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Distracted Driving

Junior Driver's use of Portable Electronic Devices

A person under 18 years of age shall not use any portable electronic device while operating a moving motor vehicle in a place open temporarily or permanently to the public or general circulation of vehicles.

In addition, a person under 18 years of age shall not use any portable electronic device while operating a motor vehicle on a public highway, including while the vehicle is stationary.

Driver's Use of Handheld Portable Electronic Device Prohibited (18 and over)

Hands-free use means the use of a portable electronic device without the use of either hand by employing an internal feature of, or an attachment to, the device.

Use of handheld portable electronic device prohibited.

  • A person shall not use a portable electronic device while operating a moving motor vehicle in a place open temporarily or permanently to the public or general circulation of vehicles.
  • In addition, a person shall not use a portable electronic device while operating a motor vehicle on a public highway in Vermont, including while the vehicle is stationary.

Texting

Texting means the reading or the manual composing or sending of electronic communications, including text messages, instant messages, or e-mails, using a portable electronic device as defined above, but shall not be construed to include use. Use of a global positioning or navigation system shall be governed by section V.S.A. 23 1095b.

What are the penalties for violating Vermont’s texting law?

See 23 V.S.A. § 1099

Did you know... if you are driving 70 mph, you’re traveling 100 feet per second? While writing just a 3-second text message, you can go the length of a football field without looking at the road... and that is scary.