Vermont motorists often fail to obey standard rules of the road, such as not tailgating or texting while driving.
Vermont has put traffic laws in place to ensure the safety of all travelers. Yet, many drivers continue to ignore some of the most basic rules. These individuals put everyone else at risk.
In this article, you’ll find seven of Vermont’s most commonly disregarded traffic laws. Keep reading to find out what they are and understand how to be a safer driver.
Learn more with these additional resources:
1. Vermont Slower Traffic Keep Right Law: The “Move Over” Rule
Vermont requires any driver proceeding at slower than the rest of traffic to keep to the right. Slow drivers must stay in the furthest right lane or near the right curb unless you are passing or getting ready to make a left turn.
Any vehicle proceeding at less than the normal speed of traffic at the time and place and under the conditions then existing shall be driven in the right-hand lane then available for traffic, or as close as practicable to the right-hand curb or edge of the roadway, except when overtaking and passing another vehicle or when preparing for a left turn at an intersection or into a private road or driveway.
2. Vermont Flow of Traffic Law: The “Minimum Speed” Rule
There is no statewide minimum speed in Vermont. Instead, all drivers must go at least fast enough to not block or impede the rest of traffic. If you’re driving slowly, you need to move over or pull off the highway to let faster-moving traffic through.
All slow-moving vehicles shall keep at all times as close to the right-hand side of the highway as is reasonably practicable. A person operating a motor vehicle which impedes other traffic on a highway shall pull off the highway at the first opportunity to allow the traffic to pass before proceeding
3. Vermont Driving in Left Lane Law: The “Passing on the Left” Rule
Vermont law requires you to pass other motorists on the left. You also cannot move back to the right until you have overtaken the other driver entirely. If your pass requires you to cross the center line, you must complete the pass before you come within 200 feet of any vehicles headed in the opposite direction.
Additionally, you cannot cross the center line to pass if you can’t see the road ahead due to a hill or curve. Vermont also prohibits any passing within an intersection or when you are within 100 feet of approaching an intersection. You also cannot pass when your view is obstructed by a bridge or tunnel within 100 feet of your vehicle.
Finally, if you are the one being passed, Vermont requires you to give way to the passing vehicle and not speed up until they have overtaken you.
The driver of a motor vehicle overtaking another motor vehicle may pass to its left at a safe distance, and when so doing shall exercise due care, shall not pass to the left of the center of the highway except as authorized, and shall not again drive to the right side of the roadway until safely clear of the overtaken vehicle.
Except when overtaking and passing on the right is permitted, the driver of an overtaken motor vehicle shall give way to the right in favor of the overtaking motor vehicle and shall not increase the speed of his or her vehicle until completely passed by the overtaking vehicle.
A vehicle shall not be driven to the left side of the center of the roadway in overtaking and passing another vehicle unless the left side is clearly visible and free of oncoming traffic and vulnerable users for a sufficient distance ahead to permit overtaking and passing to be completed without interfering with the operation of any vehicle approaching from the opposite direction, or with the operation of any vehicle overtaken.
In every event, the overtaking vehicle shall return to an authorized lane of travel as soon as practicable and, if the passing movement involves the use of a lane authorized for vehicles approaching from the opposite direction, before coming within 200 feet of any approaching vehicle or a vulnerable user.
A vehicle shall not pass another from the rear under any of the following conditions:
- When approaching or upon the crest of a grade or upon a curve in the highway where the driver’s view is in any way obstructed;
- When approaching within 100 feet of, or traversing, any intersection or railroad grade crossing unless otherwise indicated by official traffic control devices; or
- When the view is obstructed upon approaching within 100 feet of any bridge, viaduct, or tunnel.
4. Vermont Rear-End Collision Law: The “Following Too Closely” Rule
Under the Vermont traffic code, you must leave a “reasonable and prudent” distance between your vehicle and the one in front of you. What is considered following too closely can change based on weather and traffic conditions, as well as the speed of the two cars.
The driver of a vehicle shall not follow another vehicle more closely than is reasonable and prudent, having due regard for the speed of the vehicles and the traffic upon, and the conditions of, the highway.
5. Vermont Mobile Phone Driving Law: The “Hands-Free Driving” Rule
It is illegal to use a cell phone on Vermont highways and streets when driving. Even when your car is stopped, you cannot use your mobile to text, call, or read messages. However, the law has exceptions if you use your phone entirely in hands-free mode or if there is an emergency and you are calling for help.
A person shall not use a portable electronic device while operating a moving motor vehicle in a place open temporarily or permanently to 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.
The prohibitions shall not apply to hands-free use or when use of a portable electronic device is necessary for a person to communicate with law enforcement or emergency service personnel under emergency circumstances.
A person shall not engage in texting while operating a moving motor vehicle in a place open temporarily or permanently to public or general circulation of vehicles.
In addition, a person shall not engage in texting while operating a motor vehicle on a public highway in Vermont, including while the vehicle is stationary.
6. Vermont Four-Way Intersection Law: The “4-Way Stop” Rule
In Vermont, when two vehicles arrive at an intersection simultaneously, the driver to the left is required to yield. The driver on the right can proceed first.
When two vehicles approach or enter an intersection from different highways at approximately the same time, the driver of the vehicle on the left shall yield the right of way to the vehicle on the right.
7. Vermont Left Turn Intersection Law: The “Right of Way” Rule
Before you make a left turn, Vermont traffic law requires you to allow oncoming traffic to clear if they are close enough to present a safety hazard. You must yield and wait until you can safely turn without hitting a vehicle heading in the opposite direction.
The driver of a vehicle intending to turn to the left within an intersection or into an alley, private road, or driveway shall yield the right of way to any vehicle approaching from the opposite direction which is either within the intersection or so close as to constitute an immediate hazard.
Obeying Vermont’s traffic code will help you avoid getting any tickets. And by following the rules of the road, you can also help prevent dangerous accidents. So, keep these seven laws in mind the next time you get behind the wheel.