Vermont Civil DLS Diversion Program: Reduced Fines and License Reinstatement

If you're driving on a suspended license in Vermont because of unpaid traffic fines you can't afford, the Civil DLS Diversion Program offers an alternative to paying everything at once. It is coordinated through local community justice centers, with the contract reviewed by the Vermont Judicial Bureau (VJB), and it can reduce your fines or convert them to community service.

How the Program Works

The Civil DLS Diversion Program connects you with a case manager at your county's restorative justice center. The process looks like this:

1. Contact your local community justice center — Vermont has 14 county restorative justice programs. The Burlington Community Justice Center (BCJC) is one of the most active, but every county has its own. Find yours at vtcourtdiversion.org/county-programs.

2. Complete a financial affidavit — The case manager reviews your income, expenses, and total traffic debt to establish what you can realistically pay.

3. Sign a diversion contract — Based on the affidavit, you and the case manager agree on terms. Fines may be reduced from the original amount, payment timelines may be extended, and part of the balance may be converted to community service hours.

4. Make the initial payment — The program requires a $25 down payment toward a $175 total contract fee. This is separate from your traffic fine balance.

5. Complete the contract terms — Follow through on whatever the agreement specifies — payments, community service, or both.

6. VJB Hearing Officer approval — Once the case manager confirms you've met the contract terms, a Vermont Judicial Bureau Hearing Officer signs off on compliance. The VJB then sends an electronic clearance notice to the DMV.

What It Costs

The program's own contract fee is $175, beginning with a $25 down payment. Your actual traffic fine balance may be reduced or exchanged for community service as part of the agreement.

After the VJB clears your hold, you still owe the DMV's standard $80 reinstatement fee. That payment triggers the official Notice of Reinstatement.

Who It's For

The diversion program is designed for people whose license is suspended due to unpaid civil traffic fines and who are facing high traffic debt. It provides an alternative to the standard VJB payment plan when that plan does not fit the driver's budget.

It does not apply to DUI-related suspensions, child support holds, medical review holds, or points-based suspensions. Those have their own resolution paths through different agencies.

How Long It Takes

The timeline varies by county and caseload. The financial affidavit and contract define the work to complete. After the VJB Hearing Officer approves compliance, the DMV receives electronic notice; allow time for DMV processing.

Finding Your County Program

Every county has a restorative justice center that runs the Civil DLS Diversion Program. A few of the most commonly used:

• Burlington CJC (Chittenden County): burlingtoncjc.org
• Addison County Restorative Justice (Middlebury): acrjs.org
• Franklin Grand Isle Restorative Justice (St. Albans): fgirjc.org
• Orange County Restorative Justice (Chelsea): ocrjvt.org

For a complete directory, visit vtcourtdiversion.org/county-programs.

The Vermont Driver's License Reinstatement Guide includes the full directory of all 14 county programs, the financial affidavit template, and the step-by-step sequence from enrollment to DMV clearance.

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