Vermont Truck Driver Phone Law
The federal hand-held ban binds you across Vermont — no holding or reaching, even temporarily stopped in traffic (49 CFR 392.82). Vermont bans all hand-held portable-device use for every driver as a primary offense, including while stationary (§1095b). A first ticket is $100 to $200, $250 to $500 after that, and a conviction adds 2 points to your record. In an active work zone the fine doubles and the points climb to 4 on a first conviction, 5 on later ones.
The federal ban applies here first
Federal law rides with your CDL in every state. FMCSA 49 CFR 392.82 bans all hand-held phone use while driving a CMV: no holding it to talk, no dialing more than a single button, no reaching for the phone out of your belted seat. A separate rule (49 CFR 392.80) bans texting and manual data entry. Only hands-free counts as compliant (mounted or in close reach, one-touch or voice, no reaching), and the only exception is calling 911. "Driving" includes sitting at a red light or stuck in traffic; you are clear only once fully off the road and stopped. Penalties run up to $2,750 for the driver and $11,000 for the carrier. It is a CSA serious violation: two convictions in any 3-year period disqualify your CDL for 60 days, three or more for 120 days (49 CFR 383.51).
Vermont’s rule for all drivers
The federal hand-held ban binds you across Vermont — no holding or reaching, even temporarily stopped in traffic (49 CFR 392.82). Vermont bans all hand-held portable-device use for every driver as a primary offense, including while stationary (§1095b). A first ticket is $100 to $200, $250 to $500 after that, and a conviction adds 2 points to your record. In an active work zone the fine doubles and the points climb to 4 on a first conviction, 5 on later ones.
- Hand-held: Hand-held ban — all drivers
- Texting: Vermont bans all hand-held portable-device use, texting included, for every driver (§1095b), even while stopped in traffic, enforced as a primary offense.
- Fine: $100 to $200 first offense, $250 to $500 for a second or subsequent within two years. In an active work zone the fine doubles and carries added license points. Primary enforcement.
- Points: 2 license points for a conviction outside a work zone. Inside an active work zone with personnel present the fine doubles and it is 4 points on a first conviction, 5 on later ones. Federal CSA rides on top: two hand-held convictions in 3 years disqualify your CDL for 60 days.
Vermont Truck Phone Law FAQ
Can truck drivers use a phone in Vermont?
What is the phone fine in Vermont?
Is texting while driving illegal in Vermont?
Reference information for planning, not legal advice. Traffic laws change and this can be out of date, so always confirm the current statute and obey posted signs before you rely on it. Last reviewed July 2026. Source: https://legislature.vermont.gov/statutes/section/23/013/01095b. See our Terms & Disclaimer.
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