Vermont · Handbook chapter 6 · 4 min read

Chapter 6: Sharing the road

Vermont rules for pedestrians, school zones and school buses, bicyclists, motorcycles, large trucks, slow-moving farm vehicles, horses and riders, and moose and deer.

Why this chapter matters

Vermont roads carry walkers, cyclists, tractors, horses and wildlife as well as cars. The test checks that you know how much room to give and when you must stop.

Pedestrians

• Young, elderly, disabled and intoxicated pedestrians are the most frequent victims. Even when a pedestrian crosses carelessly, the driver must yield.
• If a vehicle ahead stops for a pedestrian, do not pass it, even on a two-lane road. This is a frequent cause of pedestrian deaths.
• Do not block a crosswalk while waiting. Watch for pedestrians when crossing a sidewalk from a driveway or alley.
• A pedestrian with a white cane or guide dog crossing or waiting to cross: stop and yield.
• Do not turn right on red when a lit "No Turn On Red" sign is showing, and never turn right on a red arrow.
• Do not pick up hitchhikers on the Interstate or its ramps.
• Pedestrians without sidewalks should walk on the left, facing traffic, and wear light or reflective clothing at night.

School zones and buses

• School zones may have lower limits marked "when flashing" or "when children are present". Children may be at school outside school hours too.
• Flashing yellow lights on a bus: it is about to stop; prepare to stop.
• Flashing red lights: you must stop, from any direction, even in a school yard.
• You need not stop on a divided highway when the bus is on the other side, including where a concrete barrier separates you.
• Passing a stopped school bus brings a substantial fine and five points.

Bicyclists

• Bicyclists may use all roads except where banned, such as the Interstate, and follow the same rules as drivers.
• Leave at least four feet between your vehicle and a bicyclist when passing. If the road is too narrow, wait.
• Two bicyclists may legally ride side by side. A bicyclist may "take the lane" or ride left when needed for safety.
• Do not honk without good cause; the noise can startle a rider.
• Common driver errors: turning left across an oncoming cyclist, turning right across a cyclist going straight, pulling out without looking, and opening a door into a cyclist's path.

Motorcycles

• Riders often slow by downshifting without showing a brake light, so allow more than 4 seconds of following distance.
• A motorcycle may look farther away and seem faster than it is, and is easily hidden in blind spots.
• Turn signals often do not cancel themselves; make sure a signal is real.
• A motorcycle is entitled to a full lane. Change lanes completely to pass, and never speed up when a motorcycle is passing you.

Large trucks

• Trucks have large No-Zones at the front, back and sides. If you cannot see the truck's mirrors, the driver cannot see you.
• When passing, keep a steady speed and return only when you can see the cab in your inside mirror.
• Never go around a truck that is backing up.
• A truck turning right may swing wide to the left. Do not squeeze between it and the curb.

Slow vehicles and animals

• Slow farm vehicles carry an orange and red triangle. Slow down early, allow more than 4 seconds, and pass only when safe with no oncoming traffic.
• A horse rider or horse-drawn vehicle has the rights of a driver. Slow down or stop, never honk or rev the engine, pass with a full lane and leave at least 4 seconds behind.
• Moose and deer are most likely in late evening, at night and early morning. Deer often travel in pairs. A moose weighs more than a thousand pounds, its eyes may not reflect your headlights, and it is hard to see at dusk.