As used in this section, 'driving' means operating a commercial motor vehicle on a public highway, including while temporarily stationary because of traffic, a traffic control device, or other momentary delays. 'Driving' does not include operating a commercial motor vehicle with or without the motor running when the operator has moved the vehicle to the side of or off a highway and has halted in a location where the vehicle can safely remain stationary. (b) General prohibition on texting. (1) No operator shall engage in texting while driving a commercial motor vehicle.(2) Texting while driving is permissible by operators of a commercial motor vehicle when necessary to communicate with law enforcement officials or other emergency services. (3) No person may be issued traffic complaints alleging a violation of this section and a violation of section 1099 of this title from the same incident. (c) General prohibition on use of handheld mobile telephones. (1) No operator shall use a handheld mobile telephone while driving a commercial motor vehicle. 099 of this title from the same incident. (c) General prohibition on use of handheld mobile telephones. (1) No operator shall use a handheld mobile telephone while driving a commercial motor vehicle. (2) Use of a handheld mobile telephone is permissible by operators of a commercial motor vehicle when necessary to communicate with law enforcement officials or other emergency services. (d) Motor carriers. (1) A motor carrier shall not allow or require its drivers to engage in texting while driving a commercial motor vehicle. (2) A motor carrier shall not allow or require its drivers to use a handheld mobile telephone while driving a commercial motor vehicle. (Added 2013, No. 20, § 1; amended 2019, No. 131 (Adj. Sess.), § 254.)
Vermont Legal Code