Vermont: Cheat Sheet

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Road signs

The manual names regulatory, warning and information as the general meanings of signs.
The manual says drivers should slow down at a warning sign.
Warning signs are placed where there is danger at all times and a driver needs to slow down.
A stop sign means you must stop, scan the intersection, honor the right of way and then proceed.
The manual labels the sign showing a leaping deer as Deer Crossing.
Some warning signs add a distance, such as “Deer Crossing, next 3 miles”.
The manual labels the sign showing a skidding car as Slippery When Wet.
Warning signs may warn of sharp curves, unsafe intersections or dips in the road.

Sign shapes and colors

Warning signs are usually diamond-shaped and yellow or green.
A stop sign has 8 sides.

Traffic signals

When a signal is out of order and flashes yellow or red, you must obey that signal.
A solid yellow arrow tells you the left-turn signal is about to change to red, so prepare to stop or finish a turn you are already legally making.
The manual states not to turn right on a red arrow.
If you are too close to stop safely, you proceed with caution through the intersection.
Green arrow signals may come on while the red light is displayed, and you may proceed in the direction of the arrow.
At a flashing yellow arrow you may turn left after yielding to all oncoming traffic and pedestrians, waiting for a safe gap.

Right-of-way, turning and passing

On a multilane road you should be in the left lane well before a left turn and never move suddenly from the right lane to the left.
Left turning drivers must first turn into the left lane.
A driver may pass on the right of another vehicle on a multilane road.
Multi-lane roundabouts require attention to lane assignment signs and pavement markings before entering so you select the proper lane.
The manual says going around the block or using a parking lot is the safest option for turning around.
The manual says traffic enters and exits a roundabout only through right turns.
The manual says not to swing the vehicle to the left before turning right.

Alcohol and drugs

An officer may ask for the test if the officer thinks the driver is impaired by alcohol or other drugs.
The manual advises handing your keys to a friend who does not drink and who will not let you drive after you have been drinking.
The manual says even one drink impairs your judgment.
Failing to contact the diversion board within 15 days sends the case to the judicial bureau.
ENCARE signs mark the site of alcohol-related fatal crashes, so the sign means a person died there because of a drunk driver.
A driver who refuses the test loses their Driver's License for at least six months.

Speed and space

The manual gives 50 miles per hour, or the posted limit, as the maximum on Vermont roads.
At the start of a rain, oil, rubber, dirt and water combine to make the road especially slippery.
Overdriving your headlights means your stopping distance is longer than the distance your lights show you.
The manual's fuel-saving tip is to drive 55 or 60 miles per hour on the interstate instead of 65.
The 4-second method is a minimum: poor road conditions, poor visibility or higher speeds call for more space.
The manual says the easiest way to judge a safe distance from the vehicle ahead is the 4-second distance rule.
Because a motorcycle cannot always stop on a dime, allow more following distance behind it.

Licensing basics

If there was a recall, suspension or revocation, the six month period starts on the date of reinstatement.
An additional forty hours of supervised practice is required before the Junior Driver’s License.
The manual recommends at least 40 hours of actual driving experience under the direction of an experienced driver or instructor.
Both the Learner's Permit and the Junior Driver's License are provisional and can be recalled.

Vehicle controls and equipment

Tires must have at least 2/32 inch of tread depth.
A light that stays on means the ABS is not working, but the vehicle still has regular brakes.
The manual says to remove snow and ice from the windows before starting the engine in winter weather.
Both instruments have to work and be placed where the driver can see them.

Pavement markings

On a divided highway the line to your right should be white; a yellow line there means you are going the wrong way.
Major highways are marked with yellow center lines, which divide the highway into travel lanes.
With a solid line or two solid lines, the manual recommends that you do not pass.
A solid line on your side means you should not pass, while the broken line in the other lane lets that vehicle pass.

Interstate driving

The manual says never to slow down or change lanes suddenly and that frequent lane changes are unsafe.
Never stop and back up or use the emergency turnaround; go on to the next exit.
A tired driver should stop and rest in a safe area as soon as possible.

Parking rules

A vehicle parked on a 2-lane road must have its right wheels within 12 inches of the right side of the road or the curb.
The manual says to look over your left shoulder to check the blind spot before backing.
A disabled person can get a set of Disabled Registration Plates for each vehicle registered in his or her name.
The manual says to enter the roadway slowly and stay on your own side.

Railroad crossings

The call lets the rail company stop or reroute trains until the hazard is gone.
At a crossbuck you slow down, look both ways and listen for trains before crossing.

Pedestrians

Hearing approaching traffic helps pedestrians stay safe.
The manual advises caution in the presence of elderly pedestrians.
When turning right you must yield to any pedestrian or bicyclist on the right side of the road.

Sharing the road

Pulling in right in front of the rider leaves too little room, so the manual says never to cut in too closely.
Aggressive driving actions are unlawful and can lead to traffic tickets or worse.
Bicyclists should ride with through traffic and not enter the right turn lane when going straight.
Trucks have long blind spots directly behind them, and the driver cannot see a vehicle there.

Seat belts and child safety

The manual says seatbelt extensions can be obtained from the vehicle manufacturer.
A child under 18 who is not in a harnessed seat or booster must wear a seat belt.
Adjusting and fastening the safety belt is one of the readiness steps to do before driving.

Distracted and drowsy driving

Repeated yawning is one of the signs of drowsy driving named in the manual.
The manual gives turning left in front of oncoming traffic as an example of a risk a distracted driver may take.
A loose phone can fly through the vehicle in a crash, so the manual says to secure it.
The rule is written for any person operating a motor vehicle, not a particular age group.

Hazardous conditions and crashes

After a crash with another vehicle, the other driver is entitled to see your license, registration and insurance information.
Turning on the inside light at night helps work crews and rescuers see you.
The manual says to fill the windshield washer reservoir with a fluid made for winter use.

Emergency vehicles and work zones

The work zone tips tell drivers to be patient, expect delays, or take an alternate route.
Flaggers use stop/slow paddles or sometimes orange flags to guide traffic.

Insurance and financial responsibility

Driving without insurance when asked for proof means a ticket, a fine and two points on your driving record.
You must prove to the Commissioner that you have insurance for a full 3 years.

Points and losing your license

The driver may ask for a hearing to check the convictions and the number of points that were added.
An inquiry is made of the PDPS upon application for a Learner’s Permit, Junior Driver’s License or Driver’s License.