VT DMV Alcohol and Drug Impairment Laws 3 — Questions and Answers
Question 1: You are taking a prescription medication with a warning label that says it may cause drowsiness. What should you do before driving?
- Drive anyway because prescriptions are legal
- Only drive during daylight hours
- Avoid driving until you know how the medication affects you (Correct answer)
- Drink coffee to counteract the drowsiness
Correct answer: Avoid driving until you know how the medication affects you
Prescription and over-the-counter drugs that cause drowsiness can impair driving and lead to a DUI charge in Vermont.
Question 2: In Vermont, a DUI conviction becomes a felony after how many prior convictions?
- A third offense is a felony (Correct answer)
- DUI is never a felony in Vermont
- Only a fifth offense is a felony
- A first offense is always a felony
Correct answer: A third offense is a felony
In Vermont, a third DUI offense and any subsequent offenses are felonies.
Question 3: Which factor does NOT affect a person's blood alcohol concentration?
- How quickly the drinks were consumed
- Whether food was eaten before drinking
- The type of alcoholic beverage, since standard drinks contain equal alcohol (Correct answer)
- Body weight
Correct answer: The type of alcoholic beverage, since standard drinks contain equal alcohol
A standard beer, glass of wine, and shot of liquor all contain about the same amount of alcohol, so drink type matters less than amount, speed, weight, and food.
Question 4: A Vermont driver combines a small amount of alcohol with a drug like a sedative. What is the likely effect on impairment?
- The alcohol effect disappears
- The substances cancel each other out
- Impairment only occurs above 0.08% BAC
- The combined effect is often greater than either substance alone (Correct answer)
Correct answer: The combined effect is often greater than either substance alone
Combining alcohol with other drugs multiplies impairment, and a driver can be convicted of DUI even with a BAC below 0.08%.
Question 5: Under Vermont law, can a driver be convicted of DUI with a BAC below 0.08%?
- Only if the driver refuses a breath test
- Only if the driver is under 18
- No, 0.08% is required for any conviction
- Yes, if the driver is impaired to the slightest degree by alcohol or drugs (Correct answer)
Correct answer: Yes, if the driver is impaired to the slightest degree by alcohol or drugs
Vermont law allows a DUI conviction at any BAC if the driver's ability is impaired by alcohol or drugs.
Question 6: What is the purpose of an ignition interlock device (IID) sometimes required after a Vermont DUI?
- It disables the vehicle at night
- It limits the vehicle's top speed
- It prevents the vehicle from starting if the driver's breath sample shows alcohol (Correct answer)
- It tracks the vehicle's location for police
Correct answer: It prevents the vehicle from starting if the driver's breath sample shows alcohol
An ignition interlock device requires an alcohol-free breath sample before the engine will start.
Question 7: Which of these is the ONLY effective way to sober up before driving?
- Drinking strong coffee
- Eating a large meal after drinking
- Taking a cold shower
- Waiting enough time for the body to eliminate the alcohol (Correct answer)
Correct answer: Waiting enough time for the body to eliminate the alcohol
Time is the only thing that lowers BAC; coffee, showers, and food do not speed up alcohol elimination.
VT DMV Alcohol and Drug Impairment Laws 3
You are taking a prescription medication with a warning label that says it may cause drowsiness.
What should you do before driving?