New DUI law aims to enhance road safety in Vermont | Department of State's Attorneys and Sheriffs

Erica Marthage swearing in before judge

MONTPELIER – This past July, Gov. Phil Scott signed Act 41 into law, a bill significantly clarifying Vermont's Driving Under the Influence (DUI) statutes, allowing for the reporting of DUI offenses on youthful offenders, and including the creation of a new crime for refusing a search warrant in certain DUI cases.

The legislation, which took effect immediately, mandates that juvenile and youthful offender DUI violations be reported to the Department of Motor Vehicles (DMV) for license suspension, insurance, and rehabilitation purposes, just as in adult cases.

“The biggest issue this legislation addresses comes at the intersection between Youthful Offender and DUI reporting,” Erica Marthage, Bennington County’s State’s Attorney, said in an email. “Inexperienced, youthful drivers who drink and drive, at the very minimum, need to be held to the same safety standards as drivers over 21. The legislation needed to be amended to ensure that was happening with Youthful Offender DUI cases.” ...article continued here New DUI law aims to enhance road safety in Vermont | Local News | benningtonbanner.com