Text of VT S 123 (2025)

BILL AS INTRODUCED S.123 2025 Page 1 of 57 VT LEG #379955 v.13 S.123 1 Introduced by Committee on Transportation 2 Date: 3 Subject: Motor vehicles; Department of Motor Vehicles; plug-in electric 4 vehicles (PEVs); veterans; documentation of anatomical gift; 5 disability placards; registration certificates; fees; learner’s permits; 6 licensing examinations; commercial driving instructors; taxes; non- 7 Real ID; operator’s licenses and privilege cards; nondriver 8 identification cards; odometer alteration; convictions; drunken 9 driving; bulk electronic record fees; truck registration fees; excessive 10 speed; tinted windows; number plates 11 Statement of purpose of bill as introduced: This bill proposes to make 12 miscellaneous changes to the laws related to motor vehicles. 13 An act relating to miscellaneous changes to laws related to motor vehicles 14 It is hereby enacted by the General Assembly of the State of Vermont: 15 * * * Plug-in Electric Vehicles * * * 16 Sec. 1. 23 V.S.A. § 4(28) is amended to read: 17 (28) “Pleasure car” shall include all motor vehicles not otherwise 18 defined in this title and shall include plug-in electric vehicles, battery electric 19 BILL AS INTRODUCED S.123 2025 Page 2 of 57 VT LEG #379955 v.13 vehicles, or plug-in hybrid electric vehicles as defined pursuant to subdivision 1 (85) of this section. 2 * * * Veteran’s Designation * * * 3 Sec. 2. 23 V.S.A. § 7 is amended to read: 4 § 7. ENHANCED DRIVER’S LICENSE; MAINTENANCE OF DATABASE 5 INFORMATION; FEE 6 * * * 7 (b)(1) In addition to any other requirement of law or rule, before an 8 enhanced license may be issued to an individual, the individual shall present 9 for inspection and copying satisfactory documentary evidence to determine 10 identity and U.S. citizenship. An A new application shall be accompanied by a 11 photo identity document, documentation showing the individual’s date and 12 place of birth, proof of the individual’s Social Security number, and 13 documentation showing the individual’s principal residence address. New and 14 renewal application forms shall include a space for the applicant to request that 15 a “veteran” designation be placed on the enhanced license. 16 (2) If a veteran, as defined in 38 U.S.C. § 101(2) and including an 17 individual disabled during active military, naval, air, or space service, as 18 defined in 38 U.S.C. § 101(24), requests a veteran designation and provides a 19 Department of Defense Form 214 or other proof of veteran status specified by 20 the Commissioner, and the Office of Veterans’ Affairs confirms the 21 BILL AS INTRODUCED S.123 2025 Page 3 of 57 VT LEG #379955 v.13 individual’s status as an honorably discharged veteran; a veteran discharged 1 under honorable conditions; or an individual disabled during active military, 2 naval, air, or space service, the identification card shall include the term 3 “veteran” on its face. 4 (3) To be issued, an enhanced license must meet the same requirements 5 as those for the issuance of a U.S. passport. Before an application may be 6 processed, the documents and information shall be verified as determined by 7 the Commissioner. 8 (4) Any additional personal identity information not currently required 9 by the U.S. Department of Homeland Security shall need the approval of either 10 the General Assembly or the Legislative Committee on Administrative Rules 11 prior to the implementation of the requirements. 12 * * * 13 * * * Documentation of Anatomical Gift * * * 14 Sec. 3. 23 V.S.A. § 115 is amended to read: 15 § 115. NONDRIVER IDENTIFICATION CARDS 16 * * * 17 (g) An identification card issued to a first-time applicant and any 18 subsequent renewals by that person shall contain a photograph or imaged 19 likeness of the applicant. The photographic identification card shall be 20 available at a location designated by the Commissioner. An individual issued 21 BILL AS INTRODUCED S.123 2025 Page 4 of 57 VT LEG #379955 v.13 an identification card under this subsection that contains an imaged likeness 1 may renew his or her the individual’s identification card by mail. Except that a 2 renewal by an individual required to have a photograph or imaged likeness 3 under this subsection must be made in person so that an updated imaged 4 likeness of the individual is obtained not less often than once every nine years. 5 * * * 6 (k) At the option of the applicant, his or her the applicant’s valid Vermont 7 license may be surrendered in connection with an application for an 8 identification card. In those instances, the fee due under subsection (a) of this 9 section shall be reduced by: 10 * * * 11 (n) The Commissioner shall provide a form that, upon the individual’s 12 execution, shall serve as a document of an anatomical gift under 18 V.S.A. 13 chapter 110. An indicator shall be placed on the nondriver identification card 14 of any individual who has executed an anatomical gift form in accordance with 15 this section. 16 * * * Disability Placards for Volunteer Drivers * * * 17 Sec. 4. 23 V.S.A. § 304a is amended to read: 18 § 304a. SPECIAL REGISTRATION PLATES AND PLACARDS FOR 19 INDIVIDUALS WITH DISABILITIES 20 (a) As used in this section: 21 BILL AS INTRODUCED S.123 2025 Page 5 of 57 VT LEG #379955 v.13 (1) “Ambulatory disability” means an impairment that prevents or 1 impedes walking. An individual shall be considered to have an ambulatory 2 disability if he or she the individual: 3 * * * 4 (F) is severely limited in his or her the individual’s ability to walk 5 due to an arthritic, neurological, or orthopedic condition. 6 * * * 7 (b) Special registration plates or removable windshield placards, or both, 8 shall be issued by the Commissioner. The placard shall be issued without a fee 9 to an individual who is blind or has an ambulatory disability. One set of plates 10 shall be issued without additional fees for a vehicle registered or leased to an 11 individual who is blind or has an ambulatory disability or to a parent or 12 guardian of an individual with a permanent disability. The Commissioner shall 13 issue these placards or plates under rules adopted by him or her the 14 Commissioner after proper application has been made to the Commissioner by 15 any person residing within the State. Application forms shall be available on 16 request at the Department of Motor Vehicles. 17 (1) Upon application for a special registration plate or removable 18 windshield placard, the Commissioner shall send a form prescribed by him or 19 her the Commissioner to the applicant to be signed and returned by a licensed 20 physician, licensed physician assistant, or licensed advanced practice 21 BILL AS INTRODUCED S.123 2025 Page 6 of 57 VT LEG #379955 v.13 registered nurse. The Commissioner shall file the form for future reference 1 and issue the placard or plate. A new application shall be submitted every four 2 years in the case of placards and at every third registration renewal for plates 3 but in no case greater than every four years. When a licensed physician, 4 licensed physician assistant, or licensed advanced practice registered nurse has 5 previously certified to the Commissioner that an applicant’s condition is both 6 permanent and stable, a special registration plate or placard need not be 7 renewed. 8 * * * 9 (3) An individual with a disability who abuses such privileges or allows 10 individuals not disabled to abuse the privileges provided in this section may 11 have this privilege revoked after suitable notice and opportunity for hearing 12 has been given him or her the individual by the Commissioner. Hearings 13 under the provisions of this section shall be held in accordance with sections 14 105–107 of this title and shall be subject to review by the Civil Division of the 15 Superior Court of the county where the individual with a disability resides. 16 (4) An applicant for a registration plate or placard for individuals with 17 disabilities may request the Civil Division of the Superior Court in the county 18 in which he or she the applicant resides to review a decision by the 19 Commissioner to deny his or her the applicant’s application for a special 20 registration plate or placard. 21 BILL AS INTRODUCED S.123 2025 Page 7 of 57 VT LEG #379955 v.13 * * * 1 (6) On a form prescribed by the Commissioner, a nonprofit organization 2 that provides volunteer drivers to transport individuals who have an 3 ambulatory disability or are blind may apply to the Commissioner for a 4 placard. Placards shall be marked “volunteer driver.” The organization shall 5 ensure proper use of placards and maintain an accurate and complete record of 6 the volunteer drivers to whom the placards are given by the organization. 7 Placards shall be returned to the organization when the volunteer driver is no 8 longer performing that service. Abuse of the privileges provided by the 9 placards may result in the privileges being revoked and the placards 10 repossessed by the Commissioner. Revocation may occur only after suitable 11 notice and opportunity for a hearing. Hearings shall be held in accordance 12 with sections 105–107 of this title. 13 * * * 14 (e)(1) An individual, other than an eligible person, who for his or her the 15 individual’s own purposes parks a vehicle in a space for individuals with 16 disabilities shall be subject to a civil penalty of not less than $200.00 for each 17 violation and shall be liable for towing charges. 18 (2) An individual, other than an eligible person, who displays a special 19 registration plate or removable windshield placard not issued to him or her the 20 individual under this section and parks a vehicle in a space for individuals with 21 BILL AS INTRODUCED S.123 2025 Page 8 of 57 VT LEG #379955 v.13 disabilities, shall be subject to a civil penalty of not less than $400.00 for each 1 violation and shall be liable for towing charges. 2 * * * 3 (f) Individuals who have a temporary ambulatory disability may apply for a 4 temporary removable windshield placard to the Commissioner on a form 5 prescribed by him or her the Commissioner. The placard shall be valid for a 6 period of up to six months and displayed as required under the provisions of 7 subsection (c) of this section. The application shall be signed by a licensed 8 physician, licensed physician assistant, or licensed advanced practice 9 registered nurse. The validation period of the temporary placard shall be 10 established on the basis of the written recommendation from a licensed 11 physician, licensed physician assistant, or licensed advanced practice 12 registered nurse. The Commissioner shall adopt rules to implement the 13 provisions of this subsection. 14 * * * Fees * * * 15 Sec. 5. 23 V.S.A. § 115(a) is amended to read: 16 (a)(1) Any Vermont resident may make application to the Commissioner 17 and be issued an identification card that is attested by the Commissioner as to 18 true name, correct age, residential address unless the listing of another address 19 is requested by the applicant or is otherwise authorized by law, and any other 20 identifying data as the Commissioner may require that shall include, in the case 21 BILL AS INTRODUCED S.123 2025 Page 9 of 57 VT LEG #379955 v.13 of minor applicants, the written consent of the applicant’s parent, guardian, or 1 other person standing in loco parentis. 2 (2) Every application for an identification card shall be signed by the 3 applicant and shall contain such evidence of age and identity as the 4 Commissioner may require, consistent with subsection (l) of this section. New 5 and renewal application forms shall include a space for the applicant to request 6 that a “veteran” designation be placed on the applicant’s identification card. If 7 a veteran, as defined in 38 U.S.C. § 101(2) and including an individual 8 disabled during active military, naval, air, or space service, as defined in 38 9 U.S.C. § 101(24), requests a veteran designation and provides a Department of 10 Defense Form 214 or other proof of veteran status specified by the 11 Commissioner, and the Office of Veterans’ Affairs confirms the veteran’s 12 status as an honorably discharged veteran; a veteran discharged under 13 honorable conditions; or an individual disabled during active military, naval, 14 air, or space service, the identification card shall include the term “veteran” on 15 its face. 16 (3) The Commissioner shall require payment of a fee of $29.00 at the 17 time application for an identification card is made, except that an initial 18 nondriver identification card shall be issued at no charge to: 19 BILL AS INTRODUCED S.123 2025 Page 10 of 57 VT LEG #379955 v.13 (A) an individual who surrenders the individual’s license in 1 connection with a suspension or revocation under subsection 636(b) of this title 2 due to a physical or mental condition; or 3 (B) an individual under 23 years of age who was in the care and 4 custody of the Commissioner for Children and Families pursuant to 33 V.S.A. 5 § 4903(4) in Vermont after attaining 14 years of age. 6 Sec. 6. 23 V.S.A. § 376 is amended to read: 7 § 376. STATE, MUNICIPAL, FIRE DEPARTMENT, AND RESCUE 8 ORGANIZATION MOTOR VEHICLES 9 * * * 10 (h)(1) The EV infrastructure fee, required pursuant subsections 361(b) and 11 (c) of this subchapter, shall not be charged for vehicles owned by the State. 12 (2) The EV infrastructure fee, required pursuant subsections 361(b) and 13 (c) of this subchapter, shall not be charged for vehicles that are owned by any 14 municipality in the State and used by that municipality or another municipality 15 in this State for municipal purposes. 16 (i)(1) The EV infrastructure fee, required pursuant subsections 361(b) and 17 (c) of this subchapter, shall not be charged for a motor truck, trailer, 18 ambulance, or other motor vehicle that is: 19 BILL AS INTRODUCED S.123 2025 Page 11 of 57 VT LEG #379955 v.13 (A) owned by a volunteer fire department or other volunteer 1 firefighting organization, an ambulance service, or an organization conducting 2 rescue operations; and 3 (B) used solely for firefighting, emergency medical, or rescue 4 purposes, or any combination of those activities. 5 (2) A motor vehicle or trailer subject to the provisions of this subsection 6 shall be plainly marked on both sides of the body or cab to indicate its 7 ownership. 8 Sec. 7. 23 V.S.A. § 378 is amended to read: 9 § 378. VETERANS’ EXEMPTIONS 10 No fees, including the annual emissions fee required pursuant to 3 V.S.A. 11 § 2822(m)(1) and the electric vehicle infrastructure fees required pursuant to 12 section 361 of this subchapter, shall be charged an honorably discharged to a 13 veteran of the U.S. Armed Forces who received a discharge under other than 14 dishonorable conditions and is a resident of the State of Vermont for the 15 registration of a motor vehicle that the veteran has acquired with financial 16 assistance from the U.S. Department of Veterans Affairs, or for the registration 17 of a motor vehicle owned by him or her the veteran during his or her the 18 veteran’s lifetime obtained as a replacement thereof, when his or her the 19 veteran’s application is accompanied by a copy of an approved VA Form 21- 20 BILL AS INTRODUCED S.123 2025 Page 12 of 57 VT LEG #379955 v.13 4502 issued by the U.S. Department of Veterans Affairs certifying him or her 1 the veteran to be entitled to the financial assistance. 2 Sec. 8. 23 V.S.A. § 608 is amended to read: 3 § 608. FEES 4 * * * 5 (b) Individuals receiving Supplemental Security Income or Social Security 6 Disability Income and individuals with a disability as defined in 9 V.S.A. 7 § 4501 shall be provided with operator’s licenses or operator privilege cards 8 for the following fees: 9 (1) Original issuance: $20.00. 10 (2) Renewal every four years: $20.00. 11 (3) Replacement of lost, destroyed, or mutilated card or a new name is 12 required: $10.00. 13 (c) An additional fee of $4.00 per year shall be paid for a motorcycle 14 endorsement. The endorsement may be obtained for either a two-year or four- 15 year period, to be coincidental with the length of the operator’s license. 16 (d)(1) Individuals under 23 years of age who were in the care and custody 17 of the Commissioner for Children and Families pursuant to 33 V.S.A. 18 § 4903(4) in Vermont after attaining 14 years of age shall be provided with 19 operator’s licenses or operator privilege cards at no charge. 20 BILL AS INTRODUCED S.123 2025 Page 13 of 57 VT LEG #379955 v.13 (2) No additional fee shall be due for a motorcycle endorsement for an 1 individual under 23 years of age who was in the care and custody of the 2 Commissioner for Children and Families pursuant to 33 V.S.A. § 4903(4) in 3 Vermont after attaining 14 years of age. 4 * * * Learner’s Permits * * * 5 Sec. 9. 23 V.S.A. § 617 is amended to read: 6 § 617. LEARNER’S PERMIT 7 * * * 8 (b)(1) Notwithstanding the provisions of subsection (a) of this section, any 9 licensed person may apply to the Commissioner of Motor Vehicles for a 10 learner’s permit for the operation of a motorcycle in the form prescribed by the 11 Commissioner. The Commissioner shall offer both a motorcycle learner’s 12 permit that authorizes the operation of three-wheeled motorcycles only and a 13 motorcycle learner’s permit that authorizes the operation of any motorcycle. 14 The Commissioner shall require payment of a fee of $24.00 at the time 15 application is made, except that no fee shall be charged for an individual under 16 23 years of age who was in the care and custody of the Commissioner for 17 Children and Families pursuant to 33 V.S.A. § 4903(4) in Vermont after 18 attaining 14 years of age. 19 (2) After the applicant has successfully passed all parts of the applicable 20 motorcycle endorsement examination, other than a skill test, the Commissioner 21 BILL AS INTRODUCED S.123 2025 Page 14 of 57 VT LEG #379955 v.13 may issue to the applicant a learner’s permit that entitles the applicant, subject 1 to subsection 615(a) of this title, to operate a three-wheeled motorcycle only, 2 or to operate any motorcycle, upon the public highways for a period of 120 3 days from the date of issuance. The fee for the examination shall be $11.00, 4 except that no fee shall be charged for an individual under 23 years of age who 5 was in the care and custody of the Commissioner for Children and Families 6 pursuant to 33 V.S.A. § 4903(4) in Vermont after attaining 14 years of age. 7 (3) A motorcycle learner’s permit may be renewed only twice upon 8 payment of a $24.00 fee. An individual under 23 years of age who was in the 9 care and custody of the Commissioner for Children and Families pursuant to 10 33 V.S.A. § 4903(4) in Vermont after attaining 14 years of age shall not be 11 charged a fee for the renewal of a motorcycle learner’s permit. 12 (4) If, during the original permit period and two renewals the permittee 13 has not successfully passed the applicable skill test or motorcycle rider training 14 course, the permittee may not obtain another motorcycle learner’s permit for a 15 period of 12 months from the expiration of the permit unless: 16 (A) he or she the permittee has successfully completed the applicable 17 motorcycle rider training course; or 18 (B) the learner’s permit and renewals thereof authorized the 19 operation of any motorcycle and the permittee is seeking a learner’s permit for 20 the operation of three-wheeled motorcycles only. 21 BILL AS INTRODUCED S.123 2025 Page 15 of 57 VT LEG #379955 v.13 * * * 1 (c) No learner’s permit may be issued to any person under 18 years of age 2 unless the parent or guardian of, or a person standing in loco parentis to, the 3 applicant files his or her written consent to the issuance with the 4 Commissioner. 5 (d)(1) An applicant shall pay $24.00 to the Commissioner for each 6 learner’s permit or a duplicate or renewal thereof. 7 (2) An applicant under 23 years of age who was in the care and custody 8 of the Commissioner for Children and Families pursuant to 33 V.S.A. 9 § 4903(4) in Vermont after attaining 14 years of age shall not be charged a fee 10 for a learner’s permit or a duplicate or renewal thereof. 11 (3) A replacement learner’s permit for the operation of a motorcycle 12 may be generated from the applicant’s electronic account for no charge. 13 (e)(1) A learner’s permit, which is not a learner’s permit for the operation 14 of a motorcycle, shall contain a photograph or imaged likeness of the 15 individual. A learner’s permit for a motor vehicle shall contain a photograph 16 or imaged likeness of the individual if the permit is obtained in person. The 17 photographic learner’s permit shall be available at locations designated by the 18 Commissioner. 19 (2) An individual issued a permit under this subsection may renew his or 20 her the individual’s permit by mail or online, but a permit holder who chooses 21 BILL AS INTRODUCED S.123 2025 Page 16 of 57 VT LEG #379955 v.13 to have a photograph or imaged likeness under this subsection must renew in 1 person so that an updated imaged likeness of the individual is obtained not less 2 often than once every nine years. 3 * * * 4 * * * Commercial Learner’s Permit * * * 5 Sec. 10. 23 V.S.A. § 4111a is amended to read: 6 § 4111a. COMMERCIAL LEARNER’S PERMIT 7 (a) Contents of permit. A commercial learner’s permit shall contain the 8 following: 9 * * * 10 (3) physical and other information to identify and describe the permit 11 holder, including the month, day, and year of birth; sex; and height; and 12 photograph; 13 * * * 14 Sec. 11. 23 V.S.A. § 4122 is amended to read: 15 § 4122. DEFERRING IMPOSITION OF SENTENCE; PROHIBITION ON 16 MASKING OR DIVERSION 17 (a) No court, State’s Attorney, or law enforcement officer may utilize the 18 provisions of 13 V.S.A. § 7041 or any other program to defer imposition of 19 sentence or judgment if the defendant holds a commercial driver’s license, 20 commercial learner’s permit, or was operating a commercial motor vehicle 21 BILL AS INTRODUCED S.123 2025 Page 17 of 57 VT LEG #379955 v.13 when the violation occurred and is charged with violating any State or local 1 traffic law other than a parking violation. 2 * * * 3 * * * License Examinations * * * 4 Sec. 12. 23 V.S.A. § 632 is amended to read: 5 § 632. EXAMINATION REQUIRED; WAIVER 6 (a) Before an operator’s or a junior operator’s license is issued to an 7 applicant for the first time in this State, or before a renewal license is issued to 8 an applicant whose previous Vermont license had expired more than three 9 years prior to the application for renewal, the applicant shall pass a satisfactory 10 examination, except that the Commissioner may, in his or her the 11 Commissioner’s discretion, waive the examination when the applicant holds a 12 chauffeur’s, junior operator’s, or operator’s license in force at the time of 13 application or within three years prior to the application in some other 14 jurisdiction where an examination is required similar to the examination 15 required in this State. 16 (b) The examination shall consist of: 17 * * * 18 (3) at the discretion of the Commissioner, such other examination or 19 demonstration as he or she the Commissioner may prescribe, including an oral 20 eye examination. 21 BILL AS INTRODUCED S.123 2025 Page 18 of 57 VT LEG #379955 v.13 (c) An applicant may have an individual of his or her the applicant’s 1 choosing at the oral examination or road test to serve as an interpreter, 2 including to translate any oral commands given as part of the road test. 3 Sec. 13. 23 V.S.A. § 634 is amended to read: 4 § 634. FEE FOR EXAMINATION 5 * * * 6 (b) A scheduling fee of $29.00 shall be paid by the applicant before the 7 applicant may schedule the road test required under section 632 of this title. 8 Unless an applicant gives the Department at least 48 hours’ notice of 9 cancellation, if the applicant does not appear as scheduled, the $29.00 10 scheduling fee is forfeited. If the applicant appears for the scheduled road test, 11 the fee shall be applied toward the license examination fee. The Commissioner 12 may waive the scheduling fee until the Department is capable of administering 13 the fee electronically. [Repealed.] 14 * * * 15 * * * Non-Real ID Operator’s Privilege Cards * * * 16 Sec. 14. 23 V.S.A. § 603 is amended to read: 17 § 603. APPLICATION FOR AND ISSUANCE OF LICENSE 18 (a)(1) The Commissioner or his or her the Commissioner’s authorized 19 agent may license operators and junior operators when an application, on a 20 form prescribed by the Commissioner, signed and sworn to by the applicant for 21 BILL AS INTRODUCED S.123 2025 Page 19 of 57 VT LEG #379955 v.13 the license, is filed with him or her the Commissioner, accompanied by the 1 required license fee and any valid license from another state or Canadian 2 jurisdiction is surrendered. 3 (2) The Commissioner may, however, in his or her the Commissioner’s 4 discretion, refuse to issue a license to any person whenever he or she the 5 Commissioner is satisfied from information given him or her the 6 Commissioner by credible persons, and upon investigation, that the person is 7 mentally or physically unfit or, because of his or her the person’s habits or 8 record as to crashes or convictions, is unsafe to be trusted with the operation of 9 motor vehicles. A person refused a license under the provisions of this 10 subsection shall be entitled to hearing as provided in sections 105–107 of this 11 title. 12 * * * 13 (d) Except as provided in subsection (e) of this section: 14 (1) A An applicant who is a citizen of a foreign country shall produce 15 his or her the applicant’s passport and visa, alien registration receipt card 16 (green card), or other proof of legal presence for inspection and copying as a 17 part of the application process for an operator’s license, junior operator’s 18 license, or learner’s permit. 19 BILL AS INTRODUCED S.123 2025 Page 20 of 57 VT LEG #379955 v.13 (2) An operator’s license, junior operator’s license, or learner’s permit 1 issued to an applicant who is a citizen of a foreign country shall expire 2 coincidentally with his or her the applicant’s authorized duration of stay. 3 (e)(1) A citizen of a foreign country unable to establish legal presence in 4 the United States who furnishes reliable proof of Vermont residence and of 5 name, date of birth, and place of birth, and who satisfies all other requirements 6 of this chapter for obtaining a license or permit, shall be eligible to obtain an 7 operator’s privilege card, a junior operator’s privilege card, or a learner’s 8 privilege card. 9 * * * 10 (f) Persons Applicant’s able to establish lawful presence in the United 11 States but who otherwise fail to comply with the requirements of the REAL ID 12 Act of 2005, Pub. L. No. 109-13, §§ 201-202, shall be eligible for an 13 operator’s privilege card, a junior operator’s privilege card, or a learner’s 14 privilege card, provided the applicant furnishes reliable proof of Vermont 15 residence and of name, date of birth, and place of birth, and satisfies all other 16 requirements of this chapter for obtaining a license or permit. The 17 Commissioner shall require applicants under this subsection to furnish a 18 document or a combination of documents that reliably proves the applicant’s 19 Vermont residence and his or her the applicant’s name, date of birth, and place 20 of birth. 21 BILL AS INTRODUCED S.123 2025 Page 21 of 57 VT LEG #379955 v.13 * * * 1 (h) A privilege card issued under this section shall: 2 (1) on its face bear the phrase “privilege card” “non-Real ID” and text 3 indicating that it is not valid for federal identification or official purposes; and 4 * * * 5 * * * License Extension * * * 6 Sec. 15. 23 V.S.A § 604 is added to read: 7 § 604. EARLY RENEWAL 8 (a) The holder of an operator’s license or privilege card issued under the 9 provisions of this subchapter may renew the operator’s license or privilege 10 card at any time prior to the expiration of the operator’s license or privilege 11 card. If one or more years remain before the expiration of the operator’s 12 license or privilege card, the Commissioner shall reduce the cost of the 13 renewed operator’s license or privilege card by an amount that is proportionate 14 to the number of years rounded down to the next whole year remaining before 15 the expiration of the operator’s license or privilege card. 16 (b) All application and documentation requirements for the renewal of an 17 operator’s license or privilege card shall apply to the early renewal of an 18 operator’s license or privilege card. 19 BILL AS INTRODUCED S.123 2025 Page 22 of 57 VT LEG #379955 v.13 Sec. 16. 23 V.S.A. § 115b is added to read: 1 § 115b. EARLY RENEWAL 2 (a) The holder of nondriver identification card issued under the provisions 3 of section 115 of this chapter may renew the nondriver identification card at 4 any time prior to the expiration of the nondriver identification card. If one or 5 more years remain before the expiration of the nondriver identification card, 6 the Commissioner shall reduce the cost of the renewed nondriver identification 7 card by an amount that is proportionate to the number of years rounded down 8 to the next whole year remaining before the expiration of the nondriver 9 identification card. 10 (b) All application and documentation requirements for the renewal of a 11 nondriver identification card pursuant to section 115 of this chapter shall apply 12 to the early renewal of a nondriver identification card. 13 Sec. 17. INFORMATION REGARDING PRIVILEGE CARDS AND 14 NONDRIVER IDENTIFICATION CARDS; INTENT 15 It is the intent of the General Assembly that the Commissioner of Motor 16 Vehicles shall ensure that any individual who is unable to or does not wish to 17 comply with the requirements of the REAL ID Act of 2005, Pub. L. No. 109- 18 13, §§ 201-202 shall be informed of the option of obtaining an operator’s 19 privilege card pursuant to the provisions of 23 V.S.A. § 603(f) or a nondriver 20 identification card pursuant to the provisions of 23 V.S.A. § 115. 21 BILL AS INTRODUCED S.123 2025 Page 23 of 57 VT LEG #379955 v.13 Sec. 18. OUTREACH 1 On or before November 15, 2025, the Department of Motor Vehicles shall 2 develop and implement a public education and outreach campaign to inform 3 Vermont residents about: 4 (1) an individual’s rights to obtain an operator’s license, privilege card, 5 or nondriver identification card; 6 (2) an individual’s rights to self-attest with respect to the gender marker 7 on the individual’s operator’s license, privilege card, or nondriver 8 identification card; and 9 (3) reduced fees that are available to individuals who meet certain 10 requirements. 11 * * * Commercial Driving Instructors * * * 12 Sec. 19. 23 V.S.A. § 705 is amended to read: 13 § 705. QUALIFICATIONS FOR INSTRUCTOR’S LICENSE 14 (a) In order to qualify for an instructor’s license, each applicant shall: 15 (1) not have been convicted of: 16 (A) a felony nor incarcerated for a felony within the 10 years prior to 17 the date of application; 18 (B) a violation of section 1201 of this title or a like offense in another 19 jurisdiction reported to the Commissioner pursuant to subdivision 3905(a)(2) 20 of this title within the three years prior to the date of application; 21 BILL AS INTRODUCED S.123 2025 Page 24 of 57 VT LEG #379955 v.13 (C) a subsequent violation of an offense listed in subdivision 1 2502(a)(5) of this title or of section 674 of this title; or 2 (D) a sex offense that requires registration pursuant to 13 V.S.A. 3 chapter 167, subchapter 3; 4 (2) pass such an examination as required by the Commissioner shall 5 require on: 6 (A) traffic laws; 7 (B) safe driving practices; 8 (C) operation of motor vehicles; and 9 (D) qualifications as a teacher; 10 (3) be physically able to operate a motor vehicle and to train others in 11 such operation; 12 (4) have five years’ experience as a licensed operator and be at least 21 13 years of age on date of application; and 14 (5) pay the application and license fees prescribed in section 702 of this 15 title. 16 (b) Commercial motor vehicle instructors shall satisfy the requirements of 17 subdivisions (a)(1), (2), (3), and (5) of this section, and: 18 (1) If the commercial motor vehicle instructor is a behind the wheel 19 (BTW) instructor, shall either: 20 BILL AS INTRODUCED S.123 2025 Page 25 of 57 VT LEG #379955 v.13 (A)(i) hold a CDL of the same or higher class and with all 1 endorsements necessary to operate the commercial motor vehicle for which 2 training is to be provided; 3 (ii) have at least two years of experience driving a commercial 4 motor vehicle requiring the same or higher class of CDL and any applicable 5 endorsements required to operate the commercial motor vehicle for which 6 training is to be provided; and 7 (iii) meet any additional applicable State requirements for 8 commercial motor vehicle instructors; or 9 (B)(i) hold a CDL of the same or higher class and with all 10 endorsements necessary to operate the commercial motor vehicle for which 11 training is to be provided; 12 (ii) have at least two years’ experience as a BTW instructor; and 13 (iii) meet any additional applicable State requirements for 14 commercial motor vehicle instructors. 15 (2) If the commercial motor vehicle instructor is a theory instructor, the 16 instructor shall: 17 (A)(i) hold a CDL of the same or higher class and with all 18 endorsements necessary to operate the commercial motor vehicle for which 19 training is to be provided; 20 BILL AS INTRODUCED S.123 2025 Page 26 of 57 VT LEG #379955 v.13 (ii) have at least two years of experience driving a commercial 1 motor vehicle requiring the same or higher class of CDL and any applicable 2 endorsements required to operate the commercial motor vehicle for which 3 training is to be provided; and 4 (iii) meet any additional applicable State requirements for 5 commercial motor vehicle instructors; or 6 (B)(i) hold a CDL of the same or higher class and with all 7 endorsements necessary to operate the commercial motor vehicle for which 8 training is to be provided; 9 (ii) have at least two years’ experience as a BTW instructor; and 10 (iii) meet any additional applicable State requirements for 11 commercial motor vehicle instructors. 12 * * * Motorcycle Instructors * * * 13 Sec. 20. 23 V.S.A. § 734 is amended to read: 14 § 734. INSTRUCTOR REQUIREMENTS AND TRAINING 15 * * * 16 (b) The Department shall establish minimum requirements for the 17 qualifications of a rider training instructor. The minimum requirements shall 18 include the following: 19 * * * 20 BILL AS INTRODUCED S.123 2025 Page 27 of 57 VT LEG #379955 v.13 (3) the instructor shall have at least four two years of licensed 1 experience as a motorcycle riding experience operator during the last five four 2 years; 3 * * * 4 (7) an applicant shall not be eligible for instructor status until his or her 5 the applicant’s driving record for the preceding five years, or the maximum 6 number of years less than five for which a state retains driving records, is 7 furnished; and 8 * * * 9 * * * Motor Vehicle Taxes * * * 10 Sec. 21. 32 V.S.A. § 8902 is amended to read: 11 § 8902. DEFINITIONS 12 Unless otherwise expressly provided, as used in this chapter: 13 * * * 14 (5)(A) “Taxable cost” means the purchase price as defined in 15 subdivision (4) of this section or the taxable cost as determined under section 16 8907 of this title. 17 (B) For any purchaser who has paid tax on the purchase or use of a 18 motor vehicle that was sold or traded by the purchaser or for which the 19 purchaser received payment under a contract of insurance, the taxable cost of 20 the replacement motor vehicle other than a leased vehicle shall exclude: 21 BILL AS INTRODUCED S.123 2025 Page 28 of 57 VT LEG #379955 v.13 (A)(i) The value allowed by the seller on any motor vehicle accepted 1 by the seller as part of the consideration of the motor vehicle, provided the 2 motor vehicle accepted by the seller is owned and previously or currently 3 registered or titled by the purchaser, with no change of ownership since 4 registration or titling, except for motor vehicles for which registration is not 5 required under the provisions of Title 23 or motor vehicles received under the 6 provisions of subdivision 8911(8) of this title. 7 (B)(ii) The amount received from the sale of a motor vehicle last 8 registered or titled in the seller’s name, the amount not to exceed the clean 9 trade-in value of the same make, type, model, and year of manufacture as 10 designated by the manufacturer and as shown in the NADA Official Used Car 11 Guide (New England edition) J.D. Power Values, or any comparable 12 publication, provided such the sale occurs within three months after the taxable 13 purchase. However, this three-month period shall be extended day-for-day for 14 any time that a member of a guard unit or of the U.S. Armed Forces, as defined 15 in 38 U.S.C. § 101(10), spends outside Vermont due to activation or 16 deployment and an additional 60 days following the individual’s return from 17 activation or deployment. Such The amount shall be reported on forms 18 supplied by the Commissioner of Motor Vehicles. 19 (C)(iii) The amount actually paid to the purchaser within three 20 months prior to the taxable purchase by any insurer under a contract of 21 BILL AS INTRODUCED S.123 2025 Page 29 of 57 VT LEG #379955 v.13 collision, comprehensive, or similar insurance with respect to a motor vehicle 1 owned by him or her the purchaser, provided that the vehicle is not subject to 2 the tax imposed by subsection 8903(d) of this title and provided that one of 3 these events occur: 4 (i)(I) the motor vehicle with respect to which such the payment is 5 made by the insurer is accepted by the seller as a trade-in on the purchased 6 motor vehicle before the repair of the damage giving rise to insurer’s payment; 7 or 8 (ii)(II) the motor vehicle with respect to which such the payment 9 is made to the insurer is treated as a total loss and is sold for dismantling. 10 (D)(C) A purchaser shall be entitled to a partial or complete refund of 11 taxes paid under subsection 8903(a) or (b) of this title if an insurer makes a 12 payment to him or her the purchaser under contract of collision, 13 comprehensive, or similar insurance after he or she the purchaser has paid the 14 tax imposed by this chapter, if such the payment by the insurer is either: 15 * * * 16 (E)(D) The purchase price of a motor vehicle subject to the tax 17 imposed by subsections 8903(a) and (b) of this title shall not be reduced by the 18 value received or allowed in connection with the transfer of a vehicle that was 19 registered for use as a short-term rental vehicle. 20 * * * 21 BILL AS INTRODUCED S.123 2025 Page 30 of 57 VT LEG #379955 v.13 Sec. 22. 32 V.S.A. § 8907 is amended to read: 1 § 8907. COMMISSIONER; COMPUTATION OF TAXABLE COSTS 2 (a) The Commissioner may investigate the taxable cost of any motor 3 vehicle transferred subject to the provisions of this chapter. If the motor 4 vehicle is not acquired by purchase in Vermont or is received for an amount 5 that does not represent actual value, or if no tax form is filed or it appears to 6 the Commissioner that a tax form contains fraudulent or incorrect information, 7 the Commissioner may, in the Commissioner’s discretion, fix the taxable cost 8 of the motor vehicle at the clean trade-in value of vehicles of the same make, 9 type, model, and year of manufacture as designated by the manufacturer, as 10 shown in the NADA Official Used Car Guide (New England Edition) J.D. 11 Power Values or any comparable publication, less the lease end value of any 12 leased vehicle. The Commissioner may develop a process to determine the 13 value of vehicles that do not have clean trade-in value in J.D. Power Values. 14 The Commissioner may compute and assess the tax due and notify the 15 purchaser verbally, if the purchaser is at a DMV location, or immediately by 16 certified mail, and the purchaser shall remit the same within 15 days thereafter 17 after notice is sent or provided. 18 * * * 19 BILL AS INTRODUCED S.123 2025 Page 31 of 57 VT LEG #379955 v.13 Sec. 23. 32 V.S.A. § 8914 is amended to read: 1 § 8914. REFUND 2 Any overpayment of such tax as determined by the Commissioner shall be 3 refunded. To be eligible to receive a refund, a person shall submit a request for 4 a refund within one year after paying the tax. 5 * * * Refund of Registration Fee * * * 6 Sec. 24. 23 V.S.A. § 326 is amended to read: 7 § 326. REFUND UPON LOSS OF VEHICLE 8 The Commissioner may cancel the registration of a motor vehicle when the 9 owner of the motor vehicle proves to the Commissioner’s satisfaction that the 10 motor vehicle has been totally destroyed by fire or, through crash or wear, has 11 become wholly unfit for use and has been dismantled. After the Commissioner 12 cancels the registration and the owner returns to the Commissioner either the 13 registration certificate or the number plate or number plates, or other proof of 14 cancellation to the satisfaction of the Commissioner, the Commissioner shall 15 certify to the Commissioner of Finance and Management the fact of the 16 cancellation, giving the name of the owner of the motor vehicle, the owner’s 17 address, the amount of the registration fee paid, and the date of cancellation. 18 The Commissioner of Finance and Management shall issue the Commissioner 19 of Finance and Management’s warrant in favor of the owner for such percent 20 of the registration fee paid as the unexpired term of the registration bears to the 21 BILL AS INTRODUCED S.123 2025 Page 32 of 57 VT LEG #379955 v.13 entire registration period, but in no case shall the Commissioner of Finance and 1 Management retain less than $5.00 of the fee paid. 2 * * * Fuel Tax Refunds * * * 3 Sec. 25. 23 V.S.A. § 3020 is amended to read: 4 § 3020. CREDITS AND REFUNDS 5 (a) Credits. 6 (1) A user who purchased fuel within this State from a dealer or 7 distributor upon which he or she the user paid the tax at the time of purchase, 8 or a user exempt from the payment of the tax under subsection 3003(d) of this 9 title who purchased fuel within this State upon which he or she the user paid 10 tax at the time of purchase, shall be entitled to a credit equal to the amount of 11 tax per gallon in effect when the fuel was purchased. When the amount of the 12 credit to which any user is entitled for any reporting period exceeds the amount 13 of his or her the user’s tax for the same period, the excess shall be credited to 14 the user’s tax account and the user shall be notified of the date and amount of 15 the credit by mail. 16 * * * 17 (3) A user who also sells or delivers fuel subject to the tax imposed by 18 32 V.S.A. chapter 233 upon which the tax imposed by this chapter has been 19 paid shall be entitled to a credit equal to the amount of such tax paid pursuant 20 to this chapter. When the amount of the credit to which any user is entitled for 21 BILL AS INTRODUCED S.123 2025 Page 33 of 57 VT LEG #379955 v.13 any reporting period exceeds the amount of his or her the user’s tax for the 1 same period, the excess shall be credited to the user’s tax account and the user 2 shall be notified of the date and amount of the credit by mail. 3 * * *. 4 (b) Refunds. A user may request, in writing by mail, a refund of any 5 credits in the user’s tax account, but in no case may a user collect a refund 6 requested more than 33 12 months following the date the amount was credited 7 to the user’s tax account. 8 * * * 9 * * * Alteration of Odometers * * * 10 Sec. 26. 23 V.S.A. § 1704a is amended to read: 11 § 1704a. ALTERATION OF ODOMETERS 12 (a) Any person who sells No person shall: 13 (1) sell, attempts attempt to sell, or causes cause to be sold any motor 14 vehicle, highway building appliance, motorboat, all-terrain vehicle, or 15 snowmobile and has actual knowledge that if the odometer, hubometer 16 reading, or clock meter reading has been changed, tampered with, or defaced 17 without first disclosing same and a person who changes, tampers with, or 18 defaces, or who attempts that information to the buyer; 19 (2) change, tamper with, or deface, or attempt to change, tamper with, or 20 deface, any gauge, dial, or other mechanical instrument, commonly known as 21 BILL AS INTRODUCED S.123 2025 Page 34 of 57 VT LEG #379955 v.13 an odometer, hubometer, or clock meter, in a motor vehicle, highway building 1 appliance, motorboat, all-terrain vehicle, or snowmobile, which, under normal 2 circumstances and without being changed, tampered with, or defaced, is 3 designed to show by numbers or words the distance that the motor vehicle, 4 highway building appliance, motorboat, all-terrain vehicle, or snowmobile 5 travels,; or who 6 (3) willfully misrepresents misrepresent the odometer, hubometer, or 7 clock meter reading on the odometer disclosure statement or similar statement, 8 title, or bill of sale. 9 (b) A person who violates subsection (a) of this section shall be fined not 10 more than $1,000.00 for a first offense and fined not more than $2,500.00 for 11 each subsequent offense. 12 * * * Definition of Conviction * * * 13 Sec. 27. 23 V.S.A. § 102 is amended to read: 14 § 102. DUTIES OF COMMISSIONER 15 * * * 16 (d)(1) The Commissioner may authorize background investigations for 17 potential employees, which may include criminal, traffic, and financial records 18 checks; provided, however, that the potential employee is notified and has the 19 right to withdraw his or her their name from application. Additionally, 20 employees who are involved in the manufacturing or production of operator’s 21 BILL AS INTRODUCED S.123 2025 Page 35 of 57 VT LEG #379955 v.13 licenses and identification cards, including enhanced licenses, or who have the 1 ability to affect the identity information that appears on a license or 2 identification card, or current employees who will be assigned to such 3 positions, shall be subject to appropriate background checks and shall be 4 provided notice of the background check and the contents of that check. These 5 background checks shall include a name-based and fingerprint-based criminal 6 history records check using at a minimum the Federal Bureau of 7 Investigation’s National Crime Information Center and the Integrated 8 Automated Fingerprint Identification database and State repository records on 9 each covered employee. 10 (2) Employees may be subject to further appropriate security clearances 11 if required by federal law, including background investigations that may 12 include criminal and traffic records checks and providing proof of U.S. 13 citizenship. 14 (3) The Commissioner may, in connection with a formal disciplinary 15 investigation, authorize a criminal or traffic record background investigation of 16 a current employee; provided, however, that the background review is relevant 17 to the issue under disciplinary investigation. Information acquired through the 18 investigation shall be provided to the Commissioner or designated division 19 director and must be maintained in a secure manner. If the information 20 acquired is used as a basis for any disciplinary action, it must be given to the 21 BILL AS INTRODUCED S.123 2025 Page 36 of 57 VT LEG #379955 v.13 employee during any pretermination hearing or contractual grievance hearing 1 to allow the employee an opportunity to respond to or dispute the information. 2 If no disciplinary action is taken against the employee, the information 3 acquired through the background check shall be destroyed. 4 (e) As used in this section, “conviction” has the same meaning as in 5 subdivision 4(60) of this title. 6 Sec. 28. 23 V.S.A. § 108 is amended to read: 7 § 108. APPLICATION FORMS 8 (a) The Commissioner shall prepare and furnish all forms for applications, 9 crash reports, conviction reports, a pamphlet containing the full text of the 10 motor vehicle laws of the State, and all other forms needed in the proper 11 conduct of his or her the Commissioner’s office. He or she The Commissioner 12 shall furnish an adequate supply of such registration forms, license 13 applications, and motor vehicle laws each year to each town clerk, and to such 14 other persons as may so upon request. 15 (b) As used in this section, “conviction” has the same meaning as in 16 subdivision 4(60) of this title. 17 Sec. 29. 23 V.S.A. § 1709 is amended to read: 18 § 1709. REPORT OF CONVICTIONS TO COMMISSIONER OF MOTOR 19 VEHICLES 20 BILL AS INTRODUCED S.123 2025 Page 37 of 57 VT LEG #379955 v.13 (a) The Judicial Bureau and every court having jurisdiction over offenses 1 committed under any law of this State or municipal ordinance regulating the 2 operation of motor vehicles on the highways shall forward a record of any 3 conviction to the Commissioner within 10 days for violation of any State or 4 local law relating to motor vehicle traffic control, other than a parking 5 violation. 6 (b) As used in this section, “conviction” has the same meaning as in 7 subdivision 4(60) of this title. 8 Sec. 30. 23 V.S.A. § 1200 is amended to read: 9 § 1200. DEFINITIONS 10 As used in this subchapter: 11 * * * 12 (11) As used in this section, “conviction” has the same meaning as in 13 subdivision 4(60) of this title. 14 * * * Drunken Driving * * * 15 Sec. 31. 23 V.S.A. § 1205 is amended to read: 16 § 1205. CIVIL SUSPENSION; SUMMARY PROCEDURE 17 (a) Refusal; alcohol concentration at or above legal limits; suspension 18 periods. 19 * * * 20 BILL AS INTRODUCED S.123 2025 Page 38 of 57 VT LEG #379955 v.13 (2) Upon affidavit of a law enforcement officer that the officer had 1 reasonable grounds to believe that the person was operating, attempting to 2 operate, or in actual physical control of a vehicle in violation of section 1201 3 of this title and that the person submitted to a test and the test results indicated 4 that the person’s alcohol concentration was at or above a limit specified in 5 subsection 1201(a) of this title, at the time of operating, attempting to operate, 6 or being in actual physical control, the Commissioner shall suspend the 7 person’s operating license or nonresident operating privilege or the privilege of 8 an unlicensed operator to operate a vehicle for a period of 90 days and until the 9 person complies with section 1209a of this title. However, during the 10 suspension, an eligible person may operate under the terms of an ignition 11 interlock RDL or ignition interlock certificate issued pursuant to section 1213 12 of this title. 13 * * * 14 (b) Form of officer’s affidavit. A law enforcement officer’s affidavit in 15 support of a suspension under this section shall be in a standardized form for 16 use throughout the State and shall be sufficient if it contains the following 17 statements: 18 * * * 19 (4) The officer informed the person of his or her the person’s rights 20 under subsection 1202(d) of this title. 21 BILL AS INTRODUCED S.123 2025 Page 39 of 57 VT LEG #379955 v.13 (5) The officer obtained an evidentiary test (noting the time and date the 1 test was taken) and the test indicated that the person’s alcohol concentration 2 was at or above a legal limit specified in subsection 1201(a) or (d) of this title, 3 or the person refused to submit to an evidentiary test. 4 * * * 5 (c) Notice of suspension. On behalf of the Commissioner of Motor 6 Vehicles, a law enforcement officer requesting or directing the administration 7 of an evidentiary test shall serve notice of intention to suspend and of 8 suspension on a person who refuses to submit to an evidentiary test or on a 9 person who submits to a test the results of which indicate that the person’s 10 alcohol concentration was at or above a legal limit specified in subsection 11 1201(a) or (d) of this title, at the time of operating, attempting to operate, or 12 being in actual physical control of a vehicle in violation of section 1201 of this 13 title. The notice shall be signed by the law enforcement officer requesting the 14 test. A copy of the notice shall be sent to the Commissioner of Motor 15 Vehicles, and a copy shall be mailed or given to the defendant within three 16 business days after the date the officer receives the results of the test. If 17 mailed, the notice is deemed received three days after mailing to the address 18 provided by the defendant to the law enforcement officer. A copy of the 19 affidavit of the law enforcement officer shall also be mailed by first-class mail 20 or given to the defendant within seven days after the date of notice. 21 BILL AS INTRODUCED S.123 2025 Page 40 of 57 VT LEG #379955 v.13 * * * 1 (h) Final hearing. 2 (1) If the defendant requests a hearing on the merits, the court shall 3 schedule a final hearing on the merits to be held within 21 days after the date 4 of the preliminary hearing. In no event may a final hearing occur more than 42 5 days after the date of the alleged offense without the consent of the defendant 6 or for good cause shown. The final hearing may only be continued by the 7 consent of the defendant or for good cause shown. The issues at the final 8 hearing shall be limited to the following: 9 * * * 10 (D) Whether the test was taken and the test results indicated that the 11 person’s alcohol concentration was at or above a legal limit specified in 12 subsection 1201(a) or (d) of this title, at the time of operating, attempting to 13 operate, or being in actual physical control of a vehicle in violation of section 14 1201 of this title, whether the testing methods used were valid and reliable, and 15 whether the test results were accurate and accurately evaluated. Evidence that 16 the test was taken and evaluated in compliance with rules adopted by the 17 Department of Public Safety shall be prima facie evidence that the testing 18 methods used were valid and reliable and that the test results are accurate and 19 were accurately evaluated. 20 * * * 21 BILL AS INTRODUCED S.123 2025 Page 41 of 57 VT LEG #379955 v.13 (i) Finding by the court. The court shall electronically forward a report of 1 the hearing to the Commissioner. Upon a finding by the court that the law 2 enforcement officer had reasonable grounds to believe that the person was 3 operating, attempting to operate, or in actual physical control of a vehicle in 4 violation of section 1201 of this title and that the person refused to submit to a 5 test, or upon a finding by the court that the law enforcement officer had 6 reasonable grounds to believe that the person was operating, attempting to 7 operate, or in actual physical control of a vehicle in violation of section 1201 8 of this title and that the person submitted to a test and the test results indicated 9 that the person’s alcohol concentration was at or above a legal limit specified 10 in subsection 1201(a) or (d) of this title, at the time the person was operating, 11 attempting to operate, or in actual physical control, the person’s operating 12 license, or nonresident operating privilege, or the privilege of an unlicensed 13 operator to operate a vehicle shall be suspended or shall remain suspended for 14 the required term and until the person complies with section 1209a of this title. 15 Upon a finding in favor of the person, the Commissioner shall cause the 16 suspension to be canceled and removed from the record, without payment of 17 any fee. 18 * * * 19 (n) Presumption. In a proceeding under this section, if at any time within 20 two hours of operating, attempting to operate, or being in actual physical 21 BILL AS INTRODUCED S.123 2025 Page 42 of 57 VT LEG #379955 v.13 control of a vehicle a person had an alcohol concentration of at or above a legal 1 limit specified in subsection 1201(a) or (d) of this title, it shall be a rebuttable 2 presumption that the person’s alcohol concentration was at or above the 3 applicable limit at the time of operating, attempting to operate, or being in 4 actual physical control. 5 * * * 6 Sec. 32. 23 V.S.A. § 1205(d) is amended to read: 7 (d) Form of notice. The notice of intention to suspend and of suspension 8 shall be in a form prescribed by the Supreme Court. The notice shall include 9 an explanation of rights, a form to be used to request a hearing, and, if a 10 hearing is requested, the date, time, and location of the Criminal Division of 11 the Superior Court where the person must appear for a preliminary hearing. 12 The notice shall also contain, in boldface print, the following: 13 (1) You have the right to ask for a hearing to contest the suspension of 14 your operator’s license. 15 (2) This notice shall serve as a temporary operator’s license and is valid 16 until 12:01 a.m. of the date of suspension. If this is your first violation of 17 section 1201 of this title and if you do not request a hearing, your license will 18 be suspended as provided in this notice. If this is your second or subsequent 19 violation of section 1201 of this title, your license will be suspended on the 20 11th day after you receive this notice. It is a crime to drive while your license 21 BILL AS INTRODUCED S.123 2025 Page 43 of 57 VT LEG #379955 v.13 is suspended unless you have been issued an ignition interlock restricted 1 driver’s license or ignition interlock certificate. 2 * * * 3 * * * Fee for Bulk Electronic Records Request * * * 4 Sec. 33. 23 V.S.A. § 114 is amended to read: 5 § 114. FEES 6 (a) The Commissioner shall be paid the following fees for miscellaneous 7 transactions: 8 * * * 9 (24) Bulk electronic records request $0.303 per record 10 * * * 11 * * * Registration Fees for Trucks * * * 12 Sec. 34. 23 V.S.A. § 367 is amended to read: 13 § 367. TRUCKS 14 (a)(1) The annual fee for registration of tractors, truck-tractors, or motor 15 trucks except truck cranes, truck shovels, road oilers, bituminous distributors, 16 and farm trucks used as specified in subsection (f) of this section shall be based 17 on the total weight of the truck-tractor or motor truck, including body and cab 18 plus the heaviest load to be carried. In computing the fees for registration of 19 tractors, truck-tractors, or motor trucks with trailers or semi-trailers attached, 20 except trailers or semi-trailers with a gross weight of less than 6,000 6,099 21 BILL AS INTRODUCED S.123 2025 Page 44 of 57 VT LEG #379955 v.13 pounds, the fee shall be based upon the weight of the tractor, truck-tractor, or 1 motor truck, the weight of the trailer or semi-trailer, and the weight of the 2 heaviest load to be carried by the combined vehicles. In addition to the fee set 3 out in the following schedule, the fee for vehicles weighing between 10,000 4 10,100 and 25,999 26,099 pounds inclusive shall be an additional $42.53, the 5 fee for vehicles weighing between 26,000 26,100 and 39,999 40,099 pounds 6 inclusive shall be an additional $85.03, the fee for vehicles weighing between 7 40,000 40,100 and 59,999 60,099 pounds inclusive shall be an additional 8 $297.68, and the fee for vehicles 60,000 60,100 pounds and over shall be an 9 additional $467.80. The fee shall be computed at the following rates per 1,000 10 pounds of weight determined pursuant to this subdivision and rounded up to 11 the nearest whole dollar; the minimum fee for registering a tractor, truck- 12 tractor, or motor truck to 6,000 6,099 pounds shall be the same as for the 13 pleasure car type: 14 $18.21 when the weight exceeds 6,000 pounds but does not exceed 15 8,000 pounds is at least 6,100 pounds but not more than 8,099 pounds. 16 $20.83 when the weight exceeds 8,000 pounds but does not exceed 17 12,000 pounds is at least 8,100 pounds but not more than 12,099 pounds. 18 $22.97 when the weight exceeds 12,000 pounds but does not exceed 19 16,000 pounds is at least 12,100 pounds but not more than 16,099 pounds. 20 BILL AS INTRODUCED S.123 2025 Page 45 of 57 VT LEG #379955 v.13 $24.56 when the weight exceeds 16,000 pounds but does not exceed 1 20,000 pounds is at least 16,100 pounds but not more than 20,099 pounds. 2 $25.71 when the weight exceeds 20,000 pounds but does not exceed 3 30,000 pounds is at least 20,100 pounds but not more than 30,099 pounds. 4 $26.26 when the weight exceeds 30,000 pounds but does not exceed 5 40,000 pounds 30,100 pounds but not more than 40,099 pounds. 6 $26.90 when the weight exceeds 40,000 pounds but does not exceed 7 50,000 pounds is at least 40,100 pounds but not more than 50,099 pounds. 8 $27.13 when the weight exceeds 50,000 pounds but does not exceed 9 60,000 pounds is at least 50,100 pounds but not more than 60,099 pounds. 10 $28.06 when the weight exceeds 60,000 pounds but does not exceed 11 70,000 pounds is at least 60,100 pounds but not more than 70,099 pounds. 12 $29.00 when the weight exceeds 70,000 pounds but does not exceed 13 80,000 pounds is at least 70,100 pounds but not more than 80,099 pounds. 14 $29.94 when the weight exceeds 80,000 pounds but does not exceed 15 90,000 pounds is at least 80,100 pounds but not more than 90,099 pounds. 16 (2) Fractions of 1,000 pounds shall be computed at the next highest 17 1,000 pounds, excepting, however, fractions of hundredweight shall be 18 disregarded. [Repealed.] 19 * * * 20 BILL AS INTRODUCED S.123 2025 Page 46 of 57 VT LEG #379955 v.13 * * * Purchase and Use Tax * * * 1 Sec. 35. 32 V.S.A. § 8902 is amended to read: 2 § 8902. DEFINITIONS 3 Unless otherwise expressly provided, as used in this chapter: 4 * * * 5 (6) “Motor vehicle” shall have has the same definition meaning as in 23 6 V.S.A. § 4(21). 7 * * * 8 (12) “Mail” has the same meaning as in 23 V.S.A. § 4(87). 9 Sec. 36. 32 V.S.A. § 8905 is amended to read: 10 § 8905. COLLECTION OF TAX; EDUCATION; APPEALS 11 (a) Every purchaser of a motor vehicle subject to a tax under subsection 12 8903(a) of this title shall forward such the tax form to the Commissioner, 13 together with the amount of tax due at the time of first registering or 14 transferring a registration to such the motor vehicle as a condition precedent to 15 registration thereof of the vehicle. 16 (b) Every person subject to a use tax under subsection 8903(b) of this title 17 shall forward such the tax form and the tax due to the Commissioner with the 18 registration application or transfer, as the case may be, and fee at the time of 19 first registering or transferring a registration to such the motor vehicle as a 20 condition precedent to registration thereof of the vehicle. 21 BILL AS INTRODUCED S.123 2025 Page 47 of 57 VT LEG #379955 v.13 * * * 1 (d) Every person required to collect the use tax under subsection 8903(d) of 2 this title shall forward such the tax and a report of same the tax on forms 3 prescribed and furnished by the Commissioner at the frequency determined by 4 the Commissioner. 5 * * * 6 (f) Every person subject to the tax imposed by subsection 8903(g) of this 7 title shall forward the tax form and the tax due to the Commissioner along with 8 the title application and fee at the time of applying for a certificate of title to 9 such the motor vehicle as a condition precedent to the titling thereof of the 10 motor vehicle. 11 (g) The Commissioner shall establish procedures for taxpayers to file an 12 appeal regarding the taxpayer’s liability for the tax due pursuant to section 13 8903 of this chapter and compliance with the requirements of this section. The 14 procedures shall include a process by which a taxpayer can resolve the dispute 15 prior to the issuance of a final administrative decision on the appeal. 16 (h) The Commissioner shall create educational and outreach materials for 17 taxpayers that provide information regarding the appeal process established 18 pursuant to subsection (g) of this section and opportunities to resolve disputes. 19 BILL AS INTRODUCED S.123 2025 Page 48 of 57 VT LEG #379955 v.13 * * * Excessive Speed * * * 1 Sec. 37. 23 V.S.A. § 2502 is amended to read: 2 § 2502. POINT ASSESSMENT; SCHEDULE 3 (a) Unless the assessment of points is waived by a Superior judge or a 4 Judicial Bureau hearing officer in the interests of justice and in accordance 5 with subsection 2501(b) of this title, a person operating a motor vehicle shall 6 have points assessed against his or her the person’s driving record for 7 convictions for moving violations of the indicated motor vehicle statutes in 8 accord with the following schedule: (All references are to this title of the 9 Vermont Statutes Annotated.) 10 * * * 11 (9) Eight points assessed for sections 1003 and, 1007, and 1097. State 12 speed zones and local speed limits, more than 30 miles per hour over and in 13 excess of the speed limit. 14 * * * 15 * * * Tinted Windows * * * 16 Sec. 38. 2024 Acts and Resolves No. 165, Secs. 14, 15, and 16 are amended to 17 read: 18 BILL AS INTRODUCED S.123 2025 Page 49 of 57 VT LEG #379955 v.13 Sec. 14. [Deleted.] 1 Sec. 15. [Deleted.] 2 Sec. 16. [Deleted.] 3 Sec. 39. 23 V.S.A. § 1125 is amended to read: 4 § 1125. OBSTRUCTING WINDSHIELDS, AND WINDOWS 5 (a) Prohibition. Except as otherwise provided in this section, a person an 6 individual shall not operate a motor vehicle on which material or items have 7 been painted or adhered on or over, or hung in back of, any transparent part of 8 a motor vehicle windshield, vent windows, or side windows located 9 immediately to the left and right of the operator. The prohibition of this 10 section on hanging items shall apply only to shading or tinting material or 11 when a hanging item materially obstructs the driver’s view. 12 (b) General exemptions. Notwithstanding subsection (a) of this section, a 13 person an individual may operate a motor vehicle with material or items 14 painted or adhered on or over, or hung in back of, the windshield, vent 15 windows, or side windows: 16 (1) in a space not over four inches high and 12 inches long in the lower 17 right-hand corner of the windshield; 18 (2) in such any space as the Commissioner of Motor Vehicles may 19 specify for location of any sticker required by governmental regulation; 20 BILL AS INTRODUCED S.123 2025 Page 50 of 57 VT LEG #379955 v.13 (3) in a space not over two inches high and two and one-half inches long 1 in the upper left-hand corner of the windshield; 2 (4) if the operator is a person an individual employed by the federal, 3 State, or local government or a volunteer emergency responder operating an 4 authorized emergency vehicle, who places any necessary equipment in back of 5 the windshield of the vehicle, provided the equipment does not interfere with 6 the operator’s control of the driving mechanism of the vehicle; 7 (5) on a motor vehicle that is for sale by a licensed automobile dealer 8 prior to the sale of the vehicle, in a space not over three inches high and six 9 inches long in the upper left-hand corner of the windshield, and in a space not 10 over four inches high and 18 inches long in the upper right-hand corner of the 11 windshield; or 12 (6) if the object is a rearview mirror, or is an electronic toll-collection 13 transponder located either between the roof line and the rearview mirror post 14 or behind the rearview mirror; or 15 (7) if the object is shading or tinting material and the visible light 16 transmission of the motor vehicle windshield, vent window, or side window 17 with that shading or tinting material is not less than 70 percent. 18 (c) Medical exemption. The Commissioner may grant an exemption to the 19 prohibition of this section upon application from a person an individual 20 required for medical reasons to be shielded from the rays of the sun and who 21 BILL AS INTRODUCED S.123 2025 Page 51 of 57 VT LEG #379955 v.13 attaches to the application a document signed by a licensed physician or 1 optometrist certifying that shielding from the rays of the sun is a medical 2 necessity. The physician or optometrist certification shall be renewed every 3 four years. However, when a licensed physician or optometrist has previously 4 certified to the Commissioner that an applicant’s condition is both permanent 5 and stable, the exemption may be renewed by the applicant without submission 6 of a form signed by a licensed physician or optometrist. Additionally, the 7 window shading or tinting permitted under this subsection shall be limited to 8 the vent windows or side windows located immediately to the left and right of 9 the operator. The exemption provided in this subsection shall terminate upon 10 the transfer of the approved vehicle and at that time the applicable window 11 tinting shall be removed by the seller. Furthermore, if the material described in 12 this subsection tears or bubbles or is otherwise worn to prohibit clear vision, it 13 shall be removed or replaced. 14 (d) Rear side window obstructions. The rear side windows and the back 15 window may be obstructed only if the motor vehicle is equipped on each side 16 with a securely attached mirror, which that provides the operator with a clear 17 view of the roadway in the rear and on both sides of the motor vehicle. 18 (e) Removal. Any shading or tinting material that is painted or adhered on 19 or over, or hung in back of, the windshield, vent windows, or side windows in 20 BILL AS INTRODUCED S.123 2025 Page 52 of 57 VT LEG #379955 v.13 accordance with subdivision (b)(7) or subsection (c) of this section shall be 1 removed if it tears, bubbles, or is otherwise worn to prohibit clear vision. 2 (f) Definition. As used in this section, “visible light transmission” means 3 the amount of visible light that can pass through shading, tinting, or glazing 4 material applied to or within the transparent portion of a window or windshield 5 of a motor vehicle. 6 Sec. 40. LEGISLATIVE INTENT; TINTED WINDOWS 7 It is the intent of the General Assembly that a motor vehicle with shading or 8 tinting material that is not allowed under 23 V.S.A. § 1125, as amended by 9 Sec. 39 of this act, poses a danger to the individual operating the motor 10 vehicle, any passengers in the motor vehicle, and other highway users and that 11 such a motor vehicle shall fail the annual safety inspection required under 12 23 V.S.A. § 1222. 13 Sec. 41. RULEMAKING; PERIODIC INSPECTION MANUAL; TINTED 14 WINDOWS; OUTREACH 15 (a) The Department of Motor Vehicles shall, unless extended by the 16 Legislative Committee on Administrative Rules, adopt amendments to 17 Department of Motor Vehicles, Inspection of Motor Vehicles (CVR 14-050- 18 022) consistent with the legislative intent in Sec. 40 of this act to be effective 19 not later than July 1, 2026. The amendments shall include the level of visible 20 BILL AS INTRODUCED S.123 2025 Page 53 of 57 VT LEG #379955 v.13 light transmission required for windshields and the windows to the immediate 1 right and left of the driver as of the effective date of the amendments. 2 (b) The Department of Motor Vehicles, in consultation with the 3 Department of Public Safety, shall implement a public outreach campaign on 4 window tinting to provide information on the prohibitions and exceptions 5 under 23 V.S.A. § 1125, as amended by Sec. 39 of this act, and the 6 requirements of the Inspection of Motor Vehicles (CVR 14-050-022), with 7 amendments adopted under the Administrative Procedure Act consistent with 8 subsection (a) of this section, including what level of visible light transmission 9 is currently required for windshields and the windows to the immediate right 10 and left of the driver. The Department of Motor Vehicles shall start to 11 disseminate information as required under this subsection not later than two 12 months prior to the effective date of Sec. 39 of this act and shall disseminate 13 information on window tinting through email, bulletins, software updates, and 14 the Department of Motor Vehicles’ website. 15 * * * All-Terrain Vehicles * * * 16 Sec. 42. 23 V.S.A. § 3501 is amended to read: 17 § 3501. DEFINITIONS 18 As used in this chapter: 19 (1) “All-terrain vehicle” or “ATV” means any nonhighway recreational 20 vehicle, except snowmobiles, having not less than two low pressure tires (10 21 BILL AS INTRODUCED S.123 2025 Page 54 of 57 VT LEG #379955 v.13 pounds per square inch, or less); not wider than 64 72 inches, with two-wheel 1 ATVs having permanent, full-time power to both wheels; and having a dry 2 weight of less than 2,500 pounds, when used for cross-country travel on trails 3 or on any one of the following or a combination thereof: land, water, snow, ice, 4 marsh, swampland, and natural terrain. An ATV on a public highway shall be 5 considered a motor vehicle, as defined in section 4 of this title, only for the 6 purposes of those offenses listed in subdivisions 2502(a)(1)(H), (N), (R), (U), 7 (Y), (FF), (GG), (II), and (AAA); (2)(A) and (B); (3)(A), (B), (C), and (D); 8 (4)(A) and (B); and (5) of this title and as provided in section 1201 of this title. 9 An ATV does not include an electric personal assistive mobility device, a 10 motor-assisted bicycle, or an electric bicycle. 11 * * * 12 * * * Used Motor Vehicles Tax and Inspections Study Committee * * * 13 Sec. 43. USED MOTOR VEHICLES; PURCHASE AND USE TAX; 14 INSPECTIONS; STUDY COMMITTEE; REPORT 15 (a) Creation. There is created the Used Motor Vehicle Tax and Inspections 16 Study Committee to examine the assessment of purchase and use tax on used 17 motor vehicles and the inspection of motor vehicles whose onboard diagnostic 18 malfunction indicator light is on. 19 (b) Membership. The Committee shall be composed of the following 20 members: 21 BILL AS INTRODUCED S.123 2025 Page 55 of 57 VT LEG #379955 v.13 (1) the Commissioner of Motor Vehicles or designee; 1 (2) a member, appointed by the Vermont Vehicle and Automotive 2 Distributors Association or designee; 3 (3) a member, appointed by the Vermont Insurance Agents Association; 4 and 5 (4) a member, appointed by the Vermont Community Action 6 Partnership. 7 (c) Powers and duties. The Committee shall study the assessment of 8 purchase and use tax on used motor vehicles and the inspection of motor 9 vehicles whose onboard diagnostic malfunction indicator light is on, including 10 the following issues: 11 (1) the potential fiscal impact to the State of assessing the purchase and 12 use tax against the amount that a used vehicle was purchased for, rather than 13 the clean trade-in value of the vehicle; 14 (2) the potential for assessing the purchase and use tax against the 15 amount that a used vehicle was purchased for, if the difference between the 16 purchase price and the clean trade-in value of the vehicle is equal to or less 17 than the cost of repairs necessary for the vehicle to pass inspection pursuant to 18 23 V.S.A. § 1222; and 19 (3) potential modifications to the periodic inspection manual to permit 20 vehicles whose onboard diagnostic malfunction indicator light is illuminated to 21 BILL AS INTRODUCED S.123 2025 Page 56 of 57 VT LEG #379955 v.13 pass inspection pursuant to 23 V.S.A. § 1222 if the issue causing the indicator 1 light to illuminate does not affect the safety of the vehicle with respect to the 2 operator, any passengers, or any other vehicles. 3 (d) Assistance. The Committee shall have the administrative, technical, 4 and legal assistance of the Department of Motor Vehicles. 5 (e) Report. On or before January 15, 2026, the Committee shall submit a 6 written report to the House and Senate Committees on Transportation with its 7 findings and any recommendations for legislative action. 8 (f) Meetings. 9 (1) The Commissioner of Motor Vehicles or designee shall call the first 10 meeting of the Committee to occur on or before September 1, 2025. 11 (2) The Commissioner of Motor Vehicles or designee shall be the Chair. 12 (3) A majority of the membership shall constitute a quorum. 13 (4) The Committee shall cease to exist on January 30, 2026. 14 (g) Compensation and reimbursement. Members of the Committee who 15 are not otherwise compensated for their attendance at meetings shall be entitled 16 to per diem compensation and reimbursement of expenses as permitted under 17 32 V.S.A. § 1010 for not more than four meetings. These payments shall be 18 made from monies appropriated to Department of Motor Vehicles. 19 BILL AS INTRODUCED S.123 2025 Page 57 of 57 VT LEG #379955 v.13 * * * Effective Dates * * * 1 Sec. 44. EFFECTIVE DATES 2 (a) Secs. 39 and 40 shall take effect on July 1, 2026. 3 (b) This section and the remaining sections of this act shall take effect on 4 July 1, 2025. 5

No. 66 Page 1 of 57 2025 VT LEG #384291 v.1 No. 66. An act relating to miscellaneous changes to laws related to motor vehicles. (S.123) It is hereby enacted by the General Assembly of the State of Vermont: * * * Plug-in Electric Vehicles * * * Sec. 1. 23 V.S.A. § 4(28) is amended to read: (28) “Pleasure car” shall include all motor vehicles not otherwise defined in this title and shall include plug-in electric vehicles, battery electric vehicles, or plug-in hybrid electric vehicles as defined pursuant to subdivision (85) of this section. * * * Veteran’s Designation * * * Sec. 2. 23 V.S.A. § 7 is amended to read: § 7. ENHANCED DRIVER’S LICENSE; MAINTENANCE OF DATABASE INFORMATION; FEE * * * (b)(1) In addition to any other requirement of law or rule, before an enhanced license may be issued to an individual, the individual shall present for inspection and copying satisfactory documentary evidence to determine identity and U.S. citizenship. An A new application shall be accompanied by a photo identity document, documentation showing the individual’s date and place of birth, proof of the individual’s Social Security number, and documentation showing the individual’s principal residence address. New and No. 66 Page 2 of 57 2025 VT LEG #384291 v.1 renewal application forms shall include a space for the applicant to request that a “veteran” designation be placed on the enhanced license. (2) If a veteran, 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), requests a veteran designation and provides a Department of Defense Form 214 or other proof of veteran status specified by the Commissioner, and the Office of Veterans’ Affairs confirms the individual’s status as an honorably discharged veteran; a veteran discharged under honorable conditions; or an individual disabled during active military, naval, air, or space service, the identification card shall include the term “veteran” on its face. (3) To be issued, an enhanced license must meet the same requirements as those for the issuance of a U.S. passport. Before an application may be processed, the documents and information shall be verified as determined by the Commissioner. (4) Any additional personal identity information not currently required by the U.S. Department of Homeland Security shall need the approval of either the General Assembly or the Legislative Committee on Administrative Rules prior to the implementation of the requirements. * * * No. 66 Page 3 of 57 2025 VT LEG #384291 v.1 * * * Documentation of Anatomical Gift * * * Sec. 3. 23 V.S.A. § 115 is amended to read: § 115. NONDRIVER IDENTIFICATION CARDS * * * (g) An identification card issued to a first-time applicant and any subsequent renewals by that person shall contain a photograph or imaged likeness of the applicant. The photographic identification card shall be available at a location designated by the Commissioner. An individual issued an identification card under this subsection that contains an imaged likeness may renew his or her the individual’s identification card by mail. Except that a renewal by an individual required to have a photograph or imaged likeness under this subsection must be made in person so that an updated imaged likeness of the individual is obtained not less often than once every nine years. * * * (k) At the option of the applicant, his or her the applicant’s valid Vermont license may be surrendered in connection with an application for an identification card. In those instances, the fee due under subsection (a) of this section shall be reduced by: * * * (n) The Commissioner shall provide a form that, upon the individual’s execution, shall serve as a document of an anatomical gift under 18 V.S.A. chapter 110. An indicator shall be placed on the nondriver identification card No. 66 Page 4 of 57 2025 VT LEG #384291 v.1 of any individual who has executed an anatomical gift form in accordance with this section. * * * Disability Placards for Volunteer Drivers * * * Sec. 4. 23 V.S.A. § 304a is amended to read: § 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 he or she the individual: * * * (F) is severely limited in his or her the individual’s ability to walk due to an arthritic, neurological, or orthopedic condition. * * * (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 him or her the Commissioner after proper application has been made to the Commissioner by No. 66 Page 5 of 57 2025 VT LEG #384291 v.1 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 him or her 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. * * * (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 him or her 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. No. 66 Page 6 of 57 2025 VT LEG #384291 v.1 (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 he or she the applicant resides to review a decision by the Commissioner to deny his or her the applicant’s application for a special registration plate or placard. * * * (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. Placards shall be marked “volunteer driver.” 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. * * * (e)(1) An individual, other than an eligible person, who for his or her the individual’s own purposes parks a vehicle in a space for individuals with No. 66 Page 7 of 57 2025 VT LEG #384291 v.1 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 him or her 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. * * * (f) Individuals who have a temporary ambulatory disability may apply for a temporary removable windshield placard to the Commissioner on a form prescribed by him or her 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. * * * Fees * * * No. 66 Page 8 of 57 2025 VT LEG #384291 v.1 Sec. 5. 23 V.S.A. § 115(a) is amended to read: (a)(1) Any Vermont resident may make application to the Commissioner and be issued an identification card that is attested by the Commissioner as to true name, correct age, residential address unless the listing of another address is requested by the applicant or is otherwise authorized by law, and any other identifying data as the Commissioner may require that shall include, in the case of minor applicants, the written consent of the applicant’s parent, guardian, or other person standing in loco parentis. (2) Every application for an identification card shall be signed by the applicant and shall contain such evidence of age and identity as the Commissioner may require, consistent with subsection (l) of this section. New and renewal application forms shall include a space for the applicant to request that a “veteran” designation be placed on the applicant’s identification card. If a veteran, 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), requests a veteran designation and provides a Department of Defense Form 214 or other proof of veteran status specified by the Commissioner, and the Office of Veterans’ Affairs confirms the veteran’s status as an honorably discharged veteran; a veteran discharged under honorable conditions; or an individual disabled during active military, naval, air, or space service, the identification card shall include the term “veteran” on its face. No. 66 Page 9 of 57 2025 VT LEG #384291 v.1 (3) The Commissioner shall require payment of a fee of $29.00 at the time application for an identification card is made, except that an initial nondriver identification card shall be issued at no charge to: (A) an individual who surrenders the individual’s license in connection with a suspension or revocation under subsection 636(b) of this title due to a physical or mental condition; or (B) an individual under 23 years of age who was in the care and custody of the Commissioner for Children and Families pursuant to 33 V.S.A. § 4903(4) in Vermont after attaining 14 years of age. Sec. 6. 23 V.S.A. § 376 is amended to read: § 376. STATE, MUNICIPAL, FIRE DEPARTMENT, AND RESCUE ORGANIZATION MOTOR VEHICLES * * * (h)(1) The EV infrastructure fee, required pursuant 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 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 subsections 361(b) and (c) of this subchapter, shall not be charged for a motor truck, trailer, ambulance, or other motor vehicle that is: No. 66 Page 10 of 57 2025 VT LEG #384291 v.1 (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. Sec. 7. 23 V.S.A. § 378 is amended to read: § 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 an honorably discharged 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 him or her the veteran during his or her the veteran’s lifetime obtained as a replacement thereof, when his or her 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 him or her the veteran to be entitled to the financial assistance. No. 66 Page 11 of 57 2025 VT LEG #384291 v.1 Sec. 8. 23 V.S.A. § 608 is amended to read: § 608. FEES * * * (b) An additional fee of $4.00 per year shall be paid for a motorcycle endorsement. The endorsement may be obtained for either a two-year or four- year period, to be coincidental with the length of the operator’s license. (c)(1) Individuals under 23 years of age who were in the care and custody of the Commissioner for Children and Families pursuant to 33 V.S.A. § 4903(4) in Vermont after attaining 14 years of age shall be provided with operator’s licenses or operator privilege cards at no charge. (2) No additional fee shall be due for a motorcycle endorsement for an individual under 23 years of age who was in the care and custody of the Commissioner for Children and Families pursuant to 33 V.S.A. § 4903(4) in Vermont after attaining 14 years of age. Sec. 9. 23 V.S.A. § 608 is amended to read: § 608. FEES * * * (d) Individuals receiving Supplemental Security Income or Social Security Disability Income and individuals with a disability as defined in 9 V.S.A. § 4501 shall be provided with operator’s licenses or operator privilege cards for the following fees: (1) Original issuance: $20.00. No. 66 Page 12 of 57 2025 VT LEG #384291 v.1 (2) Renewal every four years: $20.00. (3) Replacement of lost, destroyed, or mutilated card or a new name is required: $10.00. * * * Learner’s Permits * * * Sec. 10. 23 V.S.A. § 617 is amended to read: § 617. LEARNER’S PERMIT * * * (b)(1) Notwithstanding the provisions of subsection (a) of this section, any licensed person may apply to the Commissioner of Motor Vehicles for a learner’s permit for the operation of a motorcycle in the form prescribed by the Commissioner. The Commissioner shall offer both a motorcycle learner’s permit that authorizes the operation of three-wheeled motorcycles only and a motorcycle learner’s permit that authorizes the operation of any motorcycle. The Commissioner shall require payment of a fee of $24.00 at the time application is made, except that no fee shall be charged for an individual under 23 years of age who was in the care and custody of the Commissioner for Children and Families pursuant to 33 V.S.A. § 4903(4) in Vermont after attaining 14 years of age. (2) After the applicant has successfully passed all parts of the applicable motorcycle endorsement examination, other than a skill test, the Commissioner may issue to the applicant a learner’s permit that entitles the applicant, subject to subsection 615(a) of this title, to operate a three-wheeled motorcycle only, No. 66 Page 13 of 57 2025 VT LEG #384291 v.1 or to operate any motorcycle, upon the public highways for a period of 120 days from the date of issuance. The fee for the examination shall be $11.00, except that no fee shall be charged for an individual under 23 years of age who was in the care and custody of the Commissioner for Children and Families pursuant to 33 V.S.A. § 4903(4) in Vermont after attaining 14 years of age. (3) A motorcycle learner’s permit may be renewed only twice upon payment of a $24.00 fee. An individual under 23 years of age who was in the care and custody of the Commissioner for Children and Families pursuant to 33 V.S.A. § 4903(4) in Vermont after attaining 14 years of age shall not be charged a fee for the renewal of a motorcycle learner’s permit. (4) If, during the original permit period and two renewals the permittee has not successfully passed the applicable skill test or motorcycle rider training course, the permittee may not obtain another motorcycle learner’s permit for a period of 12 months from the expiration of the permit unless: (A) he or she the permittee has successfully completed the applicable motorcycle rider training course; or (B) the learner’s permit and renewals thereof authorized the operation of any motorcycle and the permittee is seeking a learner’s permit for the operation of three-wheeled motorcycles only. * * * (c) No learner’s permit may be issued to any person under 18 years of age unless the parent or guardian of, or a person standing in loco parentis to, the No. 66 Page 14 of 57 2025 VT LEG #384291 v.1 applicant files his or her written consent to the issuance with the Commissioner. (d)(1) An applicant shall pay $24.00 to the Commissioner for each learner’s permit or a duplicate or renewal thereof. (2) An applicant under 23 years of age who was in the care and custody of the Commissioner for Children and Families pursuant to 33 V.S.A. § 4903(4) in Vermont after attaining 14 years of age shall not be charged a fee for a learner’s permit or a duplicate or renewal thereof. (3) A replacement learner’s permit for the operation of a motorcycle may be generated from the applicant’s electronic account for no charge. (e)(1) A learner’s permit, which is not a learner’s permit for the operation of a motorcycle, shall contain a photograph or imaged likeness of the individual. A learner’s permit for a motor vehicle shall contain a photograph or imaged likeness of the individual if the permit is obtained in person. The photographic learner’s permit shall be available at locations designated by the Commissioner. (2) An individual issued a permit under this subsection may renew his or her the individual’s permit by mail or online, but a permit holder who chooses to have a photograph or imaged likeness under this subsection must renew in person so that an updated imaged likeness of the individual is obtained not less often than once every nine years. * * * No. 66 Page 15 of 57 2025 VT LEG #384291 v.1 * * * Commercial Learner’s Permit * * * Sec. 11. 23 V.S.A. § 4111a is amended to read: § 4111a. COMMERCIAL LEARNER’S PERMIT (a) Contents of permit. A commercial learner’s permit shall contain the following: * * * (3) physical and other information to identify and describe the permit holder, including the month, day, and year of birth; sex; and height; and photograph; * * * Sec. 12. 23 V.S.A. § 4122 is amended to read: § 4122. DEFERRING IMPOSITION OF SENTENCE; PROHIBITION ON MASKING OR DIVERSION (a) No court, State’s Attorney, or law enforcement officer may utilize the provisions of 13 V.S.A. § 7041 or any other program to defer imposition of sentence or judgment if the defendant holds a commercial driver’s license, commercial learner’s permit, or was operating a commercial motor vehicle when the violation occurred and is charged with violating any State or local traffic law other than a parking violation, vehicle weight, or vehicle defect violations. * * * No. 66 Page 16 of 57 2025 VT LEG #384291 v.1 * * * License Examinations * * * Sec. 13. 23 V.S.A. § 632 is amended to read: § 632. EXAMINATION REQUIRED; WAIVER (a) Before an operator’s or a junior operator’s license is issued to an applicant for the first time in this State, or before a renewal license is issued to an applicant whose previous Vermont license had expired more than three years prior to the application for renewal, the applicant shall pass a satisfactory examination, except that the Commissioner may, in his or her the Commissioner’s discretion, waive the examination when the applicant holds a chauffeur’s, junior operator’s, or operator’s license in force at the time of application or within three years prior to the application in some other jurisdiction where an examination is required similar to the examination required in this State. (b) The examination shall consist of: * * * (3) at the discretion of the Commissioner, such other examination or demonstration as he or she the Commissioner may prescribe, including an oral eye examination. (c) An applicant may have an individual of his or her the applicant’s choosing at the oral examination or road test to serve as an interpreter, including to translate any oral commands given as part of the road test. No. 66 Page 17 of 57 2025 VT LEG #384291 v.1 Sec. 14. 23 V.S.A. § 634 is amended to read: § 634. FEE FOR EXAMINATION * * * (b)(1) A Beginning on or before July 1, 2026, a scheduling fee of $29.00 shall be paid by the applicant before the applicant may schedule the road test required under section 632 of this title. Unless an applicant gives the Department at least 48 hours’ notice of cancellation, if (2) If the applicant does not appear as scheduled, the $29.00 scheduling fee is shall be forfeited, unless either: (A) the applicant gives the Department at least 48 hours’ notice; or (B) the applicant shows good cause for the cancellation, as determined by the Commissioner. (3) If the applicant appears for the scheduled road test, the fee shall be applied toward the license examination fee. The Commissioner may waive the scheduling fee until the Department is capable of administering the fee electronically. * * * * * * Non-Real ID Operator’s Privilege Cards * * * Sec. 15. 23 V.S.A. § 603 is amended to read: § 603. APPLICATION FOR AND ISSUANCE OF LICENSE (a)(1) The Commissioner or his or her the Commissioner’s authorized agent may license operators and junior operators when an application, on a No. 66 Page 18 of 57 2025 VT LEG #384291 v.1 form prescribed by the Commissioner, signed and sworn to by the applicant for the license, is filed with him or her the Commissioner, accompanied by the required license fee and any valid license from another state or Canadian jurisdiction is surrendered. (2) The Commissioner may, however, in his or her the Commissioner’s discretion, refuse to issue a license to any person whenever he or she the Commissioner is satisfied from information given him or her the Commissioner by credible persons, and upon investigation, that the person is mentally or physically unfit or, because of his or her the person’s habits or record as to crashes or convictions, is unsafe to be trusted with the operation of motor vehicles. A person refused a license under the provisions of this subsection shall be entitled to hearing as provided in sections 105–107 of this title. * * * (d) Except as provided in subsection (e) of this section: (1) A An applicant who is a citizen of a foreign country shall produce his or her the applicant’s passport and visa, alien registration receipt card (green card), or other proof of legal presence for inspection and copying as a part of the application process for an operator’s license, junior operator’s license, or learner’s permit. No. 66 Page 19 of 57 2025 VT LEG #384291 v.1 (2) An operator’s license, junior operator’s license, or learner’s permit issued to an applicant who is a citizen of a foreign country shall expire coincidentally with his or her the applicant’s authorized duration of stay. (e)(1) A citizen of a foreign country unable to establish legal presence in the United States who furnishes reliable proof of Vermont residence and of name, date of birth, and place of birth, and who satisfies all other requirements of this chapter for obtaining a license or permit, shall be eligible to obtain an operator’s privilege card, a junior operator’s privilege card, or a learner’s privilege card. * * * (f) Persons Applicant’s able to establish lawful presence in the United States but who otherwise fail to comply with the requirements of the REAL ID Act of 2005, Pub. L. No. 109-13, §§ 201-202, shall be eligible for an operator’s privilege card, a junior operator’s privilege card, or a learner’s privilege card, provided the applicant furnishes reliable proof of Vermont residence and of name, date of birth, and place of birth, and satisfies all other requirements of this chapter for obtaining a license or permit. The Commissioner shall require applicants under this subsection to furnish a document or a combination of documents that reliably proves the applicant’s Vermont residence and his or her the applicant’s name, date of birth, and place of birth. * * * No. 66 Page 20 of 57 2025 VT LEG #384291 v.1 (h) A privilege card issued under this section shall: (1) on its face bear the phrase “privilege card” “non-Real ID” and text indicating that it is not valid for federal identification or official purposes; and * * * * * * License Extension * * * Sec. 16. 23 V.S.A § 604 is added to read: § 604. EARLY RENEWAL (a) The holder of an operator’s license or privilege card issued under the provisions of this subchapter may renew the operator’s license or privilege card at any time prior to the expiration of the operator’s license or privilege card. If one or more years remain before the expiration of the operator’s license or privilege card, the Commissioner shall reduce the cost of the renewed operator’s license or privilege card by an amount that is proportionate to the number of years rounded down to the next whole year remaining before the expiration of the operator’s license or privilege card. (b) All application and documentation requirements for the renewal of an operator’s license or privilege card shall apply to the early renewal of an operator’s license or privilege card. Sec. 17. 23 V.S.A. § 115b is added to read: § 115b. EARLY RENEWAL (a) The holder of a nondriver identification card issued under the provisions of section 115 of this chapter may renew the nondriver No. 66 Page 21 of 57 2025 VT LEG #384291 v.1 identification card at any time prior to the expiration of the nondriver identification card. If one or more years remain before the expiration of the nondriver identification card, the Commissioner shall reduce the cost of the renewed nondriver identification card by an amount that is proportionate to the number of years rounded down to the next whole year remaining before the expiration of the nondriver identification card. (b) All application and documentation requirements for the renewal of a nondriver identification card pursuant to section 115 of this chapter shall apply to the early renewal of a nondriver identification card. Sec. 18. INFORMATION REGARDING PRIVILEGE CARDS AND NONDRIVER IDENTIFICATION CARDS; INTENT It is the intent of the General Assembly that the Commissioner of Motor Vehicles, to the extent permitted by federal law, ensures that any individual who is unable to or does not wish to comply with the requirements of the REAL ID Act of 2005, Pub. L. No. 109-13, §§ 201 and 202 continues to be informed of the option of applying for an operator’s privilege card pursuant to the provisions of 23 V.S.A. § 603(f) or a nondriver identification card pursuant to the provisions of 23 V.S.A. § 115. Sec. 19. OUTREACH; UPDATES (a) On or before November 15, 2025, the Department of Motor Vehicles shall develop and implement a public education and outreach campaign to inform Vermont residents about: No. 66 Page 22 of 57 2025 VT LEG #384291 v.1 (1) an individual’s ability to obtain an operator’s license, operator’s privilege card, or nondriver identification card; (2) an individual’s ability under Vermont law to self-attest with respect to the gender marker on the individual’s operator’s license, operator’s privilege card, or nondriver identification card; and (3) reduced fees that are available to individuals who meet certain requirements. (b) The Commissioner shall provide two brief, written updates to the House and Senate Committees on Transportation regarding the implementation and utilization of 23 V.S.A. §§ 115b and 604. The first shall be due not more than 30 days after the Department implements the provisions of 23 V.S.A. §§ 115b and 604 and the second shall be due in January 2026. * * * Commercial Driving Instructors * * * Sec. 20. 23 V.S.A. § 705 is amended to read: § 705. QUALIFICATIONS FOR INSTRUCTOR’S LICENSE (a) In order to qualify for an instructor’s license, each applicant shall: (1) not have been convicted of: (A) a felony nor incarcerated for a felony within the 10 years prior to the date of application; (B) a violation of section 1201 of this title or a like offense in another jurisdiction reported to the Commissioner pursuant to subdivision 3905(a)(2) of this title within the three years prior to the date of application; No. 66 Page 23 of 57 2025 VT LEG #384291 v.1 (C) a subsequent violation of an offense listed in subdivision 2502(a)(5) of this title or of section 674 of this title; or (D) a sex offense that requires registration pursuant to 13 V.S.A. chapter 167, subchapter 3; (2) pass such an examination as required by the Commissioner shall require on: (A) traffic laws; (B) safe driving practices; (C) operation of motor vehicles; and (D) qualifications as a teacher; (3) be physically able to operate a motor vehicle and to train others in such operation; (4) have five years’ experience as a licensed operator and be at least 21 years of age on date of application; and (5) pay the application and license fees prescribed in section 702 of this title. (b) Commercial motor vehicle instructors shall satisfy the requirements of subdivisions (a)(1), (2), (3), and (5) of this section, and: (1) If the commercial motor vehicle instructor is a behind the wheel (BTW) instructor, shall either: No. 66 Page 24 of 57 2025 VT LEG #384291 v.1 (A)(i) hold a CDL of the same or higher class and with all endorsements necessary to operate the commercial motor vehicle for which training is to be provided; (ii) have at least two years of experience driving a commercial motor vehicle requiring the same or higher class of CDL and any applicable endorsements required to operate the commercial motor vehicle for which training is to be provided; and (iii) meet any additional applicable State requirements for commercial motor vehicle instructors; or (B)(i) hold a CDL of the same or higher class and with all endorsements necessary to operate the commercial motor vehicle for which training is to be provided; (ii) have at least two years’ experience as a BTW instructor; and (iii) meet any additional applicable State requirements for commercial motor vehicle instructors. (2) If the commercial motor vehicle instructor is a theory instructor, the instructor shall: (A)(i) hold a CDL of the same or higher class and with all endorsements necessary to operate the commercial motor vehicle for which training is to be provided; (ii) have at least two years of experience driving a commercial motor vehicle requiring the same or higher class of CDL and any applicable No. 66 Page 25 of 57 2025 VT LEG #384291 v.1 endorsements required to operate the commercial motor vehicle for which training is to be provided; and (iii) meet any additional applicable State requirements for commercial motor vehicle instructors; or (B)(i) hold a CDL of the same or higher class and with all endorsements necessary to operate the commercial motor vehicle for which training is to be provided; (ii) have at least two years’ experience as a BTW instructor; and (iii) meet any additional applicable State requirements for commercial motor vehicle instructors. * * * Motorcycle Instructors * * * Sec. 21. 23 V.S.A. § 734 is amended to read: § 734. INSTRUCTOR REQUIREMENTS AND TRAINING * * * (b) The Department shall establish minimum requirements for the qualifications of a rider training instructor. The minimum requirements shall include the following: * * * (3) the instructor shall have at least four two years of licensed experience as a motorcycle riding experience operator during the last five four years; * * * No. 66 Page 26 of 57 2025 VT LEG #384291 v.1 (7) an applicant shall not be eligible for instructor status until his or her the applicant’s driving record for the preceding five years, or the maximum number of years less than five for which a state retains driving records, is furnished; and * * * * * * Motor Vehicle Taxes * * * Sec. 22. 32 V.S.A. § 8902 is amended to read: § 8902. DEFINITIONS Unless otherwise expressly provided, as used in this chapter: * * * (5)(A) “Taxable cost” means the purchase price as defined in subdivision (4) of this section or the taxable cost as determined under section 8907 of this title. (B) For any purchaser who has paid tax on the purchase or use of a motor vehicle that was sold or traded by the purchaser or for which the purchaser received payment under a contract of insurance, the taxable cost of the replacement motor vehicle other than a leased vehicle shall exclude: (A)(i) The value allowed by the seller on any motor vehicle accepted by the seller as part of the consideration of the motor vehicle, provided the motor vehicle accepted by the seller is owned and previously or currently registered or titled by the purchaser, with no change of ownership since registration or titling, except for motor vehicles for which registration is not No. 66 Page 27 of 57 2025 VT LEG #384291 v.1 required under the provisions of Title 23 or motor vehicles received under the provisions of subdivision 8911(8) of this title. (B)(ii) The amount received from the sale of a motor vehicle last registered or titled in the seller’s name, the amount not to exceed the clean trade-in value of the same make, type, model, and year of manufacture as designated by the manufacturer and as shown in the NADA Official Used Car Guide (New England edition) J.D. Power Values, or any comparable publication, provided such the sale occurs within three months after the taxable purchase. However, this three-month period shall be extended day-for-day for any time that a member of a guard unit or of the U.S. Armed Forces, as defined in 38 U.S.C. § 101(10), spends outside Vermont due to activation or deployment and an additional 60 days following the individual’s return from activation or deployment. Such The amount shall be reported on forms supplied by the Commissioner of Motor Vehicles. (C)(iii) The amount actually paid to the purchaser within three months prior to the taxable purchase by any insurer under a contract of collision, comprehensive, or similar insurance with respect to a motor vehicle owned by him or her the purchaser, provided that the vehicle is not subject to the tax imposed by subsection 8903(d) of this title and provided that one of these events occur: (i)(I) the motor vehicle with respect to which such the payment is made by the insurer is accepted by the seller as a trade-in on the purchased No. 66 Page 28 of 57 2025 VT LEG #384291 v.1 motor vehicle before the repair of the damage giving rise to insurer’s payment; or (ii)(II) the motor vehicle with respect to which such the payment is made to the insurer is treated as a total loss and is sold for dismantling. (D)(C) A purchaser shall be entitled to a partial or complete refund of taxes paid under subsection 8903(a) or (b) of this title if an insurer makes a payment to him or her the purchaser under contract of collision, comprehensive, or similar insurance after he or she the purchaser has paid the tax imposed by this chapter, if such the payment by the insurer is either: * * * (E)(D) The purchase price of a motor vehicle subject to the tax imposed by subsections 8903(a) and (b) of this title shall not be reduced by the value received or allowed in connection with the transfer of a vehicle that was registered for use as a short-term rental vehicle. * * * Sec. 23. 32 V.S.A. § 8907 is amended to read: § 8907. COMMISSIONER; COMPUTATION OF TAXABLE COSTS (a) The Commissioner may investigate the taxable cost of any motor vehicle transferred subject to the provisions of this chapter. If the motor vehicle is not acquired by purchase in Vermont or is received for an amount that does not represent actual value, or if no tax form is filed or it appears to the Commissioner that a tax form contains fraudulent or incorrect information, No. 66 Page 29 of 57 2025 VT LEG #384291 v.1 the Commissioner may, in the Commissioner’s discretion, fix the taxable cost of the motor vehicle at the clean trade-in value of vehicles of the same make, type, model, and year of manufacture as designated by the manufacturer, as shown in the NADA Official Used Car Guide (New England Edition) J.D. Power Values or any comparable publication, less the lease end value of any leased vehicle. The Commissioner may develop a process to determine the value of vehicles that do not have clean trade-in value in J.D. Power Values. The Commissioner may compute and assess the tax due and notify the purchaser verbally, if the purchaser is at a DMV location, or immediately by certified mail, and the purchaser shall remit the same within 15 days thereafter after notice is sent or provided. * * * Sec. 24. 32 V.S.A. § 8914 is amended to read: § 8914. REFUND Any overpayment of such tax as determined by the Commissioner shall be refunded. To be eligible to receive a refund, a person shall submit a request for a refund within one year after paying the tax. * * * Refund of Registration Fee * * * Sec. 25. 23 V.S.A. § 326 is amended to read: § 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 No. 66 Page 30 of 57 2025 VT LEG #384291 v.1 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. * * * Fuel Tax Refunds * * * Sec. 26. 23 V.S.A. § 3020 is amended to read: § 3020. CREDITS AND REFUNDS (a) Credits. (1) A user who purchased fuel within this State from a dealer or distributor upon which he or she the user paid the tax at the time of purchase, or a user exempt from the payment of the tax under subsection 3003(d) of this title who purchased fuel within this State upon which he or she the user paid tax at the time of purchase, shall be entitled to a credit equal to the amount of No. 66 Page 31 of 57 2025 VT LEG #384291 v.1 tax per gallon in effect when the fuel was purchased. When the amount of the credit to which any user is entitled for any reporting period exceeds the amount of his or her the user’s tax for the same period, the excess shall be credited to the user’s tax account and the user shall be notified of the date and amount of the credit by mail. * * * (3) A user who also sells or delivers fuel subject to the tax imposed by 32 V.S.A. chapter 233 upon which the tax imposed by this chapter has been paid shall be entitled to a credit equal to the amount of such tax paid pursuant to this chapter. When the amount of the credit to which any user is entitled for any reporting period exceeds the amount of his or her the user’s tax for the same period, the excess shall be credited to the user’s tax account and the user shall be notified of the date and amount of the credit by mail. * * * (b) Refunds. A user may request, in writing by mail, a refund of any credits in the user’s tax account, but in no case may a user collect a refund requested more than 33 12 months following the date the amount was credited to the user’s tax account. * * * * * * Alteration of Odometers * * * Sec. 27. 23 V.S.A. § 1704a is amended to read: § 1704a. ALTERATION OF ODOMETERS No. 66 Page 32 of 57 2025 VT LEG #384291 v.1 (a) Any person who sells No person shall: (1) sell, attempts attempt to sell, or causes cause to be sold any motor vehicle, highway building appliance, motorboat, all-terrain vehicle, or snowmobile and has actual knowledge that if the odometer, hubometer reading, or clock meter reading has been changed, tampered with, or defaced without first disclosing same and a person who changes, tampers with, or defaces, or who attempts that information to the buyer; (2) change, tamper with, or deface, or attempt to change, tamper with, or deface, any gauge, dial, or other mechanical instrument, commonly known as an odometer, hubometer, or clock meter, in a motor vehicle, highway building appliance, motorboat, all-terrain vehicle, or snowmobile, which, under normal circumstances and without being changed, tampered with, or defaced, is designed to show by numbers or words the distance that the motor vehicle, highway building appliance, motorboat, all-terrain vehicle, or snowmobile travels,; or who (3) willfully misrepresents misrepresent the odometer, hubometer, or clock meter reading on the odometer disclosure statement or similar statement, title, or bill of sale. (b) A person who violates subsection (a) of this section shall be fined not more than $1,000.00 for a first offense and fined not more than $2,500.00 for each subsequent offense. No. 66 Page 33 of 57 2025 VT LEG #384291 v.1 * * * Definition of Conviction * * * Sec. 28. 23 V.S.A. § 102 is amended to read: § 102. DUTIES OF COMMISSIONER * * * (d)(1) The Commissioner may authorize background investigations for potential employees, which may include criminal, traffic, and financial records checks; provided, however, that the potential employee is notified and has the right to withdraw his or her their name from application. Additionally, employees who are involved in the manufacturing or production of operator’s licenses and identification cards, including enhanced licenses, or who have the ability to affect the identity information that appears on a license or identification card, or current employees who will be assigned to such positions, shall be subject to appropriate background checks and shall be provided notice of the background check and the contents of that check. These background checks shall include a name-based and fingerprint-based criminal history records check using at a minimum the Federal Bureau of Investigation’s National Crime Information Center and the Integrated Automated Fingerprint Identification database and State repository records on each covered employee. (2) Employees may be subject to further appropriate security clearances if required by federal law, including background investigations that may No. 66 Page 34 of 57 2025 VT LEG #384291 v.1 include criminal and traffic records checks and providing proof of U.S. citizenship. (3) The Commissioner may, in connection with a formal disciplinary investigation, authorize a criminal or traffic record background investigation of a current employee; provided, however, that the background review is relevant to the issue under disciplinary investigation. Information acquired through the investigation shall be provided to the Commissioner or designated division director and must be maintained in a secure manner. If the information acquired is used as a basis for any disciplinary action, it must be given to the employee during any pretermination hearing or contractual grievance hearing to allow the employee an opportunity to respond to or dispute the information. If no disciplinary action is taken against the employee, the information acquired through the background check shall be destroyed. (e) As used in this section, “conviction” has the same meaning as in subdivision 4(60) of this title. Sec. 29. 23 V.S.A. § 108 is amended to read: § 108. APPLICATION FORMS (a) The Commissioner shall prepare and furnish all forms for applications, crash reports, conviction reports, a pamphlet containing the full text of the motor vehicle laws of the State, and all other forms needed in the proper conduct of his or her the Commissioner’s office. He or she The Commissioner shall furnish an adequate supply of such registration forms, license No. 66 Page 35 of 57 2025 VT LEG #384291 v.1 applications, and motor vehicle laws each year to each town clerk, and to such other persons as may so upon request. (b) As used in this section, “conviction” has the same meaning as in subdivision 4(60) of this title. Sec. 30. 23 V.S.A. § 1709 is amended to read: § 1709. REPORT OF CONVICTIONS TO COMMISSIONER OF MOTOR VEHICLES (a) The Judicial Bureau and every court having jurisdiction over offenses committed under any law of this State or municipal ordinance regulating the operation of motor vehicles on the highways shall forward a record of any conviction to the Commissioner within 10 days for violation of any State or local law relating to motor vehicle traffic control, other than a parking violation. (b) As used in this section, “conviction” has the same meaning as in subdivision 4(60) of this title. Sec. 31. 23 V.S.A. § 1200 is amended to read: § 1200. DEFINITIONS As used in this subchapter: * * * (11) As used in this section, “conviction” has the same meaning as in subdivision 4(60) of this title. No. 66 Page 36 of 57 2025 VT LEG #384291 v.1 * * * Drunken Driving * * * Sec. 32. 23 V.S.A. § 1205 is amended to read: § 1205. CIVIL SUSPENSION; SUMMARY PROCEDURE (a) Refusal; alcohol concentration at or above legal limits; suspension periods. * * * (2) Upon affidavit of a law enforcement officer that the officer had reasonable grounds to believe that the person was operating, attempting to operate, or in actual physical control of a vehicle in violation of section 1201 of this title and that the person submitted to a test and the test results indicated that the person’s alcohol concentration was at or above a limit specified in subsection 1201(a) of this title, at the time of operating, attempting to operate, or being in actual physical control, the Commissioner shall suspend the person’s operating license or nonresident operating privilege or the privilege of an unlicensed operator to operate a vehicle for a period of 90 days and until the person complies with section 1209a of this title. However, during the suspension, an eligible person may operate under the terms of an ignition interlock RDL or ignition interlock certificate issued pursuant to section 1213 of this title. * * * (b) Form of officer’s affidavit. A law enforcement officer’s affidavit in support of a suspension under this section shall be in a standardized form for No. 66 Page 37 of 57 2025 VT LEG #384291 v.1 use throughout the State and shall be sufficient if it contains the following statements: * * * (4) The officer informed the person of his or her the person’s rights under subsection 1202(d) of this title. (5) The officer obtained an evidentiary test (noting the time and date the test was taken) and the test indicated that the person’s alcohol concentration was at or above a legal limit specified in subsection 1201(a) or (d) of this title, or the person refused to submit to an evidentiary test. * * * (c) Notice of suspension. On behalf of the Commissioner of Motor Vehicles, a law enforcement officer requesting or directing the administration of an evidentiary test shall serve notice of intention to suspend and of suspension on a person who refuses to submit to an evidentiary test or on a person who submits to a test the results of which indicate that the person’s alcohol concentration was at or above a legal limit specified in subsection 1201(a) or (d) of this title, at the time of operating, attempting to operate, or being in actual physical control of a vehicle in violation of section 1201 of this title. The notice shall be signed by the law enforcement officer requesting the test. A copy of the notice shall be sent to the Commissioner of Motor Vehicles, and a copy shall be mailed or given to the defendant within three business days after the date the officer receives the results of the test. If No. 66 Page 38 of 57 2025 VT LEG #384291 v.1 mailed, the notice is deemed received three days after mailing to the address provided by the defendant to the law enforcement officer. A copy of the affidavit of the law enforcement officer shall also be mailed by first-class mail or given to the defendant within seven days after the date of notice. * * * (h) Final hearing. (1) If the defendant requests a hearing on the merits, the court shall schedule a final hearing on the merits to be held within 21 days after the date of the preliminary hearing. In no event may a final hearing occur more than 42 days after the date of the alleged offense without the consent of the defendant or for good cause shown. The final hearing may only be continued by the consent of the defendant or for good cause shown. The issues at the final hearing shall be limited to the following: * * * (D) Whether the test was taken and the test results indicated that the person’s alcohol concentration was at or above a legal limit specified in subsection 1201(a) or (d) of this title, at the time of operating, attempting to operate, or being in actual physical control of a vehicle in violation of section 1201 of this title, whether the testing methods used were valid and reliable, and whether the test results were accurate and accurately evaluated. Evidence that the test was taken and evaluated in compliance with rules adopted by the Department of Public Safety shall be prima facie evidence that the testing No. 66 Page 39 of 57 2025 VT LEG #384291 v.1 methods used were valid and reliable and that the test results are accurate and were accurately evaluated. * * * (i) Finding by the court. The court shall electronically forward a report of the hearing to the Commissioner. Upon a finding by the court that the law enforcement officer had reasonable grounds to believe that the person was operating, attempting to operate, or in actual physical control of a vehicle in violation of section 1201 of this title and that the person refused to submit to a test, or upon a finding by the court that the law enforcement officer had reasonable grounds to believe that the person was operating, attempting to operate, or in actual physical control of a vehicle in violation of section 1201 of this title and that the person submitted to a test and the test results indicated that the person’s alcohol concentration was at or above a legal limit specified in subsection 1201(a) or (d) of this title, at the time the person was operating, attempting to operate, or in actual physical control, the person’s operating license, or nonresident operating privilege, or the privilege of an unlicensed operator to operate a vehicle shall be suspended or shall remain suspended for the required term and until the person complies with section 1209a of this title. Upon a finding in favor of the person, the Commissioner shall cause the suspension to be canceled and removed from the record, without payment of any fee. * * * No. 66 Page 40 of 57 2025 VT LEG #384291 v.1 (n) Presumption. In a proceeding under this section, if at any time within two hours of operating, attempting to operate, or being in actual physical control of a vehicle a person had an alcohol concentration of at or above a legal limit specified in subsection 1201(a) or (d) of this title, it shall be a rebuttable presumption that the person’s alcohol concentration was at or above the applicable limit at the time of operating, attempting to operate, or being in actual physical control. * * * Sec. 33. 23 V.S.A. § 1205(d) is amended to read: (d) Form of notice. The notice of intention to suspend and of suspension shall be in a form prescribed by the Supreme Court. The notice shall include an explanation of rights, a form to be used to request a hearing, and, if a hearing is requested, the date, time, and location of the Criminal Division of the Superior Court where the person must appear for a preliminary hearing. The notice shall also contain, in boldface print, the following: (1) You have the right to ask for a hearing to contest the suspension of your operator’s license. (2) This notice shall serve as a temporary operator’s license and is valid until 12:01 a.m. of the date of suspension. If this is your first violation of section 1201 of this title and if you do not request a hearing, your license will be suspended as provided in this notice. If this is your second or subsequent violation of section 1201 of this title, your license will be suspended on the No. 66 Page 41 of 57 2025 VT LEG #384291 v.1 11th day after you receive this notice. It is a crime to drive while your license is suspended unless you have been issued an ignition interlock restricted driver’s license or ignition interlock certificate. * * * * * * Registration Fees for Trucks * * * Sec. 34. 23 V.S.A. § 367 is amended to read: § 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 6,000 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 10,000 10,100 and 25,999 26,099 pounds inclusive shall be an additional $42.53, the fee for vehicles weighing between 26,000 26,100 and 39,999 40,099 pounds inclusive shall be an additional $85.03, the fee for vehicles weighing between 40,000 40,100 and 59,999 60,099 pounds inclusive shall be an additional No. 66 Page 42 of 57 2025 VT LEG #384291 v.1 $297.68, and the fee for vehicles 60,000 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 6,000 6,099 pounds shall be the same as for the pleasure car type: $18.21 when the weight exceeds 6,000 pounds but does not exceed 8,000 pounds is at least 6,100 pounds but not more than 8,099 pounds. $20.83 when the weight exceeds 8,000 pounds but does not exceed 12,000 pounds is at least 8,100 pounds but not more than 12,099 pounds. $22.97 when the weight exceeds 12,000 pounds but does not exceed 16,000 pounds is at least 12,100 pounds but not more than 16,099 pounds. $24.56 when the weight exceeds 16,000 pounds but does not exceed 20,000 pounds is at least 16,100 pounds but not more than 20,099 pounds. $25.71 when the weight exceeds 20,000 pounds but does not exceed 30,000 pounds is at least 20,100 pounds but not more than 30,099 pounds. $26.26 when the weight exceeds 30,000 pounds but does not exceed 40,000 pounds 30,100 pounds but not more than 40,099 pounds. $26.90 when the weight exceeds 40,000 pounds but does not exceed 50,000 pounds is at least 40,100 pounds but not more than 50,099 pounds. $27.13 when the weight exceeds 50,000 pounds but does not exceed 60,000 pounds is at least 50,100 pounds but not more than 60,099 pounds. No. 66 Page 43 of 57 2025 VT LEG #384291 v.1 $28.06 when the weight exceeds 60,000 pounds but does not exceed 70,000 pounds is at least 60,100 pounds but not more than 70,099 pounds. $29.00 when the weight exceeds 70,000 pounds but does not exceed 80,000 pounds is at least 70,100 pounds but not more than 80,099 pounds. $29.94 when the weight exceeds 80,000 pounds but does not exceed 90,000 pounds is at least 80,100 pounds but not more than 90,099 pounds. (2) Fractions of 1,000 pounds shall be computed at the next highest 1,000 pounds, excepting, however, fractions of hundredweight shall be disregarded. [Repealed.] * * * * * * Purchase and Use Tax * * * Sec. 35. 32 V.S.A. § 8902 is amended to read: § 8902. DEFINITIONS Unless otherwise expressly provided, as used in this chapter: * * * (6) “Motor vehicle” shall have has the same definition meaning as in 23 V.S.A. § 4(21). * * * (12) “Mail” has the same meaning as in 23 V.S.A. § 4(87). Sec. 36. 32 V.S.A. § 8905 is amended to read: § 8905. COLLECTION OF TAX; EDUCATION; APPEALS No. 66 Page 44 of 57 2025 VT LEG #384291 v.1 (a) Every purchaser of a motor vehicle subject to a tax under subsection 8903(a) of this title shall forward such the tax form to the Commissioner, together with the amount of tax due at the time of first registering or transferring a registration to such the motor vehicle as a condition precedent to registration thereof of the vehicle. (b) Every person subject to a use tax under subsection 8903(b) of this title shall forward such the tax form and the tax due to the Commissioner with the registration application or transfer, as the case may be, and fee at the time of first registering or transferring a registration to such the motor vehicle as a condition precedent to registration thereof of the vehicle. * * * (d) Every person required to collect the use tax under subsection 8903(d) of this title shall forward such the tax and a report of same the tax on forms prescribed and furnished by the Commissioner at the frequency determined by the Commissioner. * * * (f) Every person subject to the tax imposed by subsection 8903(g) of this title shall forward the tax form and the tax due to the Commissioner along with the title application and fee at the time of applying for a certificate of title to such the motor vehicle as a condition precedent to the titling thereof of the motor vehicle. No. 66 Page 45 of 57 2025 VT LEG #384291 v.1 (g) The Commissioner shall establish procedures for taxpayers to file an appeal regarding the taxpayer’s liability for the tax due pursuant to section 8903 of this chapter and compliance with the requirements of this section. The procedures shall include a process by which a taxpayer can resolve the dispute prior to the issuance of a final administrative decision on the appeal. (h) The Commissioner shall create educational and outreach materials for taxpayers that provide information regarding the appeal process established pursuant to subsection (g) of this section and opportunities to resolve disputes. * * * Excessive Speed * * * Sec. 37. 23 V.S.A. § 2502 is amended to read: § 2502. POINT ASSESSMENT; SCHEDULE (a) Unless the assessment of points is waived by a Superior judge or a Judicial Bureau hearing officer in the interests of justice and in accordance with subsection 2501(b) of this title, a person operating a motor vehicle shall have points assessed against his or her the person’s driving record for convictions for moving violations of the indicated motor vehicle statutes in accord with the following schedule: (All references are to this title of the Vermont Statutes Annotated.) * * * (9) Eight points assessed for sections 1003 and, 1007, and 1097. State speed zones and local speed limits, more than 30 miles per hour over and in excess of the speed limit. No. 66 Page 46 of 57 2025 VT LEG #384291 v.1 * * * * * * Tinted Windows * * * Sec. 38. 2024 Acts and Resolves No. 165, Secs. 14, 15, and 16 are amended to read: Sec. 14. [Deleted.] Sec. 15. [Deleted.] Sec. 16. [Deleted.] * * * All-Terrain Vehicles * * * Sec. 39. 23 V.S.A. § 3501 is amended to read: § 3501. DEFINITIONS As used in this chapter: (1) “All-terrain vehicle” or “ATV” means any nonhighway recreational vehicle, except snowmobiles, having not less than two low pressure tires (10 pounds per square inch, or less); not wider than 64 72 inches, with two-wheel ATVs having permanent, full-time power to both wheels; and having a dry weight of less than 2,500 pounds, when used for cross-country travel on trails or on any one of the following or a combination thereof: land, water, snow, ice, marsh, swampland, and natural terrain. An ATV on a public highway shall be considered a motor vehicle, as defined in section 4 of this title, only for the purposes of those offenses listed in subdivisions 2502(a)(1)(H), (N), (R), (U), (Y), (FF), (GG), (II), and (AAA); (2)(A) and (B); (3)(A), (B), (C), and (D); (4)(A) and (B); and (5) of this title and as provided in section 1201 of this title. No. 66 Page 47 of 57 2025 VT LEG #384291 v.1 An ATV does not include an electric personal assistive mobility device, a motor-assisted bicycle, or an electric bicycle. * * * * * * Purchase and Use Tax and Inspections Report * * * Sec. 40. MOTOR VEHICLE PURCHASE AND USE TAX; INSPECTIONS; REPORT (a) On or before January 31, 2026, the Commissioner of Motor Vehicles shall submit a written report to the House Committees on Transportation and on Ways and Means and the Senate Committees on Finance and on Transportation regarding the process for determining the taxable cost of a used motor vehicle for purposes of the purchase and use tax and the impact of annual motor vehicle safety and emissions inspections on Vermonters. (b) The report shall include, at a minimum, the following: (1) the number of persons during calendar years 2024 and 2025 who utilized the dealer appraisal process for determining the taxable cost of a used motor vehicle for purposes of the purchase and use tax; (2) the age and type of vehicles for which the dealer appraisal process was utilized during calendar years 2024 and 2025; (3) the difference between the clean trade-in value and the appraised value of vehicles for which the dealer appraisal process was utilized during calendar years 2024 and 2025; No. 66 Page 48 of 57 2025 VT LEG #384291 v.1 (4) the number of appeals of the taxable cost of a motor vehicle that were filed in calendar years 2024 and 2025; (5) the number appeals that resulted in a revision of the taxable cost and the difference between the originally assessed taxable cost and the revised taxable cost following the appeal; (6) a summary of issues identified by persons contacting the Department pursuant to subsection (c) of this section; (7) a summary of funding and other assistance related to annual motor vehicle safety and emissions inspections that is available to Vermonters with lower income; (8) an examination of the potential approaches to reduce the financial burden of annual motor vehicle safety and emissions inspections on Vermonters, including the potential to reduce the frequency of inspections to every two years; and (9) any recommendations for legislative action. (c)(1) The Commissioner of Motor Vehicles shall establish an email address or other electronic means, or both, for Vermonters to contact the Department of Motor Vehicles regarding concerns with the motor vehicle purchase and use tax process. (2) The Commissioner of Motor Vehicles shall establish an email address or other electronic means, or both, for Vermonters to contact the Department of Motor Vehicles regarding the affordability of the annual motor No. 66 Page 49 of 57 2025 VT LEG #384291 v.1 vehicle inspection process and suggestions for reducing the financial impact of the inspection process on Vermonters. (3) The Commissioner shall conduct outreach at Department locations, on the Department’s website, and through motor vehicle dealers to make the public aware of the opportunity to contact the Department pursuant to subdivisions (1) and (2) of this subsection. * * * Operation of Bicycles * * * Sec. 41. 23 V.S.A. § 1139 is amended to read: § 1139. RIDING ON ROADWAYS AND BICYCLE PATHS (a) A person Due care and riding on the right. An individual operating a bicycle upon a roadway shall exercise due care when passing a standing vehicle or one proceeding in the same direction. Bicyclists generally shall ride as near to the right side of the improved area of the highway right-of-way as is safe, except that a bicyclist: * * * (b) Persons riding Riding two abreast. Individuals operating bicycles upon a roadway may shall not ride more than two abreast except on paths or parts of roadways set aside for the exclusive use of bicycles or except as otherwise permitted by the Commissioner of Public Safety in connection with a public sporting event in which case the Commissioner shall be authorized to adopt such rules as the public good requires. Persons Individuals riding two abreast No. 66 Page 50 of 57 2025 VT LEG #384291 v.1 shall not impede the normal and reasonable movement of traffic and, on a laned roadway, shall ride within a single lane. (c) Obedience to traffic-control devices and traffic-control signals. An individual operating a bicycle shall follow all traffic-control devices and traffic-control signals governing motor vehicles except that an individual operating a bicycle who is facing a “walk” signal, as defined in section 1023 of this chapter, may make a turn or proceed across the roadway or intersection in the direction of the signal but shall yield the right of way to any vehicles or pedestrians in the roadway or intersection. (d) Riding on a partially controlled access highway. Bicycles may be operated on the shoulders of partially controlled access highways, which are those highways where access is controlled by public authority but where there are some connections with selected public highways, some crossings at grade, and some private driveway connections. The Traffic Committee may determine that any portion of these highways is unsafe and therefore closed to bicycle operation. Sec. 42. 23 V.S.A. § 1139a is added to read: § 1139a. BICYCLE CONTROL SIGNALS (a) Bicycles shall obey bicycle-control signals. An individual operating a bicycle shall obey the instructions of a bicycle-control signal, if present, instead of any traffic-control signal for motor vehicles. (b) Bicycle-control signal legend. No. 66 Page 51 of 57 2025 VT LEG #384291 v.1 (1) Green bicycle signal. (A) An individual operating a bicycle facing a green bicycle signal may proceed straight through the intersection or turn right or left unless a sign prohibits such a turn, provided that: (i) the individual operating the bicycle will not be in conflict with any simultaneous motor vehicle movements at that location; or (ii) the bicycle movement at that location is not modified by lane- use signs, turn-prohibition signs, pavement markings, separate turn signal indications, or other traffic-control devices. (B) An individual operating a bicycle pursuant to a green bicycle signal, including when turning right and left, shall yield the right-of-way to other individuals operating bicycles and pedestrians that are in the intersection when the signal is exhibited. (2) Steady yellow bicycle signal. An individual operating a bicycle facing a steady yellow bicycle signal is warned that the steady green signal is being terminated and that the red signal will be exhibited immediately following the steady yellow signal, at which time bicycle traffic traveling in that direction shall not enter the intersection. (3) Steady red bicycle signal. (A) An individual operating a bicycle facing a steady red bicycle signal alone shall stop at a clearly marked stop line, or if there is none, shall stop before entering the crosswalk on the near side of the intersection. No. 66 Page 52 of 57 2025 VT LEG #384291 v.1 (B) Except when a sign is in place prohibiting a turn, an individual operating a bicycle facing a steady red bicycle signal may: (i) cautiously enter the intersection to turn right; or (ii) after stopping as required pursuant to subdivision (A) of this subdivision (b)(3), turn left from a one-way street onto a one-way street. (C) An individual making a turn pursuant to subdivision (B) of this subdivision (b)(3) shall yield the right-of-way to pedestrians and other vehicles that are in the intersection. (D) An individual operating a bicycle shall not turn right when facing a red arrow signal unless a sign permitting such a turn is present. (E) An individual operating a bicycle to the left of adjacent motor vehicle traffic approaching the same intersection shall be prohibited from turning right when facing a steady red bicycle signal and an individual operating a bicycle to the right of adjacent motor vehicle traffic approaching the same intersection shall be prohibited from turning left when facing a steady red bicycle signal. Sec. 43. BICYCLE OPERATION AT STOP SIGNS AND SIGNALS; EDUCATION; OUTREACH On or before April 1, 2026, the Commissioners of Motor Vehicles and of Public Safety, in consultation with stakeholders representing bicyclists, pedestrians, municipalities, and law enforcement agencies, shall develop education and outreach materials to inform vehicle operators, law enforcement No. 66 Page 53 of 57 2025 VT LEG #384291 v.1 officers, municipalities, and members of the public regarding the laws governing to the operation of bicycles on roadways, including at signalized intersections. The materials shall include both written and graphical materials explaining permitted bicycle operations and requirements for the operation of motor vehicles in relation to bicycles, including safe passing distance requirements. * * * Legal Trails * * * Sec. 44. FINDINGS; INTENT; LEGAL TRAILS (a) Findings. The General Assembly finds the following: (1) Outdoor recreation is a significant part of Vermont’s identity and economy. (2) Trails provide Vermonters and visitors with access to natural beauty throughout the State and are used for a wide variety of outdoor recreational activities throughout the year. (3) Some trails are also used by Vermonters for travel or to access their homes and properties. (4) The State and municipalities use some trails to provide maintenance to State and municipal lands and facilities, as well as to provide public safety and rescue services. (5) Trails may require regular maintenance to ensure that they remain passable and can continue to support recreation, travel, access, and various public services. No. 66 Page 54 of 57 2025 VT LEG #384291 v.1 (6) While many trails in Vermont have been established through private easements or other agreements, a subset of trails, known as legal trails, lie along public rights-of-way that were once town highways and are governed by the provisions of 19 V.S.A. chapter 3. (b) Intent. It is the intent of the General Assembly to clarify municipalities’ authority to exclusively or cooperatively maintain legal trails under the provisions of 19 V.S.A. chapter 3. Sec. 45. 19 V.S.A. chapter 3 is amended to read: CHAPTER 3. TOWN HIGHWAYS § 301. DEFINITIONS As used in this chapter: * * * (2) “Legislative body” includes boards of selectmen, aldermen, and village trustees means a legislative body as defined in 24 V.S.A. § 2001. (3) “Selectmen” includes village trustees and aldermen “Selectboard” means a selectboard as defined in 24 V.S.A. § 2001. * * * (8)(A) “Trail” means a public right-of-way that is not a highway and that: (i) municipalities have the authority to exclusively or cooperatively maintain pursuant to the provisions of this chapter; and No. 66 Page 55 of 57 2025 VT LEG #384291 v.1 (A)(ii)(I) previously was a designated town highway having the same width as the designated town highway, or a lesser width if so designated; or (B)(II) a new public right-of-way laid out as a trail by the selectmen legislative body for the purpose of providing access to abutting properties or for recreational use. (B) Nothing in this section subdivision (8) shall be deemed to independently authorize the condemnation of land for recreational purposes or to affect the authority of selectmen legislative bodies to reasonably regulate the uses of recreational trails. § 302. CLASSIFICATION OF TOWN HIGHWAYS (a) For the purposes of this section and receiving State aid, all town highways shall be categorized into one or another of the following classes: * * * (2) Class 2 town highways are those town highways selected as the most important highways in each town. As far as practicable, they shall be selected with the purposes of securing trunk lines of improved highways from town to town and to places that by their nature have more than normal amount of traffic. The selectmen legislative body, with the approval of the Agency, shall determine which highways are to be class 2 highways. (3) Class 3 town highways: No. 66 Page 56 of 57 2025 VT LEG #384291 v.1 (A) Class 3 town highways are all traveled town highways other than class 1 or 2 highways. The selectmen legislative body, after conference with a representative of the Agency, shall determine which highways are class 3 town highways. * * * (5) Trails shall not be considered highways and the town. A municipality shall have the authority to maintain trails but shall not be responsible for any maintenance, including culverts and bridges. * * * § 303. TOWN HIGHWAY CONTROL Town highways shall be under the general supervision and control of the selectmen legislative body of the town where the roads are located. Selectmen The legislative body of a town shall supervise all expenditures. § 304. DUTIES OF SELECTBOARD (a) It shall be the duty and responsibility of the selectboard of the town to, or acting as a board, it shall have the authority to: * * * (16) Unless the town electorate votes otherwise, under the provisions of 17 V.S.A. § 2646, appoint a road commissioner, or remove him or her the road commissioner from office, pursuant to 17 V.S.A. § 2651. Road commissioners, elected or appointed, shall have only the powers and authority regarding highways granted to them by the selectboard. No. 66 Page 57 of 57 2025 VT LEG #384291 v.1 * * * (24) Maintain trails, but shall not be required to maintain trails. * * * * * * Effective Dates * * * Sec. 46. EFFECTIVE DATES (a) This section and Secs. 16 and 17 (early renewal of operator’s licenses, operator’s privilege cards, and nondriver identification) shall take effect on passage. (b) Sec. 45 (maintenance of legal trails) shall take effect on April 1, 2026. (c) Secs. 9 (reduced license fees for individuals receiving SSI or SSDI benefits) and 41 (operation of bicycles) shall take effect on July 1, 2026. (d) The remaining sections shall take effect on July 1, 2025. Date Governor signed bill: June 12, 2025