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2023 Vermont Statutes › Title 23 - Motor Vehicles › Chapter 13 - Operation of Vehicles › § 1071. Railroad grade crossings

§ 1071. Railroad grade crossings
(a) An operator approaching a railroad grade crossing shall stop within 50 feet of, but not nearer than 15 feet from, the nearest rail of the railroad and may not proceed until he or she can do so safely when:
(1) an electric or mechanical signal device gives warning of the immediate approach of a railroad train or other on-track equipment;
(2) a crossing gate is lowered or a flagger gives a signal of the approach or passage of a railroad train or other on-track equipment;
(3) a railroad train or other on-track equipment approaching within 80 rods (1,320 feet) of the highway crossing emits a signal audible from that distance and the train or other on-track equipment, by reason of its speed or nearness, is an immediate hazard;
(4) a railroad train or other on-track equipment is plainly visible and is in hazardous proximity to or is at the crossing; or
(5) a stop sign has been erected at the crossing pursuant to section 1006 of this title.
(b) No operator shall drive any vehicle through, around, or under any crossing gate or barrier at a railroad crossing while the gate or barrier is closed or is being opened or closed.
(c) Nothing in this section prohibits an individual from operating a motor vehicle across the tracks of a railroad at grade while a mechanical warning signal is in operation, provided he or she first brings the vehicle to a full stop and reasonably ascertains that the tracks can be crossed safely. (Added 1971, No. 258 (Adj. Sess.), § 3, eff. March 1, 1973; amended 1983, No. 25, § 2; 2019, No. 149 (Adj. Sess.), § 38.)
2023 Vermont Statutes › Title 23 - Motor Vehicles › Chapter 13 - Operation of Vehicles › § 1072. Certain vehicles must stop

§ 1072. Certain vehicles must stop
(a)(1) Before crossing at grade any track or tracks of a railroad, the drivers of the following vehicles shall stop within 50 feet, but not less than 15 feet, from the nearest rail of the railroad and while so stopped shall look and listen in both directions along the track for any approaching train or other on-track equipment and for signals indicating the approach of a train or other on-track equipment, and shall not proceed until he or she can do so safely:
(A) any motor vehicle carrying passengers for hire except for jitneys designed to carry not more than seven passengers including the driver;
(B) any school bus or multifunction school activity bus; and
(C) any vehicle carrying explosive substances or flammable liquids as cargo or part of its cargo.
(2) After stopping as required in this subsection and upon proceeding when it is safe to do so, the driver of any such vehicle shall cross so that there will be no necessity for changing gears while traversing the crossing, and the driver shall not shift gears while crossing the track or tracks.
(b) No stop need be made at any crossing where an attendant, an enforcement officer, or a traffic-control signal directs traffic to proceed.
(c) The driver of a Type I school bus stopping as required under subsection (a) of this section shall open the door of the bus before crossing the railroad tracks. Drivers of Type II school buses shall open the left front window.
(d) Except when required by section 1071 of this title, stopping is not required at a crossing that has been signed as “exempt” in accordance with a designation of the Transportation Board. (Added 1971, No. 258 (Adj. Sess.), § 3, eff. March 1, 1973; amended 1979, No. 39, § 1; 1983, No. 49, eff. April 21, 1983; 1985, No. 2; 1985, No. 268 (Adj. Sess.), § 1; 1991, No. 49, § 2, eff. June 4, 1991; 1997, No. 32, § 2; 2015, No. 50, § 8; 2017, No. 132 (Adj. Sess.), § 12; 2019, No. 149 (Adj. Sess.), § 38.)
2023 Vermont Statutes › Title 23 - Motor Vehicles › Chapter 13 - Operation of Vehicles › § 1073. Heavy equipment

§ 1073. Heavy equipment
(a) No individual shall operate or move any crawler-type tractor, steam shovel, derrick, roller, or any equipment or structure having a normal operating speed of 10 miles per hour or less upon or across any tracks at a railroad grade crossing except in accordance with this section.
(b) Before making any crossing, the individual operating or moving any such equipment shall first stop within 50 feet of, but not nearer than 15 feet from, the nearest rail of such railroad and while so stopped shall listen and look in both directions along such track for any approaching train or other on-track equipment and for signals indicating the approach of a train or other on-track equipment, and may not proceed until the crossing can be made safely.
(c) No crossing may be made when warning is given by automatic signal, crossing gates, flagger, or otherwise of the immediate approach of a railroad train or other on-track equipment.
(d) If a flagger is provided by the railroad, movement over the crossing shall be under the flagger’s direction. (Added 1971, No. 258 (Adj. Sess.), § 3, eff. March 1, 1973; amended 2019, No. 149 (Adj. Sess.), § 38; 2021, No. 20, § 240.)
2023 Vermont Statutes › Title 23 - Motor Vehicles › Chapter 13 - Operation of Vehicles › § 1074. Vehicle entering roadway

§ 1074. Vehicle entering roadway
A driver of a vehicle emerging from an alley, private road, legal trail, class 4 town highway, class 3 town highway serving only one residence, or driveway shall stop immediately prior to driving onto a sidewalk or onto the sidewalk area extending across any alleyway or driveway, shall yield the right of way to any pedestrian as may be necessary to avoid contact, and upon entering the roadway shall yield the right of way to all vehicles approaching on the roadway. (Added 1971, No. 258 (Adj. Sess.), § 3, eff. March 1, 1973; 1995, No. 73 (Adj. Sess.), § 4.)
2023 Vermont Statutes › Title 23 - Motor Vehicles › Chapter 13 - Operation of Vehicles › § 1075. Passing school bus

§ 1075. Passing school bus
(a) The operator of a motor vehicle, including authorized emergency vehicles under section 1015 of this title, upon meeting or overtaking a vehicle marked and equipped as provided in section 1283 of this title that has stopped on the highway for the purpose of receiving or discharging public or private schoolchildren, shall stop his or her vehicle immediately and shall keep it stationary while the flashing red signal lights are in operation.
(b) The driver of a vehicle need not stop upon a highway with separate roadways upon meeting or overtaking a school bus that is on a different roadway, or upon a controlled access highway where the school bus is stopped in a loading zone that is a part of or adjacent to the highway at a point where pedestrians are not permitted to cross the roadway. (Added 1971, No. 258 (Adj. Sess.), § 3, eff. March 1, 1973; amended 1975, No. 149 (Adj. Sess.), § 3; 1981, No. 97, § 3.)
2023 Vermont Statutes › Title 23 - Motor Vehicles › Chapter 13 - Operation of Vehicles › § 1076. Commercial motor vehicles; railroad crossings

§ 1076. Commercial motor vehicles; railroad crossings
(a) Persons operating a commercial vehicle who are not required to stop at railroad crossings shall slow to a speed sufficient to allow for a clear view of the tracks in both directions and stop before reaching the crossing if a train is approaching in either direction.
(b) Operators of commercial and noncommercial vehicles shall:
(1) allow sufficient space to drive completely through a railroad crossing without stopping;
(2) obey a traffic control device or the directions of an enforcement official at the crossing;
(3) not attempt to cross tracks if there is insufficient undercarriage clearance. (Added 2003, No. 26, § 4.)
2023 Vermont Statutes › Title 23 - Motor Vehicles › Chapter 13 - Operation of Vehicles › § 1081. Basic rule and maximum limits

§ 1081. Basic rule and maximum limits
(a) No individual shall drive a vehicle on a highway at a speed greater than is reasonable and prudent under the conditions, having regard for the actual and potential hazards then existing. In every event, speed shall be controlled as necessary to avoid colliding with any individual, vehicle, or other object on or adjacent to the highway.
(b) Except when there exists a special hazard that requires lower speed in accordance with subsection (a) of this section, the limits specified in this section or established pursuant to this section are maximum lawful speeds, and no individual shall drive a vehicle on a highway at a speed in excess of 50 miles per hour.
(c) The maximum speed limits set forth in this section may be altered in accordance with sections 1003, 1004, 1007, and 1010 of this title.
(d) The driver of every vehicle shall, consistent with the requirements of subsection (a) of this section, drive at an appropriate, reduced speed when approaching and crossing an intersection or railway grade crossing, when approaching and going around a curve, when approaching the crest of a hill, when traveling upon any narrow or winding roadway, and when special hazard exists. (Added 1971, No. 258 (Adj. Sess.), § 3, eff. March 1, 1973; amended 2019, No. 131 (Adj. Sess.), § 178.)
2023 Vermont Statutes › Title 23 - Motor Vehicles › Chapter 13 - Operation of Vehicles › § 1082. Slow-moving vehicles

§ 1082. Slow-moving vehicles
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 that impedes other traffic on a highway shall pull off the highway at the first opportunity to allow the traffic to pass before proceeding. (Added 1971, No. 258 (Adj. Sess.), § 3, eff. March 1, 1973.)
2023 Vermont Statutes › Title 23 - Motor Vehicles › Chapter 13 - Operation of Vehicles › § 1083. Special speed limitations

§ 1083. Special speed limitations
(a) No person may drive any vehicle equipped with iron, steel, or solid rubber tires at a speed greater than 10 miles per hour.
(b) No person may drive a vehicle over any bridge or other elevated structure constituting a part of a highway at a speed that is greater than the maximum speed that can be maintained with safety to the bridge or structure, except when the bridge or structure is signposted as provided in this section. The legislative body of a municipality may erect notices one hundred feet in both directions along the highway stating the maximum speed at which vehicles may be operated on the bridge or structure.
(c) The Traffic Committee, upon request from the legislative body of any municipality shall, or upon its own initiative may, conduct an investigation of any bridge or other elevated structure constituting a part of a highway, and if it finds that the bridge or structure cannot, with safety to itself, withstand vehicles traveling at the speed otherwise permissible under this chapter, the Committee shall declare the maximum speed of vehicles upon the bridge or structure and shall cause or permit suitable signs stating the maximum speed to be erected and maintained before each end of the bridge or structure.
(d) No person may drive a vehicle towing a trailer exempted from the weight requirements as provided in subsection 1307(h) of this title at speeds greater than 35 miles per hour. (Added 1971, No. 258 (Adj. Sess.), § 3, eff. March 1, 1973; amended 1975, No. 213 (Adj. Sess.), § 4, eff. April 1, 1976.)
2023 Vermont Statutes › Title 23 - Motor Vehicles › Chapter 13 - Operation of Vehicles › § 1092. Damaging surface of road

§ 1092. Damaging surface of road
No person may operate or move upon or over any highway or bridge a vehicle, machine, or contrivance which has any flange, ribs, clamps, or other object attached to or made a part of, its wheels which will injure, cut into, or destroy the surface of the highway or bridge to any appreciable extent. This provision does not restrict the right of any person to use tires which are equipped with “studs” or “cleats,” so-called, of a type designed for general use to facilitate travel in winter. (Added 1971, No. 258 (Adj. Sess.), § 3, eff. March 1, 1973.)
2023 Vermont Statutes › Title 23 - Motor Vehicles › Chapter 13 - Operation of Vehicles › § 1093. Smoke screen device

§ 1093. Smoke screen device
No person may operate, or permit to be operated, a motor vehicle that is equipped with any special device or contrivance, subject to the control of the operator, designed to give off a smoke screen, so-called, or designed to impede or hinder any law enforcement officer, in the discharge of his or her duties. (Added 1971, No. 258 (Adj. Sess.), § 3, eff. March 1, 1973.)
2023 Vermont Statutes › Title 23 - Motor Vehicles › Chapter 13 - Operation of Vehicles › § 1094. Operation without consent of owner; aggravated operation without consent of owner

§ 1094. Operation without consent of owner; aggravated operation without consent of owner
(a) A person commits the crime of operation without consent of the owner if the person, without the consent of the owner, knowingly takes, obtains, operates, uses, or continues to operate the motor vehicle of another.
(b) A person commits the crime of aggravated operation without consent of the owner if the person, without the consent of the owner, knowingly takes, obtains, operates, uses, or continues to operate the motor vehicle of another, and:
(1) the motor vehicle is not recovered within 24 hours of the time it is determined the theft occurred regardless of whether the operator is then in actual or constructive possession of the vehicle; or
(2) the motor vehicle sustains $500.00 or more in damage during the commission of the offense; or
(3) the person does any of the following:
(A) attempts to alter or disguise or alters or disguises the appearance of the motor vehicle;
(B) attempts to alter or remove or alters or removes the vehicle identification number as defined in subdivision 2001(3) of this title;
(C) uses the motor vehicle in the commission of a felony;
(D) causes bodily injury to another while operating or exercising control of the motor vehicle;
(E) abandons the motor vehicle outside the State of Vermont; or
(F) unlawfully attaches or otherwise displays in or upon the motor vehicle registration plates other than those officially issued for the motor vehicle.
(c) A person convicted under subsection (a) of this section of operation without consent of the owner shall be imprisoned not more than two years or fined not more than $1,000.00, or both.
(d) A person convicted under subsection (b) of this section of aggravated operation without consent of the owner shall be imprisoned not more than five years or fined not more than $2,000.00, or both.
(e) This section shall not be construed to limit or restrict prosecutions for grand larceny.
(f) A person convicted of violating this section shall be assessed a surcharge of $50.00, which shall be added to any fine or surcharge imposed by the court. The court shall collect and transfer the surcharge assessed under this subsection to be credited to the DUI Enforcement Fund. The collection procedures described in 13 V.S.A. § 5240 shall be utilized in the collection of this surcharge. (Added 1971, No. 258 (Adj. Sess.) § 3, eff. March 1, 1973; amended 1973, No. 109, § 9, eff. May 25, 1973; 1997, No. 117 (Adj. Sess.), § 24; 1999, No. 102 (Adj. Sess.), § 1.)
2023 Vermont Statutes › Title 23 - Motor Vehicles › Chapter 13 - Operation of Vehicles › § 1095. Entertainment picture visible to the operator

§ 1095. Entertainment picture visible to the operator
A person shall not operate upon a highway in this State a moving motor vehicle carrying or having installed a screen or other device transmitting a moving entertainment picture that is visible to the operator. (Added 1971, No. 258 (Adj. Sess.), § 3, eff. March 1, 1973; amended 1987, No. 112, § 10; 2005, No. 167 (Adj. Sess.), § 17, eff. May 20, 2006; 2011, No. 25, § 1, eff. May 11, 2011.)
2023 Vermont Statutes › Title 23 - Motor Vehicles › Chapter 13 - Operation of Vehicles › § 1095a. Junior operator use of portable electronic devices

§ 1095a. Junior operator use of portable electronic devices
(a) An individual under 18 years of age shall not use any portable electronic device as defined in subdivision 4(82) of this title while operating a moving motor vehicle in a place open temporarily or permanently to public or general circulation of vehicles.
(b) In addition, an individual 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, unless otherwise provided in this section. As used in this subsection:
(1) “Public highway” means a State or municipal highway as defined in 19 V.S.A. § 1(12).
(2) “Operating” means operating a motor vehicle on a public highway, including while temporarily stationary because of traffic, a traffic control device, or other temporary delays. “Operating” does not include operating a motor vehicle with or without the motor running when the operator has moved the vehicle to the side of or off the public highway and has halted in a location where the vehicle can safely and lawfully remain stationary.
(c) The prohibitions of this section shall not apply when use of a portable electronic device is necessary for an individual to communicate with law enforcement or emergency service personnel under emergency circumstances.
(d)(1) An individual who violates this section commits a traffic violation as defined in section 2302 of this title and shall be subject to a civil penalty of not less than $100.00 and not more than $200.00 for a first violation, and of not less than $250.00 and not more than $500.00 for a second or subsequent violation within any two-year period.
(2) An individual convicted of violating this section while operating within the following areas shall be subject to a civil penalty of not less than $200.00 and not more than $400.00 for a first violation, and of not less than $500.00 and not more than $1,000.00 for a second or subsequent violation within any two-year period and shall have four points assessed against his or her driving record for a first violation and five points assessed for a second or subsequent violation:
(A) a properly designated work zone in which construction, maintenance, or utility personnel are present; or
(B) a school zone marked with warning signs conforming to the Manual on Uniform Traffic Control Devices.
(3) An individual convicted of violating this section outside the areas designated in subdivision (2) of this subsection shall have two points assessed against his or her driving record. (Added 2009, No. 150 (Adj. Sess.), § 8, eff. June 1, 2010; amended 2013, No. 189 (Adj. Sess.), § 42, eff. Oct. 1, 2014; 2015, No. 50, § 11; 2019, No. 59, § 26; 2019, No. 60, § 28; 2019, No. 149 (Adj. Sess.), § 32.)
2023 Vermont Statutes › Title 23 - Motor Vehicles › Chapter 13 - Operation of Vehicles › § 1096. General penalties

§ 1096. General penalties
(a) Any person who violates the speed restrictions of subsection 1083(b) of this title shall be assessed a civil penalty of not more than $50.00 and is liable for damages for injuries thereby done to the bridge or structure, which may be recovered in a civil action brought under this section in the name and for the benefit of the State or municipal corporation liable for the repairs of the bridge or structure, with costs.
(b) A parent or guardian who knowingly permits a child under 16 years of age, in his or her custody, to violate any provision of sections 1136 through 1141, inclusive, of this title shall be assessed a civil penalty of not more than $25.00. (Added 1971, No. 258 (Adj. Sess.), § 3, eff. March 1, 1973; amended 2019, No. 131 (Adj. Sess.), § 181.)
2023 Vermont Statutes › Title 23 - Motor Vehicles › Chapter 13 - Operation of Vehicles › § 1097. Excessive speed

§ 1097. Excessive speed
No person shall operate a motor vehicle on a public highway at a speed of 60 miles per hour or more and at least 30 miles per hour in excess of a State speed zone or local speed limit. A person who violates this section shall be imprisoned upon a first conviction not more than three months or fined not more than $300.00, or both; and upon a second conviction shall be imprisoned not more than six months or fined not more than $500.00, or both. (Added 1989, No. 109, § 5, eff. July 1, 1990.)
2023 Vermont Statutes › Title 23 - Motor Vehicles › Chapter 13 - Operation of Vehicles › § 1098. Disposition of pending cases

§ 1098. Disposition of pending cases
(a) The Judicial Bureau shall enter judgment against the defendant in all cases in which:
(1) prior to January 1, 2007, the defendant filed an answer admitting or not contesting the violation;
(2) the defendant paid all or a portion of the fine, penalty, or surcharge; and
(3) the issuing officer did not file the original complaint prior to July 1, 2007.
(b) Notwithstanding any law to the contrary, with respect to any judgment entered pursuant to this section, the Judicial Bureau shall immediately seal the record and shall not report the judgment to the Commissioner of Motor Vehicles. Any funds received by the Judicial Bureau for judgments under this section shall be deposited in the Court Technology Special Fund up to $150,000.00, and the balance to be deposited to the Municipal Ticket Repayment Revolving Fund defined in 4 V.S.A. § 28.
(c) The Judicial Bureau shall dismiss the action in all cases in which:
(1) the defendant filed an answer denying or contesting the violation prior to January 1, 2007; and
(2) the issuing officer did not file the original complaint prior to July 1, 2007. (Added 2007, No. 51, § 17.)
2023 Vermont Statutes › Title 23 - Motor Vehicles › Chapter 13 - Operation of Vehicles › § 1099. Texting prohibited

§ 1099. Texting prohibited
(a) As used in this section, “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 in subdivision 4(82) of this title. Use of a global positioning or navigation system shall be governed by section 1095b of this title.
(b)(1) An individual 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.
(2) In addition, an individual shall not engage in texting while operating a motor vehicle on a public highway in Vermont, including while the vehicle is stationary, unless otherwise provided under this section. As used in this subdivision (b)(2):
(A) “Public highway” means a State or municipal highway as defined in 19 V.S.A. § 1(12).
(B) “Operating” means operating a motor vehicle on a public highway, including while temporarily stationary because of traffic, a traffic control device, or other temporary delays. “Operating” does not include operating a motor vehicle with or without the motor running when the operator has moved the vehicle to the side of or off the public highway and has halted in a location where the vehicle can safely and lawfully remain stationary.
(c)(1) An individual who violates this section commits a traffic violation as defined in section 2302 of this title and shall be subject to a civil penalty of not less than $100.00 and not more than $200.00 for a first violation, and of not less than $250.00 and not more than $500.00 for a second or subsequent violation within any two-year period.
(2) An individual convicted of violating this section while operating within the following areas shall be subject to a civil penalty of not less than $200.00 and not more than $400.00 for a first violation, and of not less than $500.00 and not more than $1,000.00 for a second or subsequent violation within any two-year period and shall have four points assessed against his or her driving record for a first conviction and five points assessed for a second or subsequent conviction:
(A) a properly designated work zone in which construction, maintenance, or utility personnel are present; or
(B) a school zone marked with warning signs conforming to the Manual on Uniform Traffic Control Devices.
(3) An individual convicted of violating this section outside the areas designated in subdivision (2) of this subsection shall have two points assessed against his or her driving record. (Added 2009, No. 150 (Adj. Sess.), § 2, eff. June 1, 2010; amended 2013, No. 57, § 24; 2015, No. 50, § 13; 2019, No. 149 (Adj. Sess.), § 34.)
2023 Vermont Statutes › Title 23 - Motor Vehicles › Chapter 13 - Operation of Vehicles › § 1101. Stopping, standing, or parking

§ 1101. Stopping, standing, or parking
(a) No person shall stop, park, or leave standing any vehicle, whether attended or unattended, upon the paved or main-traveled part of the highway or within that portion of a highway right of way which the Traffic Committee finds to be a dangerous location on the basis of an engineering and traffic investigation and designates as a no-parking zone by suitable signs at each end, and by such additional signs as the Committee may determine.
(b) Where parking is permitted, at all times an unobstructed width of the highway opposite a standing vehicle shall be left for the free passage of other vehicles and a clear view permitted of any stopped vehicles from a distance of 200 feet in each direction upon the highway.
(c) This section does not apply to any vehicle that is disabled while on the paved or main-traveled portion of a highway in a manner and to the extent that it is impossible or impractical to avoid stopping and temporarily leaving the disabled vehicle in that position, nor to stopping at a railroad grade crossing. (Added 1971, No. 258 (Adj. Sess.), § 3, eff. March 1, 1973.)
2023 Vermont Statutes › Title 23 - Motor Vehicles › Chapter 13 - Operation of Vehicles › § 1104. Stopping prohibited

§ 1104. Stopping prohibited
(a) Except when necessary to avoid conflict with other traffic, or in compliance with law or the directions of an enforcement officer or official traffic-control device, no person may:
(1) Stop, stand, or park a vehicle:
(A) on the roadway side of any vehicle stopped or parked at the edge or curb of a street;
(B) on a sidewalk;
(C) within an intersection;
(D) on a crosswalk;
(E) alongside or opposite any street excavation or obstruction when stopping, standing, or parking would obstruct traffic;
(F) upon any bridge or other elevated structure or within a highway tunnel;
(G) on any railroad tracks; or
(H) at any place where official signs prohibit stopping.
(2) Stand or park a vehicle, whether occupied or not, except momentarily to pick up or discharge a passenger:
(A) in front of a public or private driveway;
(B) within six feet of a fire hydrant;
(C) within 20 feet of a crosswalk at an intersection;
(D) within 30 feet upon the approach to any flashing signal, stop sign, or traffic control light located at the side of a roadway;
(E) within 20 feet of the driveway entrance to any fire station and on the side of a street opposite and within 75 feet of the entrance to any fire station, when properly signposted;
(F) at any place where official signs prohibit standing.
(3) Park a vehicle, whether occupied or not, except temporarily for the purpose of and while actually engaged in loading or unloading merchandise or a passenger:
(A) within 50 feet of the nearest rail of a railroad crossing;
(B) at any place where official signs prohibit parking;
(C) at any place where official signs restrict parking at an electric vehicle charging station and the vehicle violates the restrictions.
(b) No person may move a vehicle not lawfully under his or her control into any prohibited area or an unlawful distance away from a curb. (Added 1971, No. 258 (Adj. Sess.), § 3, eff. March 1, 1973; amended 2017, No. 139 (Adj. Sess.), § 15.)
2023 Vermont Statutes › Title 23 - Motor Vehicles › Chapter 13 - Operation of Vehicles › § 1105. Additional parking regulations

§ 1105. Additional parking regulations
(a) Except as otherwise provided by local ordinance, every vehicle stopped or parked upon a two-way roadway shall be stopped or parked with the right-hand wheels parallel to and within 12 inches of the right-hand curb or if there is no curb, within 12 inches of the edge of the roadway.
(b) Except when otherwise provided by local ordinance, every vehicle stopped or parked upon a one-way roadway shall be so stopped or parked parallel to and within 12 inches of a curb or, if there is no curb, within 12 inches of the edge of the roadway, in the direction of authorized traffic movement. (Added 1971, No. 258 (Adj. Sess.), § 3, eff. March 1, 1973.)
2023 Vermont Statutes › Title 23 - Motor Vehicles › Chapter 13 - Operation of Vehicles › § 1106. Limitations on use of State highway facilities

§ 1106. Limitations on use of State highway facilities
(a) As used in this section, “State highway facility” means a State highway rest area, picnic ground, parking area, or park-and-ride facility.
(b) No individual shall enter or remain on any State highway facility for the purpose of overnight camping unless the particular facility has been designated for that purpose by the Traffic Committee.
(c)(1) On the basis of an engineering and traffic investigation or findings as to adverse effects on the quiet enjoyment and property values of persons living adjacent to a State highway facility, the Traffic Committee may designate the size and types of vehicles allowed to park in a State highway facility or in particular areas of a State highway facility.
(2) In addition, the Secretary may prescribe special restrictions related to parking of plug-in electric vehicles in designated areas of a State highway facility.
(d) Notice of the prohibitions or restrictions under this section shall be posted at the affected facilities by regulatory signs conforming to the Manual on Uniform Traffic Control Devices. (Added 2007, No. 164 (Adj. Sess.), § 32; amended 2017, No. 139 (Adj. Sess.), § 16; 2019, No. 131 (Adj. Sess.), § 182.)
2023 Vermont Statutes › Title 23 - Motor Vehicles › Chapter 13 - Operation of Vehicles › § 1111. Unattended motor vehicle

§ 1111. Unattended motor vehicle
No person shall permit a motor vehicle to stand unattended without first stopping the engine, locking the ignition, removing the key from the ignition and effectively setting the brake, air temperatures permitting, and, when the vehicle is standing upon a grade, turning the front of the front wheels toward the curb or side of the highway. This section does not apply to authorized emergency vehicles. (Added 1971, No. 258 (Adj. Sess.), § 3, eff. March 1, 1973.)
2023 Vermont Statutes › Title 23 - Motor Vehicles › Chapter 13 - Operation of Vehicles › § 1112. Closed highways

§ 1112. Closed highways
(a) Except by the written permit of the authority responsible for the closing, a person shall not drive any vehicle over any highway across which there is a barrier or a sign indicating that the highway is closed to public travel.
(b) An authority responsible for closing a highway to public travel may erect a sign, which shall be visible to highway users and proximate to the barrier or sign indicating that the highway is closed to public travel, indicating that violators are subject to penalties and civil damages.
(c) [Repealed.] (Added 1971, No. 258 (Adj. Sess.), § 3, eff. March 1, 1973; amended 2013, No. 57, § 18; 2021, No. 184 (Adj. Sess.), § 51, eff. July 1, 2022.)
2023 Vermont Statutes › Title 23 - Motor Vehicles › Chapter 13 - Operation of Vehicles › § 1113. Limitations on backing

§ 1113. Limitations on backing
(a) The driver of a vehicle shall not back the same unless such movement can be made with safety and without interfering with other traffic.
(b) The driver of a vehicle shall not back the same upon any shoulder or roadway of any controlled-access highway. (Added 1971, No. 258 (Adj. Sess.), § 3, eff. March 1, 1973.)
2023 Vermont Statutes › Title 23 - Motor Vehicles › Chapter 13 - Operation of Vehicles › § 1114. Riding on motorcycles and motor-driven cycles

§ 1114. Riding on motorcycles and motor-driven cycles
(a) An individual operating a motorcycle or motor-driven cycle shall ride only upon the permanent and regular seat of the motorcycle or motor-driven cycle, and such operator shall not carry any other individual nor shall any other individual ride on a motorcycle or motor-driven cycle unless such motorcycle or motor-driven cycle is designed to carry more than one individual, in which event a passenger may ride upon the permanent and regular seat if designed for two individuals or upon another seat firmly attached to the motorcycle or motor-driven cycle at the rear or side of the operator.
(b) An individual shall only ride upon a motorcycle or motor-driven cycle while sitting astride the seat, facing forward, with one leg on each side of the motorcycle or motor-driven cycle. The requirement of this subsection shall not apply to occupants of autocycles or of sidecars.
(c) No individual shall operate a motorcycle or motor-driven cycle while carrying any package, bundle, or other article that prevents him or her from keeping both hands on the handlebars.
(d) No operator shall carry any passenger, nor shall any passenger ride, in a position that will interfere with the operation or control of the motorcycle or motor-driven cycle or the view of the operator. (Added 1971, No. 258 (Adj. Sess.), § 3, eff. March 1, 1973; amended 1977, No. 20, § 2; 2009, No. 152 (Adj. Sess.), § 19f, eff. Sept. 1, 2010; 2013, No. 189 (Adj. Sess.), § 36; 2019, No. 131 (Adj. Sess.), § 183.)
2023 Vermont Statutes › Title 23 - Motor Vehicles › Chapter 13 - Operation of Vehicles › § 1115. Operating motorcycles and motor-driven cycles on roadways laned for traffic

§ 1115. Operating motorcycles and motor-driven cycles on roadways laned for traffic
(a) All motorcycles or motor-driven cycles are entitled to full use of a lane and no motor vehicle shall be driven in such a manner as to deprive any motorcycle or motor-driven cycle of the full use of a lane.
(b) The operator of a motorcycle or motor-driven cycle shall not overtake and pass in the same lane occupied by the vehicle being overtaken.
(c) No person shall operate a motorcycle or motor-driven cycle between lanes of traffic or between adjacent lines or rows of vehicles.
(d) No motorcycle or motor-driven cycle may be operated in the same lane with, and alongside or closer than 10 feet ahead of, or 10 feet behind another motorcycle, motor-driven cycle, or other motor vehicle.
(e) Subsections (b) and (c) of this section shall not apply to police officers in the performance of their official duties. (Added 1971, No. 258 (Adj. Sess.), § 3, eff. March 1, 1973; amended 1977, No. 20, § 3; 2009, No. 152 (Adj. Sess.), § 19g, eff. Sept. 1, 2010.)
2023 Vermont Statutes › Title 23 - Motor Vehicles › Chapter 13 - Operation of Vehicles › § 1116. Clinging to other vehicles

§ 1116. Clinging to other vehicles
No person riding a motorcycle or motor-driven cycle shall attach himself or herself or the motorcycle or motor-driven cycle to any other vehicle on a roadway. (Added 1971, No. 258 (Adj. Sess.), § 3, eff. March 1, 1973; amended 1977, No. 20, § 4; 2009, No. 152 (Adj. Sess.), § 19h, eff. Sept. 1, 2010.)
2023 Vermont Statutes › Title 23 - Motor Vehicles › Chapter 13 - Operation of Vehicles › § 1117. Footrests and handlebars

§ 1117. Footrests and handlebars
(a) Any motorcycle or motor-driven cycle carrying a passenger, other than in a sidecar or enclosed cab, shall be equipped with footrests for such passenger.
(b) No person shall operate any motorcycle or motor-driven cycle with handlebars more than 15 inches in height above that portion of the seat occupied by the operator. (Added 1971, No. 258 (Adj. Sess.), § 3, eff. March 1, 1973; amended 1977, No. 20, § 5; 2009, No. 152 (Adj. Sess.), § 19i, eff. Sept. 1, 2010.)
2023 Vermont Statutes › Title 23 - Motor Vehicles › Chapter 13 - Operation of Vehicles › § 1118. Obstruction to driver’s view

§ 1118. Obstruction to driver’s view
(a) A person shall not operate or attempt to operate a motor vehicle when more than three persons over two years of age, including the operator, are occupying the front seat or seats or are in the front or driving compartment of the motor vehicle. However, this provision does not apply to any motor vehicle the front seat of which was designed by the manufacturer for occupancy by more than three persons, or to any vehicle that has a front seating area that is at least 76 inches in width, as received from the manufacturer. In no case shall a vehicle be operated with more than four persons over two years of age occupying the front seat or seats or who are in the front or driving compartment of the motor vehicle.
(b) In any event, a person may not operate a motor vehicle when it is so loaded as to obstruct the view of the driver to the front or sides of the vehicle or as to interfere with the driver’s control over the driving mechanism of the vehicle.
(c) No passenger in a vehicle shall ride in such position as to interfere with the driver’s view ahead or to the sides, or to interfere with his or her control over the driving mechanism of the vehicle. (Added 1971, No. 258 (Adj. Sess.), § 3, eff. March 1, 1973; amended 1975, No. 234 (Adj. Sess.), § 1.)
2023 Vermont Statutes › Title 23 - Motor Vehicles › Chapter 13 - Operation of Vehicles › § 1119. Opening and closing vehicle doors

§ 1119. Opening and closing vehicle doors
No person shall open the door of a motor vehicle on the side nearest to moving traffic unless it is reasonably safe to do so and can be done without interfering with the movement of traffic, nor may any person leave a door open on the side of a vehicle nearest to moving traffic for a period of time longer than necessary to load or unload passengers. (Added 1971, No. 258 (Adj. Sess.), § 3, eff. March 1, 1973.)
2023 Vermont Statutes › Title 23 - Motor Vehicles › Chapter 13 - Operation of Vehicles › § 1121. Coasting prohibited

§ 1121. Coasting prohibited
(a) [Repealed.]
(b) No driver of a motor truck or motor bus, when traveling upon a downgrade, shall coast with the clutch disengaged. (Added 1971, No. 258 (Adj. Sess.), § 3, eff. March 1, 1973; amended 1997, No. 55, § 11(1), eff. June 26, 1997.)
2023 Vermont Statutes › Title 23 - Motor Vehicles › Chapter 13 - Operation of Vehicles › § 1122. Following fire apparatus prohibited

§ 1122. Following fire apparatus prohibited
No operator of a motor vehicle, other than one on official business relating to the suppression of fire or the handling of an emergency, shall follow any fire apparatus traveling to an emergency closer than 500 feet, or in a manner to interfere with the suppression of a fire or the handling of the emergency, or so as to endanger the life of any occupant of the fire apparatus, or thereafter park his or her vehicle so as to interfere with the suppression of a fire or the handling of the emergency. (Added 1971, No. 258 (Adj. Sess.), § 3, eff. March 1, 1973.)
2023 Vermont Statutes › Title 23 - Motor Vehicles › Chapter 13 - Operation of Vehicles › § 1123. Driving over fire hose prohibited

§ 1123. Driving over fire hose prohibited
No person shall operate a motor vehicle over any unprotected hose of a fire fighting unit laid down on any highway, alley, private road, or driveway, to be used at any fire or alarm of fire, without the consent of the fire department official in command. (Added 1971, No. 258 (Adj. Sess.), § 3, eff. March 1, 1973.)
2023 Vermont Statutes › Title 23 - Motor Vehicles › Chapter 13 - Operation of Vehicles › § 1124. Position of operator

§ 1124. Position of operator
No person may steer or operate, attempt to steer or operate, or participate in the steering or operation of a motor vehicle, except in an emergency, unless he or she is seated directly and immediately behind the steering wheel or other steering apparatus. (Added 1971, No. 258 (Adj. Sess.), § 3, eff. March 1, 1973.)
2023 Vermont Statutes › Title 23 - Motor Vehicles › Chapter 13 - Operation of Vehicles › § 1126. Putting glass, other items, on highway prohibited

§ 1126. Putting glass, other items, on highway prohibited
(a) No person shall drop or deposit upon any highway any glass bottle, glass, nails, tacks, wire, cans, or any other substance likely to injure any person, animal, or vehicle upon the highway.
(b) A person shall immediately remove or cause to be removed any destructive or injurious material that he or she drops or deposits, or permits to be dropped or deposited upon any highway.
(c) If the throwing or depositing was done from a motor vehicle, except a motor bus or a bus transporting schoolchildren, it is prima facie evidence that the throwing or depositing was done by the operator of the motor vehicle.
(d) A person removing a wrecked or damaged vehicle from a highway shall remove any glass or other injurious substance dropped upon the highway from the vehicle. (Added 1971, No. 258 (Adj. Sess.), § 3, eff. March 1, 1973.)
2023 Vermont Statutes › Title 23 - Motor Vehicles › Chapter 13 - Operation of Vehicles › § 1126a. Depositing snow onto or across certain highways prohibited

§ 1126a. Depositing snow onto or across certain highways prohibited
(a) No person, other than an employee in the performance of his or her official duties or other person authorized by the Agency of Transportation (in the case of State highways) or selectboard (in the case of town highways), shall plow or otherwise deposit snow onto the traveled way, shoulder, or sidewalk of a State highway or a class 1, 2, or 3 town highway.
(b) Nothing in this section should be construed to be in derogation of any municipal ordinance regulating the deposit of snow within the limits of town highways. (Added 1997, No. 150 (Adj. Sess.), § 17.)
2023 Vermont Statutes › Title 23 - Motor Vehicles › Chapter 13 - Operation of Vehicles › § 1127. Control in presence of animals

§ 1127. Control in presence of animals
(a) Whenever upon a public highway and approaching a vehicle drawn by a draft animal, an animal upon which a person is riding, or animals being herded, the operator of a motor vehicle shall operate the vehicle in such a manner as to exercise every reasonable precaution to prevent the frightening of any animal and to ensure the safety and protection of the animal and the person riding, driving, or herding.
(b) The operator of a motor vehicle shall yield to any animals being herded on or across a highway. (Added 1971, No. 258 (Adj. Sess.), § 3, eff. March 1, 1973; amended 1989, No. 55; 2009, No. 114 (Adj. Sess.), § 5.)
2023 Vermont Statutes › Title 23 - Motor Vehicles › Chapter 13 - Operation of Vehicles › § 1128. Crashes; duty to stop

§ 1128. Crashes; duty to stop
(a) The operator of a motor vehicle who has caused or is involved in a crash resulting in injury to any person other than the operator, or in damage to any property other than the vehicle then under his or her control, shall immediately stop and render any assistance reasonably necessary. Subsection 1102(g) of this title (stopping not to impede traffic or jeopardize safety; exceptions) governs the location where a person shall stop. The operator shall give his or her name, residence, license number, and the name of the owner of the motor vehicle to any person who is injured or whose property is damaged and to any enforcement officer. A person who violates this section shall be fined not more than $2,000.00 or imprisoned for not more than two years, or both.
(b) If serious bodily injury results from the crash, a person violating subsection (a) of this section shall be fined not more than $3,000.00 or imprisoned for not more than five years, or both.
(c) If death results from the crash, a person violating subsection (a) of this section shall be fined not more than $3,000.00 or imprisoned for not less than one year nor more than 15 years, or both.
(d) A person convicted of violating this section shall be assessed a surcharge of $50.00, which shall be added to any fine or surcharge imposed by the court. The court shall collect and transfer the surcharge assessed under this subsection to be credited to the DUI Enforcement Fund. The collection procedures described in 13 V.S.A. § 5240 shall be utilized in the collection of this surcharge. (Added 1971, No. 258 (Adj. Sess.), § 3, eff. March 1, 1973; amended 1981, No. 205 (Adj. Sess.), § 1; 1995, No. 151 (Adj. Sess.), § 1; 1997, No. 117 (Adj. Sess.), § 25; 2017, No. 71, § 26, eff. June 8, 2017; 2019, No. 131 (Adj. Sess.), § 184.)
2023 Vermont Statutes › Title 23 - Motor Vehicles › Chapter 13 - Operation of Vehicles › § 1129. Crashes; reports

§ 1129. Crashes; reports
(a) The operator of a motor vehicle involved in a crash in which someone is injured or there is total property damage of $3,000.00 or more shall make a written report concerning the crash to the Commissioner on forms furnished by the Commissioner. The written report shall be mailed to the Commissioner within 72 hours after the crash. The Commissioner may require further facts concerning the crash be provided upon forms he or she furnishes.
(b) As used in this section, the word “crash” only refers to incidents and events in which the motor vehicle involved comes into physical contact with an individual or object, including another motor vehicle. It shall not include such contact where a vehicle involved is being used by a law enforcement officer as a barrier to prevent passage of a vehicle being operated by a suspected violator of the law. In such cases, the law enforcement officer shall not be required to make a personal written report of the incident.
(c) The owner and the operator of a motor vehicle covered by one or more policies of liability insurance shall notify any individual injured by the motor vehicle, or the owner of any property damaged by the motor vehicle, of the name and address of all liability insurance companies that may cover the incident and the numbers of the policies. The notification shall be made to the injured individual or owner of the damaged property, or both, within five days after the injury or damage. The information shall be given to the injured individual and owner of the damaged property at the last known address of each. (Added 1971, No. 258 (Adj. Sess.), § 3, eff. March 1, 1973; amended 1977, No. 81, § 5, eff. April 27, 1977; 1979, No. 46, § 4, eff. April 26, 1979; 1979, No. 190 (Adj. Sess.), § 4; 1987, No. 241 (Adj. Sess.), § 4; 2009, No. 152 (Adj. Sess.), § 14; 2019, No. 131 (Adj. Sess.), § 185.)
2023 Vermont Statutes › Title 23 - Motor Vehicles › Chapter 13 - Operation of Vehicles › § 1130. Permitting unlicensed or impaired person to operate

§ 1130. Permitting unlicensed or impaired person to operate
(a) No person shall employ another person as an operator of a motor vehicle knowing that the other person is not licensed as provided in this title.
(b) No person shall permit a motor vehicle owned by him or her or under his or her control to be operated by another person if the person who owns or controls the vehicle knows that the other person has no legal right to operate the vehicle.
(c)(1) No person who owns or is in control of a vehicle shall intentionally create a direct and immediate opportunity for another person to operate the motor vehicle if the person who owns or controls the vehicle has actual knowledge that the operator is:
(A) under the influence of alcohol; or
(B) under the influence of any other drug or under the combined influence of alcohol and any other drug to a degree that renders the person incapable of driving safely.
(2) This subsection shall not apply if the defendant was placed under duress or subjected to coercion by the other person at the time the defendant enabled the other person to operate the motor vehicle.
(d)(1) A person who violates subsection (c) of this section shall be fined not more than $1,000.00 or imprisoned for not more than six months, or both.
(2) If death or if serious bodily injury as defined in 13 V.S.A. § 1021(2) results to any person other than the operator from a violation of subsection (c) of this section, the person convicted of the violation shall be fined not more than $5,000.00 or imprisoned not more than two years, or both. The provisions of this subdivision do not limit or restrict prosecutions for manslaughter. (Added 1971, No. 258 (Adj. Sess.), § 3, eff. March 1, 1973; amended 2011, No. 56, § 2; 2017, No. 83, § 161(4).)
2023 Vermont Statutes › Title 23 - Motor Vehicles › Chapter 13 - Operation of Vehicles › § 1131. Warning signal

§ 1131. Warning signal
The operator of a motor vehicle, whenever reasonably necessary to ensure safe operation, shall give an audible warning with the horn of his or her vehicle but shall not otherwise use the horn when upon a highway. (Added 1971, No. 258 (Adj. Sess.), § 3, eff. March 1, 1973.)