Vermont · Handbook chapter 4 · 4 min read

Chapter 4: Parking, roundabouts, police stops and the Move Over law

Vermont parking distances and no-parking places, parking on hills, how to drive a roundabout, what to do at a police stop, and the Move Over law for emergency and maintenance vehicles.

Why this chapter matters

Parking distances, roundabout yielding and the Move Over law are full of specific numbers and duties that turn up on the test and protect the people working at the roadside.

Parking

• On a two-lane road, park with your right wheels within 12 inches of the curb or road edge, facing the same direction as traffic. On a one-way road, park within 12 inches of the side.
• Never cross the center line to park.
• In a rural area, get all wheels off the traveled road, and do not stop where your vehicle cannot be seen for at least 150 feet in each direction.
• On a hill, turn the front wheels and set the parking brake.

Where you may not park

• On the traveled road, beside a parked vehicle (double parking), on a sidewalk, in an intersection or on a crosswalk
• Next to road work where your car would hold up traffic, or on a bridge or in a tunnel
• On railroad tracks, or within 50 feet of the nearest rail of a crossing
• In front of a driveway
• Within 6 feet of a fire hydrant
• Within 20 feet of a crosswalk at an intersection
• Within 30 feet of a flashing light, STOP sign or traffic signal
• Within 20 feet of a fire station driveway, or within 75 feet across the street from it, where signs are posted
• In a marked bicycle lane or a marked disabled parking space

Roundabouts

• Traffic enters and leaves with right turns and travels counterclockwise.
• Yield to traffic already in the roundabout and enter only in a safe gap. Yield to pedestrians and bicyclists as you enter and leave.
• Signal when you exit.
• In a multilane roundabout, choose your lane from signs and markings before entering. Do not change lanes inside. With no signs, the right lane is for right turns or straight ahead, and the left lane for left turns or straight ahead.
• For an emergency vehicle: if you are not yet in the roundabout, pull over and let it pass; if you are in it, exit first and then pull over.

Police stops

• Pull as far right as is safe. Do not stop in an intersection or in the median of a divided highway.
• Leave your safety belt on until the officer has had a chance to see it, and keep your movements small.
• Stay in the vehicle unless asked to get out. In a dim area, turn on the interior lights.
• Show your license, registration and proof of insurance when asked. Do not argue at the roadside.

The Move Over law

• A vehicle with flashing blue or red lights or a siren approaching from any direction: pull to the right, stop, and stay stopped until it passes.
• A stopped police or emergency vehicle with flashing lights: slow down and proceed with caution. On a four-lane highway, also change lanes away from it if you safely can. If you cannot change lanes on the Interstate, slow to 20 mph below the speed limit.
• Yield to state, city or town maintenance vehicles working on the road, such as a snowplow with flashing lights.
• Use the same care for tow and repair vehicles, which usually show amber lights.