Using a mobile phone while driving in Vermont (2026)
Last reviewed: 9 October 2026
In short: Using a hand-held portable electronic device while driving is banned, and texting is also banned separately; hands-free use is allowed. A first violation carries a civil penalty of USD 100 to 200 and 2 points. Drivers under 18 may not use any portable electronic device while driving.
| Rule | What applies |
|---|---|
| Holding a phone while driving bannedUsing a mobile phone while driving a car | Yes [1] |
| Hands-free useUsing a mobile phone while driving a car | Allowed [1] |
| Fine, first offence (lowest amount where a range applies)Using a mobile phone while driving a car | $100.00 per offence [1] |
| Penalty points on the licenceUsing a mobile phone while driving a car | 2 points [1] |
| Texting while drivingUsing a mobile phone while driving a car | Reading, or manually composing or sending, text messages, instant messages or email on a portable electronic device is banned while driving, including while stationary in traffic on a public highway. The civil penalty is USD 100 to 200 for a first violation. [2] |
| Learner and newly qualified driversUsing a mobile phone while driving a car | Drivers under 18 may not use any portable electronic device while driving, including while stationary in traffic, except to contact police or emergency services in an emergency. A violation carries a USD 100 to 200 civil penalty and 2 points. [3] |
Notes
- 'Use' means any use that is not hands-free, including holding the device in the hand. Texting is also banned separately in 23 V.S.A. § 1099. Commercial motor vehicle operators are covered by the Commercial Driver's License Act instead.
- Activating or deactivating hands-free use is allowed if the device is securely mounted, or done through an internal feature without a hand holding the device.
- The court sets a civil penalty of USD 100 to 200 for a first violation and USD 250 to 500 for a second within two years. In a work zone with personnel present or a marked school zone it is USD 200 to 400 for a first violation.
- Two points outside work and school zones. In a work zone or school zone, 4 points for a first conviction and 5 for a second or later.
Sources
- Vermont General Assembly: 23 V.S.A. § 1095b Handheld use of portable electronic device prohibited (Internet Archive snapshot of 18 May 2026) (consulted 9 October 2026) · all sources
- Vermont General Assembly: 23 V.S.A. § 1099. Texting prohibited (Internet Archive snapshot of 8 June 2026) (consulted 10 October 2026) · all sources
- Vermont General Assembly: 23 V.S.A. § 1095a. Junior operator use of portable electronic devices (Internet Archive snapshot of 20 May 2026) (consulted 10 October 2026) · all sources
Vermont and neighbouring states
| State | Holding a phone while driving banned | Hands-free use | Fine, first offence (lowest amount where a range applies) | Penalty points on the licence |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Vermont | Banned | Allowed | USD 100 to 200 | 2 points |
| Massachusetts | Banned | Hands-free allowed | USD 100 | ⚠ Not yet verified |
| New Hampshire | Banned | Hands-free allowed (18+) | USD 100 plus assessment | ⚠ Not yet verified |
| New York | Banned | Hands-free allowed | From USD 50 (range USD 50-200) | 5 points |
More rules in Vermont
- CannabisPossession for personal use: Legal for adults 21+ · Growing at home: Up to 2 mature, 4 immature plants
- Car speed limitsBuilt-up areas: 50 mph max; local 25 mph or more · Outside built-up areas (single carriageway): 50 mph
- Minimum age for a car driving licenceMinimum age for a car licence: 16 (junior operator's licence) · Earliest age to drive a car supervised: 15 (learner's permit)
- E-bikes and speed pedelecsLegal class: Three classes · Minimum age: Class 3: 16
- FireworksConsumers may buy and use category F2 fireworks: No (sparklers excluded)
- Knives and pepper sprayFolding pocket knives: Offence only with intent to injure
- Statutory minimum wageNational statutory minimum wage: Yes (state law) · Current adult minimum wage (gross): $14.42 per hour
- Seat belts and child seatsSeat belt compulsory in front seats: Yes · Seat belt compulsory in rear seats: Yes
- Tobacco and nicotine age limitsMinimum age to buy tobacco: 21 · Minimum age to buy e-cigarettes: 21
Related pages
General information, not legal advice. Rules change: check the official source before you fly or ride.