Vermont’s Cell Phone-Use & Texting-While-Driving Laws

Read about Vermont’s distracted driving laws and the costs of a violation.

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's Distracted Driving (Texting and Cell Phones) Laws

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 Ban

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.)

Handheld Device Ban

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:

  • activating or deactivating hands-free mode (so long as the device isn't affixed to the windshield)
  • communicating with law enforcement or emergency services personnel
  • use of an ignition interlock device (IID), or
  • using a manufacturer-installed or securely mounted GPS.

(Vt. Stat. Ann. tit. 23, § 1095b.)

Restrictions for "Junior Operators"

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.)

Vermont's Distracted Driving Penalties

The fines for any type of distracted driving violation are:

  • $100 to $200 for a first violation, and
  • $250 to $500 for a second or subsequent violation within a 24-month period.

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.

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