Hands Free Law
- Details
- Created on Thursday, 02 October 2014 22:35
- Written by Kendra Carter
VERMONT-The new hands free driving law went into affect yesterday.
Drivers will no longer be able to talk, text, or have their portable devices in their hands whilst driving.
The Ban isn't just for cell phones. Any portable device, including mp3 players, and GPS', are covered under the new law as well.First time offenders will be charged between $100 and $200, and repeat offenders will be charged between $250 and $500. Most people are happy about the new change. One Lyndonville resident said “I think it’s the best law ever and they should have done it a long time ago."
Other locals have some issues with the ban. One local mom said “Well I think it’s good in some ways, people should pay attention when they’re driving, but I like to be able to take a phone call if my phone rings, and it’s my kids. And I have two jobs, so going between jobs is the only time I have to make phone calls.”
Of course their are some exceptions to the law. Drivers are allowed to touch their devices to activate, deactivate, or to answer a call as long as it is only momentarily.
Texting and driving has been an issue in Vermont for sometime. Sheriff Dean Shatney of Caledonia County says "We have noticed that distracted driving, whether it's texting, whether it's just cell phone use, or whether it's distraction from conversation in a motor vehicle."
Vermont is the thirteenth state to establish a hands free law. A no texting law has been in place for sometime now, but wasn't rigorously enforced. In 2013 only 200 tickets were given out under the previous law. Several license points were dolled out under the previous law. Under the new law points will not be given out unless the offensive is in a work zone.