Transportation (Vehicle Registration)

Vermont's S.259 allows the classroom portion of driver education to be completed through approved online courses. It directly affects Vermont students aged 15+ enrolled in public or independent high schools. The bill requires online courses to meet specific standards: using rotating exams, verifying student identity, tracking study time, ensuring data security, and providing technical support. Courses must align with the state's Novice Teen Driver Education standards and will be approved by the Agency of Education and DMV. The law takes effect July 1, 2026.

This Vermont bill (S.211) changes vehicle inspection requirements from annual to biennial (every two years) for most registered vehicles. It directly affects Vermont vehicle owners by altering inspection frequency, with exceptions for school buses (inspected as prescribed) and motor buses (inspected twice yearly). Key provisions include increasing the inspection fee from $8 to $16 (with half the revenue funding bridge maintenance) and setting an effective date of July 1, 2026. The bill modifies existing law to require safety and emissions inspections every two years instead of annually for standard vehicles.

This bill requires Vermont's Department of Motor Vehicles to update the Periodic Inspection Manual to clarify that cosmetic rust, corrosion, or torn metal on a vehicle (not affecting structural integrity or safety) cannot cause a vehicle to fail its annual safety inspection. It directly affects Vermont vehicle owners (especially owners of older vehicles with minor cosmetic rust), mechanics conducting inspections, and the DMV. Key provisions mandate the DMV to adopt manual amendments by January 1, 2026, including clear distinctions between cosmetic rust and safety-threatening damage, plus visual examples and training for mechanics. The changes aim to prevent unnecessary inspection failures due to non-safety-related cosmetic issues.

S 152 proposes new requirements for older drivers to renew their operator's licenses. The bill mandates that residents 80 years of age or older must appear in person at a Department location and pass a vision test before their license can be renewed. Additionally, residents 85 years of age or older will be required to pass a road test component of the examination for license renewal. These changes are set to take effect on July 1, 2025.