Beginning Oct. 1, police can stop any driver they see holding a cellphone in their hand while driving. The law, which was signed Thursday by Gov. Peter Shumlin, requires drivers to use hands-free devices, such as Bluetooth, when talking on their cellphones while driving.
VTDigger videographer Cory Dawson and assignment editor Tom Brown produced this short video to explain what the law will mean to Vermont drivers. Special thanks to Lt. Garry Scott of the Vermont State Police for explaining the new rules.
The law is the same as an existing one that bans the use of hand-held cellphones in work zones. Beginning Oct. 1, drivers can be stopped and fined up to $200 for a first offense. No points are assessed against one’s driver’s license for a first offense. Steeper fines and points are assessed for subsequent offense within a two-year period.