Chapter 10: Your Vehicle

Ensuring your vehicle is legally titled, registered, insured, and properly maintained is a fundamental legal responsibility for every owner. This process guarantees that a vehicle is safe to operate and that its owner is financially responsible for any potential damages or injuries. Understanding these requirements is essential for passing the driver’s exam, avoiding fines and legal trouble, and contributing to the overall safety of Vermont’s roadways.

Title, Registration, and Insurance

A driver must be able to provide proof of valid registration and insurance at all times. These documents, along with the vehicle’s title, serve different but equally important legal functions.

Vehicle Title vs. Registration

• Title: A Certificate of Title is a legal document that proves ownership of a vehicle. You receive a title when you buy a car, and you sign it over to the new owner when you sell it. A vehicle cannot be registered without a valid title.
• Registration: A Certificate of Registration is a document that allows a specific vehicle to be operated on public roads for a set period. It must be renewed periodically. Proof of registration must be kept in the vehicle at all times.