Vermont Highway Patrol: State renames motor vehicle enforcement and safety arm

August 10, 2026  |  By Waterbury Roundabout

Motorists will see newly updated state motor-vehicle enforcement vehicles on the road, now identified as the Vermont Highway Patrol. Courtesy photo

The change went into effect immediately and officials say the switch better reflects the role of DMV enforcement officers, who are specially trained in commercial motor vehicle safety, traffic enforcement and crash prevention.

“The restored name will give Vermonters a clearer understanding of the public-safety responsibilities and reflect the continued focus on traffic enforcement, crash prevention, and saving lives on Vermont’s roadways,” said DMV Commissioner Andrew Collier. “Renaming to the Vermont Highway Patrol honors more than a century of history and better aligns its public identity with its broader highway-safety mission.”

The Vermont Highway Patrol name also holds significance as a callback to state history. In 1919, Vermont’s first Motor Vehicle Highway Patrol Inspectors were hired to patrol state roads to address reckless driving on Vermont’s newly paved highways. Those inspectors later helped form the Vermont State Police in 1947, while the Department of Motor Vehicles retained dedicated enforcement personnel. 

Highway Patrol officers conduct regular traffic enforcement throughout Vermont, addressing impaired driving, excessive speed, aggressive and distracted driving, seat-belt violations, and other dangerous behaviors. These efforts are often done in collaboration with local police, sheriff department, state police, and law enforcement partners.

State officials emphasize that the name change does not alter the size, scope, or responsibilities of DMV law enforcement. Vermont State Police will continue to handle fundamental statewide law-enforcement with the Vermont Highway Patrol as a partner, particularly involving commercial vehicle safety.

Inspectors will continue commercial vehicle enforcement and inspections, often focusing on highly visible traffic enforcement in high-crash areas and other locations identified through crash data, community concerns, and input from local and state law enforcement, the announcement notes.

“Through continued collaboration, the Vermont Highway Patrol will help provide an additional, specialized resource dedicated to making Vermont’s highways safer for everyone,” Collier said.