Vermont § 1095a - Junior operator use of portable electronic devices

§ 1095a. Junior operator use of portable electronic devices

• (a) An individual under 18 years of age shall not use any portable electronic device as
  defined in subdivision 4(82) of this title while operating a moving motor vehicle in a place open temporarily or permanently
  to public or general circulation of vehicles. (b) In addition, an individual under 18 years of age shall not use any portable electronic
  device while operating a motor vehicle on a public highway, including while the vehicle
  is stationary, unless otherwise provided in this section. As used in this subsection: (1) “Public highway” means a State or municipal highway as defined in 19 V.S.A. § 1(12). (2) “Operating” means operating a motor vehicle on a public highway, including while temporarily
  stationary because of traffic, a traffic control device, or other temporary delays.
  “Operating” does not include operating a motor vehicle with or without the motor running
  when the operator has moved the vehicle to the side of or off the public highway and
  has halted in a location where the vehicle can safely and lawfully remain stationary. (c) The prohibitions of this section shall not apply when use of a portable electronic
  device is necessary for an individual to communicate with law enforcement or emergency
  service personnel under emergency circumstances. (d)(1) An individual who violates this section commits a traffic violation as defined in
  section 2302 of this title and shall be subject to a civil penalty of not less than $100.00 and not more than
  $200.00 for a first violation, and of not less than $250.00 and not more than $500.00
  for a second or subsequent violation within any two-year period. (2) An individual convicted of violating this section while operating within the following
  areas shall be subject to a civil penalty of not less than $200.00 and not more than
  $400.00 for a first violation and of not less than $500.00 and not more than $1,000.00
  for a second or subsequent violation within any two-year period and shall have four
  points assessed against his or her driving record for a first violation and five points
  assessed for a second or subsequent violation: (A) a properly designated work zone in which construction, maintenance, or utility personnel
  are present; or (B) a school zone marked with warning signs conforming to the Manual on Uniform Traffic
  Control Devices. (3) An individual convicted of violating this section outside the areas designated in
  subdivision (2) of this subsection shall have two points assessed against his or her
  driving record. (Added 2009, No. 150 (Adj. Sess.), § 8, eff. June 1, 2010; amended 2013, No. 189 (Adj. Sess.), § 42, eff. Oct. 1, 2014; 2015, No. 50, § 11; 2019, No. 59, § 26; 2019, No. 60, § 28; 2019, No. 149 (Adj. Sess.), § 32.)