B26 is Vermont's code for suspension due to unpaid traffic fines or court-ordered financial obligations

When Vermont's Department of Motor Vehicles suspends your license under code B26, it means you owe money to the state — either unpaid traffic fines, court costs, restitution ordered by a judge, or a combination of these. The suspension stays in place until you pay what you owe or set up a payment plan the court accepts. This is not a revocation (which is permanent) and not a medical or safety suspension; it is purely financial.

Vermont does not suspend licenses lightly for money owed. The state must first send you notice of the debt, give you time to respond, and typically hold a hearing before the suspension takes effect. If you received a B26 suspension, you should have documentation showing what you owe and to whom — the court, the DMV, or both.

Key Takeaways

  • B26 suspension is triggered by unpaid fines, court costs, or restitution, and the DMV will not lift it until the debt is resolved or a payment plan is in place.
  • You can request a hearing to dispute the suspension or negotiate a payment arrangement before the suspension takes effect, but you must act quickly after receiving notice.
  • Paying the full amount owed is the fastest way to get your license back, but Vermont courts can work with you on installment plans if you cannot pay in one lump sum.
  • Driving on a suspended B26 license is illegal and carries criminal penalties, including fines and possible jail time, separate from the original debt.
  • Once you resolve the debt, you must contact the DMV to have the suspension lifted — it does not happen automatically.

How B26 suspension starts and what notice you should have received

The process begins when you have an unpaid fine or court-ordered debt tied to your driving record. Vermont's DMV receives notice from the court or from a collection agency handling the debt. The DMV then sends you a letter explaining the debt, the amount, and the important date to pay or respond. This letter is your official notice of suspension.

If you ignore that letter or miss the important date, the suspension becomes active. At that point, your license is no longer valid, and you cannot legally drive. The letter should tell you which court or agency is holding the debt and how to contact them. If you cannot find the original notice, you can call the Vermont DMV at 802-828-2000 and ask for details on your B26 suspension — they will tell you the amount owed and where to send payment.

What you owe and where the money goes

B26 suspensions cover several types of debt. The most common is unpaid traffic fines — speeding, reckless driving, or other moving violations. Court costs are also included; these are fees the court charges to process your case, separate from the fine itself. If a judge ordered you to pay restitution (money to compensate a victim), that debt also triggers B26 suspension.

The money goes to different places depending on what you owe. Fines go to the state general fund or to the court that issued the ticket. Court costs go to the court. Restitution goes to the victim or to a restitution fund. When you pay, you need to know which entity is collecting the debt so you send the payment to the right place. The notice letter should specify this, or the DMV can tell you when you call.

Your options for resolving the suspension

The simplest option is to pay the full amount owed. Once the court or DMV receives payment, they notify the DMV, and the suspension is lifted. This can happen within days if you pay by phone or in person at the court. If you pay by mail, allow two to three weeks for processing.

If you cannot pay the full amount at once, you can request a payment plan. Contact the court that issued the fine or the agency listed on your suspension notice and ask to set up an installment arrangement. Vermont courts often accept monthly payments, though the amount and timeline depend on what you owe and your ability to pay. Once the court approves a plan, the suspension may be lifted when ready, or it may stay in place until you make your first payment — ask the court which applies to you.

You also have the right to request a hearing to dispute the suspension. This is useful if you believe the debt is wrong, if you already paid it and the record was not updated, or if you want to argue for a payment plan before the suspension takes effect. You must request the hearing in writing, usually within a set number of days after receiving the suspension notice. The court will tell you the important date in the notice letter.

What happens if you drive on a B26 suspension

Driving with a suspended license is a criminal offense in Vermont, separate from the original traffic violation or debt. If you are stopped by police and your license shows a B26 suspension, you can be arrested, fined, and potentially jailed. The penalties are more severe than the original fine you owe, so the cost of ignoring the suspension is much higher than the cost of resolving it.

Additionally, if you are in an accident while driving on a suspended license, your insurance will likely deny your claim, leaving you personally liable for all damages. This can result in a lawsuit and wage garnishment on top of the criminal charges.

How to get your license back after paying or setting up a plan

Paying the debt does not automatically restore your license. You must contact the Vermont DMV and request that the B26 suspension be lifted. Call 802-828-2000 or visit a DMV office in person with proof of payment or proof that you have a court-approved payment plan in place. The DMV will verify the information with the court and remove the suspension from your record.

If you paid by mail, keep a copy of the receipt or cancelled check as proof. If you set up a payment plan, get a written confirmation from the court showing the terms. Bring these documents with you when you contact the DMV. Once the suspension is lifted, you can legally drive again, though your license may still show other restrictions or points from the original violation.

Insurance and driving after B26 suspension is lifted

After your B26 suspension is lifted, you can drive legally again, but you may face higher insurance rates. A suspended license and the criminal charge for driving suspended are both reportable to insurance companies, and both can increase your premiums. Some insurers may require you to file an SR22 form (a certificate of financial responsibility) before they will cover you again, depending on the reason for the suspension and your state's rules.

Contact your insurance company as soon as your suspension is lifted and ask whether you need to file an SR22 or take any other steps to restore coverage. If your policy was cancelled during the suspension, you will need to reapply. Be honest about the suspension when you do; insurers will find out anyway, and lying on an process can void your coverage.

Frequently Asked Questions

Can I get a hardship license while my B26 suspension is in place?

Vermont does not issue hardship or work licenses for B26 suspensions. The only way to drive legally is to resolve the debt or set up a payment plan. However, if you have a genuine hardship (such as a medical emergency or loss of employment), you can ask the court for a modification of the payment plan or a temporary stay of the suspension while you arrange payment.

What if I paid the fine but the suspension is still showing on my record?

Court records and DMV records do not always sync when ready. If you have proof of payment, contact the court that issued the fine and ask them to confirm the payment to the DMV. Then call the DMV and provide your proof of payment. The DMV can usually lift the suspension within one business day once the court confirms the payment.

Does a B26 suspension affect my ability to get car insurance?

Yes. A suspended license is a major red flag for insurers, and many will not cover you while the suspension is active. Once the suspension is lifted, you can get insurance again, but your rates will be higher because of the suspension and the criminal charge for driving suspended. Shop around, as rates vary by company.

What if I cannot afford to pay or set up a payment plan?

Contact the court and explain your situation. Some courts have hardship waivers or can reduce the amount owed if you demonstrate financial need. You can also ask about community service in place of payment, though this is not may provide. The court wants to collect the debt, so they may work with you if you show good faith effort to resolve it.

Can I get my license back before I finish paying the payment plan?

In most cases, yes. Once the court approves a payment plan, the suspension is lifted even though you still owe money. The court will continue to collect the installments, but you can drive legally while you pay. Confirm this with the court when you set up the plan, as some courts may require the first payment before lifting the suspension.