MONTPELIER, VT - Vermont Gov. Jim Douglas on June 1 signed into law a bill banning texting while driving on the state's roads, the Burlington Free Press reported.
The measure also prohibits 16- and 17-year-old drivers from using cell phones while driving.
Under the legislation, any driver caught sending or reading text messages while driving is subject to a $100 fine for a first offense. Subsequent offenses within a two-year period carry a $250 fine. The law is primary; police officers can stop drivers suspected of this offense alone.
Vermont is the 27th state to pass a texting ban for all drivers.