An overview of Vermont's bicycle laws, reviewed and cited to primary sources. Use the sections below to jump to a specific rule, or the Sources block at the end for the full citation list.
This guide is for general information only and is not legal advice. Laws change — verify current rules with your state DOT or a licensed attorney before relying on this for any legal matter. Read full disclaimer.
Helmet rules
Required under age
Required under age 16
Applies to passengers
Yes
Standard
CPSC
Penalty
23 V.S.A. § 1139 requires every person under 16 to wear an approved bicycle helmet whenever operating or riding as a passenger on a bicycle on any public highway, including in a child trailer. The first offense is dismissed if a helmet is acquired; subsequent offenses carry a fine of up to $15.
Vermont's bicycle code does not address sidewalk riding statewide; regulation is left to municipalities. Burlington's Code of Ordinances allows sidewalk riding outside the Church Street Marketplace and downtown business district; Montpelier permits it citywide subject to yielding to pedestrians.
Vermont's DUI statute (23 V.S.A. § 1201) applies to a person who operates a 'vehicle' on a highway while under the influence. The Vermont Supreme Court held in State v. Goodhue, 2003 VT 85, that the term 'vehicle' in the DUI statute does not encompass bicycles. As a result, the standard DUI statute does not reach bicycle riders. An impaired cyclist may still be cited under public-intoxication or careless-and-negligent-operation statutes.
Lamp on the front emitting a white light visible from a distance of at least 500 feet to the front.
Rear requirement
Rear reflector or light
Rear spec
Red reflector on the rear of a type approved by the commissioner of motor vehicles, visible from 300 feet to the rear when directly in front of lawful upper-beam headlamps. A red rear lamp visible from 300 feet to the rear may be used in addition to the reflector.
23 V.S.A. § 1140 permits persons riding bicycles to ride no more than two abreast except on paths or parts of roadways set aside for the exclusive use of bicycles. Riders shall not impede the normal and reasonable movement of traffic.
Bicycles, pedestrians, and other non-motorized traffic are prohibited on Interstate highways in Vermont under VTrans policy and the limited-access framework in 23 V.S.A. Chapter 23. I-89, I-91 and I-93 are signed closed at on-ramps; cyclists use the parallel US-2, US-4, US-5 and Route 7 corridors.