being so transported are properly recorded in the records of the dealer
as required by section 466 of this title.
(3) For a demonstration when the prospective purchaser is operating the vehicle, and then
only for a period not to exceed three days.
(4) For the temporary accommodation of a customer of the dealer when a motor vehicle properly
registered under the law of the state of residence of the customer, because of crash
or wear, is disabled and is left with the dealer for repairs and then only for a period
not exceeding seven days.
(5) For the private pleasure use of the dealer and members of his or her immediate family
residing in the same household.
(6) For the use of the vehicles at funerals or in public parades when no charge or rental
is made for the use.
(b) The word “dealer” for the purposes of subdivision (a)(5) of this section shall include
such of the principal officers of a corporation registered as dealer and such of the
partners in a co-partnership registered as dealer as are actively and principally
engaged in the motor vehicle business and in any event shall include only those persons
listed on the application for a registered dealer submitted to the Department, but
shall not include directors and stockholders nor inactive and silent partners.
(c) A snowmobile, motorboat, or all-terrain vehicle dealer may only use a dealer’s number
plate or dealer registration number in accordance with sections 3204, 3305, and 3504 of this title, respectively. (Amended 1965, No. 204, § 9; 1975, No. 218 (Adj. Sess.), §§ 7a, 7b, eff. April 1, 1976; 1995, No. 112 (Adj. Sess.), § 8, eff. April 22, 1996; 2015, No. 50, § 2.)
§ 455. Use by others than dealer
A person, other than a dealer, shall not operate a motor vehicle under the provisions
of section 454 of this title unless such person carries a written authority so to do signed by the dealer whose
motor vehicle such person is operating.
§ 456. Employees’ use of vehicles, motorboats restricted
Employees of a dealer shall not operate, and a dealer shall not permit them to operate,
vehicles or motorboats with dealer’s registration number plates or registration numbers
displayed thereon, except for business purposes of the dealer, or in traveling directly
between their homes and the place of their employer’s business. (Amended 1995, No. 112 (Adj. Sess.), § 9, eff. April 22, 1996; 2015, No. 50, § 2.)
§ 457. Temporary plates
At the time of the issuance of a registration certificate to a dealer as provided
in this chapter, the Commissioner shall furnish the dealer with a sufficient number
of number plates, temporary number plates, or temporary decals for use during the
60-day period immediately following sale of a vehicle or motorboat by the dealer.
The plates and decals shall have the same general design as the plates or decals furnished
individual owners, but the plates and decals may be of a material and color as the
Commissioner may determine. The Commissioner shall collect a fee of $6.00 for each
temporary plate issued. (Amended 1967, No. 356 (Adj. Sess.), § 2; 1969, No. 276 (Adj. Sess.), § 5; 1975, No. 68, § 2, eff. April 18, 1975; 1985, No. 30, § 1; 1989, No. 51, § 30; 1997, No. 39, § 3; 2001, No. 102 (Adj. Sess.), § 17, eff. May 15, 2002; 2015, No. 47, § 11; 2015, No. 159 (Adj. Sess.), § 27; 2023, No. 41, § 8, eff. November 1, 2023; 2023, No. 78, § G.120, eff. January 1, 2024.)
§ 458. Temporary plate on sold or exchanged vehicles
On the day of the sale or exchange of a motor vehicle, motorboat, snowmobile, or all-terrain
vehicle to be registered in this State, a dealer may issue to the purchaser, for attachment
to the motor vehicle, snowmobile, or all-terrain vehicle, or to be carried in or on
the motorboat, a number plate, a temporary number plate, or a temporary decal, provided
that the purchaser deposits with such dealer, for transmission to the Commissioner,
a properly executed application for the registration of such motor vehicle, motorboat,
snowmobile, or all-terrain vehicle and the required fee. If a properly licensed purchaser
either attaches to the motor vehicle, snowmobile, or all-terrain vehicle or carries
in the motorboat such number plate or decal, the purchaser may operate the same for
a period not to exceed 60 consecutive days immediately following the purchase. (Amended 1967, No. 356 (Adj. Sess.), § 3; 1975, No. 68, § 3, eff. April 18, 1975; 1997, No. 39, § 4; 2015, No. 47, § 12; 2019, No. 131 (Adj. Sess.), § 153; 2023, No. 41, § 9, eff. November 1, 2023.)
§ 459. Notice, application, and fees to Commissioner
(a) Upon issuing a number plate, a temporary number plate, or a temporary decal to a purchaser,
a dealer shall have 15 calendar days, or up to 30 calendar days as applicable pursuant
to subsection 2015(b) of this title, to forward to the Commissioner the application and fee, deposited with the dealer
by the purchaser, together with notice of such issue and such other information as
the Commissioner may require.
(b) If a number plate with a temporary registration plate or a temporary decal is not
issued by a dealer in connection with the sale or exchange of a vehicle or motorboat,
the dealer may accept from the purchaser a properly executed registration, tax, and
title application and the required fees for transmission to the Commissioner. The
dealer shall have 15 calendar days, or up to 30 calendar days as applicable pursuant
to subsection 2015(b) of this title, to forward to the Commissioner the application and fee together with such other
information as the Commissioner may require. (Amended 1987, No. 190 (Adj. Sess.), § 3; 1999, No. 31, § 5; 2009, No. 152 (Adj. Sess.), § 13; 2015, No. 47, § 13; 2019, No. 60, § 21; 2023, No. 41, § 10, eff. November 1, 2023.)
§ 460. Dealer’s use of temporary plates restricted
A dealer shall not use, attach, or issue temporary number plates except as provided
in sections 458, 459, and 463 of this title.
§ 461. Destruction of temporary plates
Unless otherwise directed by the Commissioner, at the expiration of the period of
60 days, the purchaser shall destroy the temporary number plates. (Amended 1967, No. 356 (Adj. Sess.), § 4; 1975, No. 68, § 4, eff. April 18, 1975; 1997, No. 39, § 5.)
§ 462. Cancellation, revocation, or suspension of dealer’s registration
(a) The Commissioner may cancel, revoke, or suspend the registration of a dealer under
the provisions of this chapter or section 3204, 3305, or 3504 of this title whenever, after the dealer has been afforded the opportunity of a hearing before
the Commissioner or upon conviction in any court in any jurisdiction, it appears that
the dealer has willfully violated any vehicle or motorboat law of this State or any
lawful rule of the Commissioner applying to dealers, or when it appears that the dealer
has engaged in fraudulent or unlawful practices related to the purchase, sale, or
exchange of vehicles or motorboats. A dealer whose registration has been canceled,
revoked, or suspended shall immediately return to the Commissioner the registration
certificate and any and all number plates numbers, or decals furnished to the dealer
by the Commissioner, and the privilege to operate, purchase, sell, or exchange vehicles
or motorboats under the dealer’s number shall cease. An application for a new dealer’s
registration for that dealer will not be considered until a revocation period has
been served.
(b) A fee of $30.00 shall be paid to the Commissioner prior to the reinstatement of any
dealer’s registration that has been suspended for cause. (Amended 1965, No. 204, § 4; 1987, No. 190 (Adj. Sess.), § 4; 1997, No. 59, § 74, eff. June 30, 1997; 1999, No. 31, § 6; 2015, No. 50, § 2; 2023, No. 85 (Adj. Sess.), § 268, eff. July 1, 2024.)
§ 463. Sale of vehicle to go out of State
A registered motor vehicle dealer is authorized to issue an in-transit registration
permit for the purpose of movement over the highways of certain motor vehicles otherwise
required to be registered when these vehicles are sold in this State to be transported
to and registered in another state or province. The Commissioner of Motor Vehicles
shall, upon request, provide registered motor vehicle dealers with such numbers of
applications and special in-transit number plates for vehicles sold in this State
to be transported to and registered in another state or province as shall be necessary.
The Commissioner is authorized to charge a fee of $8.00 for the processing of the
plate application and the issuance of the plate. The dealer, upon the sale of a motor
vehicle to be transported to and registered in another state or province, shall cause
the application to be filled out and transmitted to the Commissioner and shall attach
to the vehicle the in-transit number plate corresponding to the application. No registered
motor vehicle dealer shall sell, exchange, give, or transfer any application or in-transit
plate to any person other than the person to whom the dealer sells or exchanges a
motor vehicle to be registered in another state or province. The application shall
be in a form prescribed and furnished by the Commissioner. The special in-transit
number plate to be attached to the vehicle will be issued in the form and design as
prescribed by the Commissioner and shall be valid for a period of 30 days from the
date of issue. (Amended 1967, No. 356 (Adj. Sess.), § 5; 1975, No. 68, § 5, eff. April 18, 1975; 1977, No. 173 (Adj. Sess.), § 2; 1979, No. 30, § 1, eff. April 17, 1979; 1985, No. 30, § 2; 1989, No. 51, § 31; 2001, No. 102 (Adj. Sess.), § 18, eff. May 15, 2002; 2003, No. 35, § 1; 2009, No. 50, § 45; 2015, No. 159 (Adj. Sess.), § 28; 2023, No. 78, § G.121, eff. January 1, 2024.)
§ 464. Return of number plates by dealer
If a dealer comes into possession of a motor vehicle the registration of which has
expired by reason of the provisions of section 321 of this title, and that has number plates attached, he or she shall immediately return such number
plates to the Commissioner. (Amended 2019, No. 131 (Adj. Sess.), § 154.)
§ 465. Loaning of plates, vehicles, or motorboats prohibited
A dealer shall not lend or lease registration certificates, numbers, decals, or number
plates that have been assigned to the dealer under the provisions of this chapter,
nor shall the dealer lend or lease a vehicle or motorboat to which the dealer’s decals,
numbers, or number plates have been attached, nor lend or lease the dealer’s decals,
numbers, or number plates to a subagent. (Amended 1999, No. 31, § 7; 2015, No. 50, § 2; 2023, No. 41, § 11, eff. November 1, 2023.)
§ 466. Records; disclosures; custodian [Effective July 1, 2025; see also 23 V.S.A. § 466 effective until July 1, 2025 set out above]
(a) On a form prescribed or approved by the Commissioner, every licensed dealer shall
maintain and retain for six years a record containing the following information, which
shall be open to inspection by any law enforcement officer or motor vehicle inspector
or other agent of the Commissioner during reasonable business hours:
(1) Every vehicle or motorboat that is bought, sold, or exchanged by the licensee or received
or accepted by the licensee for sale or exchange.
(2) Every vehicle or motorboat that is bought or otherwise acquired and dismantled by
the licensee.
(3) The name and address of the person from whom such vehicle or motorboat was purchased
or acquired, the date thereof, the name and address of the person to whom any such
vehicle or motorboat was sold or otherwise disposed of and the date thereof, and a
sufficient description of every such vehicle or motorboat by name and identifying
numbers thereon to identify the same.
(4) [Repealed.]
(b)(1) On a form prescribed or approved by the Commissioner, a licensed dealer shall provide
written disclosure to each buyer of a used motor vehicle regarding the following:
(A) the month in which the vehicle was last inspected pursuant to section 1222 of this title;
(B) the month in which the inspection shall expire;
(C) whether the most recent inspection was by the dealer currently selling the motor vehicle;
(D) a statement that the condition of the motor vehicle may be different than the condition
at the last inspection, unless inspected by the dealer selling the vehicle for the
current transaction;
(E) a statement regarding the right of a potential buyer to have the vehicle inspected
by an independent qualified mechanic of their choice and at their own expense; and
(F) a clear and conspicuous statement, if applicable, that the vehicle is being transferred
without an inspection sticker, with an expired inspection sticker, or with an inspection
sticker from another state.
(2) The licensed dealer shall maintain and retain record of the disclosure statement,
signed by both the dealer and the buyer, for two years after transfer of ownership.
The record shall be open to inspection by any law enforcement officer or motor vehicle
inspector or other agent of the Commissioner during reasonable business hours.
(c) Every licensed dealer shall designate a custodian of documents who shall have primary
responsibility for administration of documents required to be maintained under this
title. In the absence of the designated custodian, the dealer shall have an ongoing
duty to make such records available for inspection by any law enforcement officer
or motor vehicle inspector or other agent of the Commissioner during reasonable business
hours. (Amended 1969, No. 259 (Adj. Sess.), § 10; 1999, No. 31, § 8; 2005, No. 143 (Adj. Sess.), § 3; 2011, No. 46, § 1; 2015, No. 50, § 2; 2017, No. 206 (Adj. Sess.), § 19, eff. May 30, 2018; 2023, No. 165 (Adj. Sess.), § 35, eff. July 1, 2025.)
§ 467. Dealer duty to report sales, return expired plates
On a form prescribed by the Commissioner, a dealer shall send the reports of sale
to the Commissioner upon the sale and relative to his or her sale or exchange of new
or used vehicles or motorboats, and return to the Commissioner number plates coming
into his or her possession through the sale or exchange of a motor vehicle, the registration
of which has expired under the provisions of section 321 of this title. (Amended 1999, No. 31, § 9; 2015, No. 50, § 2.)
§ 468. General prohibition
A dealer shall not operate a vehicle or motorboat nor permit the same to be operated
under dealer’s registration numbers, except as specifically permitted in this chapter
or under section 3204, 3305, or 3504 of this title. No charge shall be made for any permitted use. (Amended 1999, No. 31, § 10; 2015, No. 50, § 2.)
§§ 469-471. Repealed. 1995, No. 188 (Adj. Sess.), § 4.
§ 472. Evidence of authorization
The Commissioner shall issue suitable documents of authorization of dealership that
shall be displayed at the dealer’s place of business. (Added 1965, No. 204, § 8.)
§ 473. When registration is allowed, required; penalties
(a) A person shall not engage in the business of selling or exchanging vehicles or motorboats,
as defined in subdivision 4(8) of this title, without a dealer registration and obtaining dealer plates or motorboat registrations
in accordance with the provisions of this subchapter and, if applicable, section 3204, 3305, or 3504 of this title. A person may register as a dealer only if he or she is engaged in the business of
selling or exchanging vehicles or motorboats as defined in subdivision 4(8) of this title or, in the case of an initial registration, if the person’s reasonable estimate of
expected sales or exchanges satisfies the minimum thresholds under subdivision 4(8) of this title. A person who violates this section shall be subject to the penalties established
pursuant to section 475 of this title.
(b) A person who misrepresents himself or herself as a dealer in the purchase, sale, or
exchange of a vehicle or motorboat without registering as a dealer, or after the cancellation,
suspension, or revocation of the dealer’s registration, or who makes misrepresentations
to the Department in order to qualify for registration, shall be subject to the penalties
established pursuant to section 475 of this title. (Added 1965, No. 204, § 7; amended 1985, No. 12, § 2; amended 1987, No. 190 (Adj. Sess.), § 7; 1989, No. 204 (Adj. Sess.), § 2; 1999, No. 31, § 11; 2015, No. 50, § 2.)
§ 474. Repealed. 1979, No. 30, § 3, eff. April 17, 1979.
§ 475. Administrative penalties
(a) The Commissioner may impose an administrative penalty of not more than $500.00 for
each violation against a dealer or a transporter who violates the provisions of this
subchapter.
(b) Each violation is a separate and distinct offense, and, in the case of a continuing
violation, each day’s continuance may be deemed a separate and distinct offense. In
no event shall the maximum amount imposed for a continuing offense exceed $1,000.00.
(c) The Commissioner shall adopt rules establishing a schedule of administrative penalties
to be imposed under this section. Penalties shall be based on the severity and frequency
of the violation.
(d) The alleged violator shall be given notice and opportunity for a hearing. Service
of the notice shall be sufficient if sent by first-class mail to the address stated
on the dealer’s certificate of registration. The notice shall include the following:
(1) a factual description of the alleged violation;
(2) a reference to the particular statute allegedly violated;
(3) the amount of the proposed administrative penalty; and
(4) a warning that the person will be deemed to have waived his or her right to a hearing,
that the penalty will be imposed if no hearing is requested within 15 days from date
of notice, and that failure to pay a penalty may result in suspension of his or her
license.
(e) A person who receives notice under subsection (d) of this section shall be deemed
to have waived the right to a hearing unless, within 15 days from the date of the
notice, the person requests a hearing in writing. If the person waives the right to
a hearing, the Commissioner shall issue a final order finding the person in default
and imposing the penalty.
(f) The provisions of sections 105, 106, and 107 of this title shall apply to hearings conducted under this section.
(g) The Commissioner may collect an unpaid administrative penalty by filing a civil action
in Superior Court or through any other means available to State agencies.
(h) If a penalty is not paid within 60 days after it is imposed, the Commissioner may
suspend any license, certificate, registration, or permit issued under this subchapter.
(i) The remedies authorized by this section shall be in addition to any other civil or
criminal remedies provided by law for violation of this subchapter. (Added 1999, No. 31, § 12.)
§ 476. Motor vehicle warranty fee
A motor vehicle warranty fee of $8.00 is imposed on the registration of each new motor
vehicle in this State, not including trailers, tractors, motorized highway building
equipment, road-making appliances, snowmobiles, motorcycles, motor-driven cycles,
or trucks with a gross vehicle weight over 12,000 pounds. (Added 2009, No. 50, § 56; amended 2009, No. 152 (Adj. Sess.), § 19d, eff. Sept. 1, 2010; 2015, No. 159 (Adj. Sess.), § 29; 2023, No. 78, § G.122, eff. January 1, 2024.)
§§ 481-485. Repealed. 1969, No. 259 (Adj. Sess.), § 12.
§ 491. Transporter application; eligibility; use of transporter plates
(a) A transporter may apply for and the Commissioner of Motor Vehicles, in the Commissioner’s
discretion, may issue a certificate of registration and a general distinguishing number
plate. Before a person may be registered as a transporter, the person shall self-certify
the following on a form provided by the Commissioner:
(1) compliance with section 800 of this title; and
(2) that the person either owns or leases a permanent place of business located in this
State where business will be conducted during regularly established business hours
and the required records stored and maintained.
(b) When a transporter displays the transporter’s registration plate, the transporter
or the transporter’s employee or contractor may transport a motor vehicle owned by
the transporter, repossessed, or temporarily in the transporter’s custody, and it
shall be considered properly registered under this title. A transporter’s registration
plates shall not be used for any other purposes and shall not be used by the holder
of such number plates for personal purposes. (Added 1965, No. 106, § 2(a), eff. Feb. 1, 1966; amended 1969, No. 258 (Adj. Sess.), § 2, eff. May 1, 1970; 2015, No. 50, § 2; 2023, No. 165 (Adj. Sess.), § 2, eff. July 1, 2024.)
§ 492. Certificate; expiration
A transporter’s registration certificate shall contain the name, place of residence,
and address of the applicant; the distinguishing number assigned; and such further
information as the Commissioner may determine. It shall expire on the last day of
February next following the date of issue. (Added 1965, No. 106, § 2(b), eff. Feb. 1, 1966.)
§ 493. Loan of plates prohibited
A transporter shall not loan a number plate issued to him or her under this article. (Added 1965, No. 106, § 3, eff. Feb. 1, 1966.)
§ 494. Fees
The annual fee for a transporter’s registration certificate or number plate is $148.00. (Added 1965, No. 106, § 4, eff. Feb. 1, 1966; amended 1967, No. 129, § 8; 1981, No. 87, § 17; 1989, No. 51, § 32; 2001, No. 102 (Adj. Sess.), § 19, eff. May 15, 2002; 2015, No. 159 (Adj. Sess.), § 30; 2023, No. 41, § 12, eff. November 1, 2023; 2023, No. 78, § G.123, eff. January 1, 2024.)
§ 495. Suspension of registration
The Commissioner may cancel a registration certificate issued to a transporter whenever,
after hearing before the Commissioner or upon conviction in any court in this State,
the Commissioner finds that the transporter has violated any motor vehicle law in
this State or any lawful rule of the Commissioner applying to transporters. A transporter
whose certificate has been canceled shall immediately return to the Commissioner the
registration certificate and the number plates furnished to the transporter by the
Commissioner. (Added 1965, No. 106, § 5, eff. Feb. 1, 1966; amended 2023, No. 85 (Adj. Sess.), § 269, eff. July 1, 2024.)
§ 496. Written records
Every transporter shall keep a written record, upon forms prescribed and furnished
by the Commissioner for that purpose, of the motor vehicles upon which such transporter
plate is used and the date and time during which each plate is used on a particular
motor vehicle, which record shall be open to inspection by any law enforcement officer. (Added 1969, No. 258 (Adj. Sess.), § 3, eff. May 1, 1970.)
§ 497. Rulemaking
The Commissioner may adopt rules pursuant to 3 V.S.A. chapter 25 consistent with this
chapter as may be necessary to carry their provisions into effect. The rules may prescribe
what shall be requisite to obtaining or retaining a dealer registration and may, by
way of illustration and not limitation, include requirements regarding maintenance
of knowledge of regulatory criteria, training standards, convictions, ownership or
leasehold interests in real estate, facilities, hours and days of operation, proof
of compliance with any other applicable laws or rules, and any other matter or thing
that, in the Commissioner’s judgment, will contribute to the registration and reasonable
regulation of dealers in order to promote business, prevent fraud, and encourage fair
and honest competition. (Added 1999, No. 31, § 13.)