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DMV details restricted licensing, ignition interlock program and medical referral process
Summary
Deputy DMV commissioner described the Restricted Driver's License (RDL) program, ignition interlock devices and the medical/investigation referral process used when officials or doctors raise fitness-to-drive concerns.
The Vermont Department of Motor Vehicles gave lawmakers an overview Wednesday of three public-safety programs: the Restricted Driver's License (RDL) for drivers with alcohol or drug convictions, the ignition interlock device program and the DMV's process for medical or citizen referrals about a driver's fitness to operate a vehicle.
"An RDL is a restricted driver's license. It allows somebody with an alcohol or drug conviction to continue driving on the road during their suspension period," Deputy Commissioner Matt Russo said, adding that the fee for an RDL is $125 and that the program includes ignition interlock devices in many cases.
Russo described three suspension tiers: a 90‑day suspension for a first alcohol/drug offense (RDL optional), an 18‑month suspension for a second offense (RDL required for the period), and a life suspension for some repeat offenders. He said Vermont runs a reintegration/TA program that can allow review of a life suspension after three years of compliance in the program.
On ignition interlock devices, Russo said devices require regular calibration visits (typically once or twice per month) so providers can send usage reports to DMV; he cited monthly calibration costs in the range of $30 to $50 and initial installation and leasing costs of roughly $200 to $300 depending on the vendor. Russo said about 900 people were participating in the interlock program at the time of the hearing.
"The reason for the camera is it just makes a stronger case in court," Russo said while showing an example of a camera-equipped device used by one vendor, Draeger SmartStart. He said the camera provides photo evidence at the time a breath sample is taken.
Separately, Russo described the DMV investigation referral process that can begin when a concerned citizen, family member or medical professional reports a driver who may be unsafe because of medical conditions such as dementia or impaired vision. DMV staff compile documentation, request medical reports, and may require a written medical evaluation and a driving exam. In severe cases the commissioner can order an immediate suspension and an enforcement officer can hand-deliver the suspension notice.
Russo noted that any DMV action carries the right to a hearing. He also said DMV offers a low‑income discount (50 percent) on interlock fees for qualifying participants. Committee members asked for additional statistics and procedural clarifications; DMV offered to follow up.
