Video: Vt. Bans Handheld Phone Use While Driving
The new law, which takes effect Oct. 1, will be enforced as a primary offense.
VIDEO: Vermont Bans Driver Use of Handheld Phones
Vermont Gov. Peter Shumlin on June 12 signed into law a bill prohibiting use of a handheld cell phone -- or other handheld portable electronics device -- while driving.
The ban goes into effect Oct. 1. A violation is considered a “primary” offense, meaning law enforcement officers can pull over a driver for that violation alone.
Drivers will still be permitted to have phone conversations using a hands-free device.
Shumlin had earlier opposed the bill, arguing that it’s “hard to legislate common sense.” But he reversed his stance after hearing the arguments of bill supporters, including personal accounts from several victims of distracting driving.
Vermont already had a law on the books banning texting while driving.
To watch a video report about the new law’s adoption, click on the photo or link above. To watch a video report explaining the new law’s provisions in more detail, click on the photo or link below.
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