Vermont has several distracted driving laws that restrict cell phone use and texting while driving. The specific rules that apply depend on the age of the driver and the type of device the driver is using.
Vermont has three different distracted driving laws. Two of the laws cover texting and handheld device use for all drivers. The third imposes stricter rules for drivers who are under the age of 18.
Vermont's texting-while-driving law prohibits "texting" while operating a vehicle. For purposes of the law, "texting" means reading, manually composing, or sending electronic communications, including email, text messages, and instant messages. The texting law contains no exceptions.
(Vt. Stat. Ann. tit. 23, § 1099.)
Drivers are generally prohibited from using a handheld portable electronic device while operating a vehicle. This prohibition applies even when a driver is temporarily stationary for red lights, stop signs, and the like.
As the name suggests, the handheld ban doesn't prohibit drivers from using their devices in hands-free mode. Also, the handheld device restriction doesn't prohibit:
(Vt. Stat. Ann. tit. 23, § 1095b.)
Drivers who are under the age of 18 ("junior operators") are prohibited from using a "portable electronic device" while operating a vehicle. This restriction includes laptops, tablets, cell phones, and other similar devices. And the restriction applies even when the driver is temporarily stopped for signals, signs, traffic, and the like.
The only exception to the junior operator electronic device ban is for communicating with law enforcement or emergency services personnel.
(Vt. Stat. Ann. tit. 23, § 1095a.)
The fines for any type of distracted driving violation are:
Violations also generally add two points to the driver's record.
For violations that occur within a work or school zone, the fines are doubled and the violation will add four demerit points (five points if a second or subsequent violation) to the driver's record.