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Read. Follow. Verify.Vermont establishes privacy protections for mobile IDs and restricts automated traffic camera images
Last action · April 9, 2025: Read 1st time & referred to Committee on TransportationSponsor: Tanya Vyhovsky
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What This Bill Would Do
Vermont establishes strict privacy requirements for mobile driver's licenses and identification cards, prohibiting law enforcement from taking physical possession of devices and limiting the retention and use of automated traffic camera images starting July 1, 2025.
Residents gain explicit legal rights to control what personal data is shared via digital IDs and can sue for statutory damages of $2,500 for negligent violations or $5,000 for intentional violations, while automated traffic camera images are barred from general public records and other surveillance uses.
Who It Would Affect
Groups the bill's text would affect if enacted, as described in the record. Being affected is not a position for or against it.
Mobile identification holders
Individuals using digital IDs gain explicit consent rights over data sharing, protection against device seizure by law enforcement, and the right to sue for privacy violations.
Law enforcement officers
Officers are barred from taking physical possession of individuals' electronic devices to inspect mobile identifications.
Private entities and verification system operators
Businesses face civil penalties and enforcement actions by the Attorney General if they improperly collect, retain, or condition services on mobile ID access.
Key Facts
- The Commissioner of Motor Vehicles may issue mobile identifications that support both full and limited profiles while allowing the holder to keep physical possession of their device.
- Access to mobile identification data through a verification system requires the holder's explicit consent.
- Law enforcement officers are prohibited from taking physical possession of a device to access a mobile identification or verify identity.
- Digital service providers and application developers are prohibited from collecting, retaining, or sharing mobile ID data beyond what is necessary to comply with law.
Show all 9 facts
- Businesses cannot condition the offer or use of goods and services on access to an individual's mobile identification, with specific exceptions for age, financial, or medical verification.
- Individuals aggrieved by a violation may bring a civil action in Superior Court seeking $2,500 for negligent violations or $5,000 for intentional violations, plus attorney's fees.
- Automated traffic law enforcement (ATLE) systems shall only record speeding violations and shall not be used for general surveillance purposes.
- Recorded images from traffic enforcement systems shall only be accessed to determine if a violation occurred in the prior 12 months and are exempt from public records inspection.
- This act takes effect on July 1, 2025.
Frequently Asked Questions
Can police take my phone to check my mobile driver's license?
What happens if a business or private entity violates my mobile ID privacy?
Can traffic enforcement cameras be used for general surveillance?
What else do you want to know?
News Coverage
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Votes, people, money & the original sourceWhere This Stands
Currently in committee. The next step in the legislative lifecycle is Floor Vote.
Procedural history
1 action- Apr 9, 2025SenateIntroducedRead 1st time & referred to Committee on Transportation
Version history
Only one version on file - nothing to compare yet. As later stages (committee substitute, engrossed, enrolled) are captured, the redline appears here.
View official text →Lobbying Activity
No state lobbying filings in our records match this bill. Federal lobbying reports (LDA) cover Congress, so they are not listed on state bills.
Full breakdown
Who this bill affects and the strongest case for and against it, written only from the bill’s own text.
Sponsors
Connected Entities
Sources
legislature.vermont.gov
Analysis Score
0–100- Significance75How much this matters to a regular citizen
- Controversy40Intensity of disagreement among stakeholders
- Entertainment5Compellingness for a non-policy-wonk reader
- Buzz35Current news / social attention level
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