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Searching 2023-2024 Session

The Vermont Statutes Online

The Vermont Statutes Online have been updated to include the actions of the 2023 session of the General Assembly.

NOTE: The Vermont Statutes Online is an unofficial copy of the Vermont Statutes Annotated that is provided as a convenience.

Title 23 : Motor Vehicles

Chapter 013 : Operation of Vehicles

Subchapter 008 : Speed Restrictions

(Cite as: 23 V.S.A. § 1081)
  • § 1081. Basic rule and maximum limits

    (a) No individual shall drive a vehicle on a highway at a speed greater than is reasonable and prudent under the conditions, having regard for the actual and potential hazards then existing. In every event, speed shall be controlled as necessary to avoid colliding with any individual, vehicle, or other object on or adjacent to the highway.

    (b) Except when there exists a special hazard that requires lower speed in accordance with subsection (a) of this section, the limits specified in this section or established pursuant to this section are maximum lawful speeds, and no individual shall drive a vehicle on a highway at a speed in excess of 50 miles per hour.

    (c) The maximum speed limits set forth in this section may be altered in accordance with sections 1003, 1004, 1007, and 1010 of this title.

    (d) The driver of every vehicle shall, consistent with the requirements of subsection (a) of this section, drive at an appropriate, reduced speed when approaching and crossing an intersection or railway grade crossing, when approaching and going around a curve, when approaching the crest of a hill, when traveling upon any narrow or winding roadway, and when special hazard exists. (Added 1971, No. 258 (Adj. Sess.), § 3, eff. March 1, 1973; amended 2019, No. 131 (Adj. Sess.), § 178.)