Vermont Road Signs: 4-Foot Bike Law, 50 mph Max & DMV Permit Test
What is the maximum speed limit on Vermont roads outside the Interstate? Does Vermont require 3 feet or 4 feet when passing a bicycle? Can you take the Vermont DMV permit test online? The Vermont DMV at vtdmv.vermont.gov allows the permit test online. pay fees and get the permit at the office after passing. Vermont requires 4 feet of clearance when passing any vehicle or bicycle. The statewide maximum on non-Interstate roads is 50 mph. Interstate caps at 65 mph. School zone speed applies when children are present, including after-school activities and weekends.
Table of Contents
1. Vermont 50 mph Statewide Cap, 4-Foot Passing Rule and the Online Permit Test You Can Take Before Visiting the DMV
Vermont roads wind through the Green Mountains, along Lake Champlains shoreline, and through the state small-city corridors in Burlington, Rutland, and Barre. The Vermont DMV at vtdmv.vermont.gov allows you to take the permit test online before your office visit. your permit is issued after you pay fees. The maximum speed on all Vermont roads outside the Interstate is 50 mph. The Interstate caps at 65 mph. If you have a disability that limits your ability to take a written test, the DMV can arrange an oral or computer-administered exam.
2. Vermont Sign Shapes: What the DMV Permit Test Covers on Vermont Mountain and Lake Shore Roads
On Vermont Green Mountain pass routes, narrow covered-bridge approaches, and Lake Champlain shoreline highways, shape and color identify a sign before text is readable. The Vermont DMV permit test covers sign shapes, colors, and meanings. know every row in this table before you test online or in person.
| Shape | Diagram | Meaning | Example Sign |
| Octagon (8-sided) |  | STOP. always and only |  |
| Triangle (inverted) |  | Yield to other traffic |  |
| Diamond |  | Warning - hazard ahead |  |
| Rectangle (vertical) |  | Regulatory - rules of the road |  |
| Rectangle (horizontal) |  | Guide or informational |  |
| Pentagon (5-sided) |  | School zone or crossing - exclusively |  |
| Round (circle) |  | Railroad crossing advance warning - exclusively |  |
| Pennant |  | No passing zone - exclusively |  |
| Orange (any shape) |  | Construction and work zone warnings |  |
| Blue (any shape) |  | Motorist services - gas, food, lodging, hospitals |  |
| Brown (any shape) |  | Recreation areas, parks, and scenic routes |  |
Triangle (inverted)
Yield to other traffic
Diamond
Warning, hazard ahead
Rectangle (vertical)
Regulatory. rules of the road
Rectangle (horizontal)
Guide or informational
Pentagon (5-sided)
School zone or crossing. exclusively
Round (circle)
Railroad crossing advance warning. exclusively
Pennant
No passing zone. exclusively
Orange (any shape)
Construction and work zone warnings
Blue (any shape)
Motorist services. gas, food, lodging, hospitals
Brown (any shape)
Recreation areas, parks, and scenic routes
3. Vermont Regulatory Signs: 5-Point School Bus Violation, Substantial Fine and Vermont Unique Speed Cap
Regulatory signs carry legal force under Vermont statutes. Passing a stopped school bus with red lights on = substantial fine and 4 points on your Vermont license. Vermont statewide maximum speed of 50 mph on non-Interstate roads is itself a regulatory rule. White rectangular signs, prohibitory signs, and lane-control signs are tested on the VT permit exam.
STOP Sign
Come to a full stop; yield to all traffic and pedestrians before proceeding
YIELD Sign
Slow down and give right-of-way to cross traffic or pedestrians
Speed Limit Sign
Maximum legal speed under ideal conditions
Do Not Enter Sign
You are going the wrong way; do not proceed
Wrong Way Sign
You have entered a one-way road going against traffic
No U-Turn Sign
U-turns are prohibited at this location
No Left Turn Sign
Left turns are not allowed
No Right Turn Sign
Right turns are not allowed
One Way Sign
Traffic moves in one direction only
Keep Right Sign
Stay to the right of an island or obstruction
No Passing Zone Sign
Passing is forbidden in this stretch. pennant-shaped sign
Do Not Pass Sign
Passing prohibited. do not overtake vehicles ahead
No Turn on Red Sign
No turns permitted on a red light at this intersection
No Left Turn on Red Sign
Left turn on red is prohibited here
No Right Turn on Red Sign
Right turn on red is prohibited here
Turn Left Only Sign
You must turn left from this lane
Turn Right Only Sign
You must turn right from this lane
Straight or Turn Right Sign
You may go straight or turn right from this lane
Minimum Speed Limit Sign
You must drive at least this speed on this road
Slower Traffic Keep Right Sign
Slower vehicles must use the right lane
No Parking Sign
Parking is prohibited in this area
No Trucks Sign
Commercial trucks are prohibited on this road
No Bicycles Sign
Bicycles are not permitted on this road
No Pedestrian Crossing Sign
Pedestrians must not cross here
Reserved Parking Sign
Parking reserved for designated users (e.g., accessible parking)
Four Way Stop Sign
All four directions must stop at this intersection
Stop Except Right Turn Sign
All traffic must stop except those turning right
Left Turn Yield on Green Sign
Left-turning vehicles must yield to oncoming traffic on green
Lane Use Control Sign
Indicates which movements are permitted or prohibited from a specific lane
Restricted Lane Ahead Sign
An upcoming lane has restrictions on who may use it
4. Vermont Warning Signs: Green Mountain Curves, Moose Crossing, Covered Bridge Approaches and Railroad Grades
Diamond-shaped yellow warning signs flag hazards before you reach them. on Vermont roads that means sharp curve warnings on Green Mountain passes, moose crossing signs on rural northern Vermont routes, bridge weight-limit advance warnings on covered-bridge roads, railroad crossing approaches on the Connecticut River Valley rail corridor, and school zone signs. Orange marks work zones where rear-end crashes are the most common hazard.
Left Curve
A curve to the left is ahead; reduce speed
Right Curve
A curve to the right is ahead; reduce speed
Sharp Left Turn
A very sharp left turn is coming; slow down significantly
Sharp Right Turn
A very sharp right turn is coming; slow down significantly
Winding Road
Series of curves ahead
Set of Curves (Left-Right)
Multiple curves ahead, first curving left then right
Set of Curves (Right-Left)
Multiple curves ahead, first curving right then left
Sharp Turns (Left-Right)
Successive sharp turns ahead. left then right
Slippery When Wet
Road surface becomes slick in rain; reduce speed
Deer Crossing
Wildlife frequently cross here. moose, white-tailed deer, and black bear are serious road hazards on Vermont rural northern and mountain routes; moose collisions are often fatal at highway speeds
Pedestrian Crossing
Crosswalk ahead; watch for foot traffic
Bicycle Crossing
Cyclists frequently cross here; slow down and yield to bikes
School Zone / Crossing
Vermont school zones are active "when flashing" or "when children are present", this includes after-school and weekend activities; school bus violation = substantial fine + 4 points
School Crossing Ahead
A school crosswalk is approaching; watch for children and crossing guards
Divided Highway Begins
Road splits into two one-way sections; keep right
Divided Highway Ends
Two-way traffic resumes
Merging Traffic
Another lane of traffic is joining yours
Added Lane
A new lane is being added ahead. merging traffic does not need to yield
Lane Ends Ahead
Your lane ends ahead. merge safely into the adjacent lane
Lane Ends Merge Left
Your lane ends. move to the left lane
Left Lane Ends
The left lane ends ahead. merge right
Road Narrows
The road becomes narrower ahead; stay alert
Narrow Bridge Ahead
Bridge ahead is narrower than the road. proceed carefully
Low Clearance
Bridge or overhead obstruction with limited height clearance
Railroad Crossing (RR)
Tracks ahead; look and listen for trains
Hill / Steep Grade (Downgrade)
Downgrade ahead; trucks should check brakes
Bump
A raised bump or speed hump is ahead; slow down
Dip
A dip in the road is ahead; reduce speed
Loose Gravel
Road surface has loose gravel. reduce speed and increase following distance
Pavement Ends
Paved road ends ahead; expect gravel or dirt surface
Shoulder Drop Off
Road shoulder drops off steeply. avoid driving on the edge
Watch for Ice on Bridges
Bridges freeze before road surfaces. reduce speed in cold weather
Two Way Traffic Ahead
Divided road ends. two-way traffic begins ahead
Cross Road
An intersection with a crossing road is ahead
Cross Traffic
Traffic crosses your path ahead. be prepared to yield
T Intersection
The road ends at a T. you must turn left or right
Side Road
A side road enters the highway ahead at an angle
Highway Intersection Ahead
A highway intersection is approaching; be prepared to yield or stop
Road Entering Curve
A road enters from the side on a curve ahead. watch for merging traffic
Roundabout
A roundabout is ahead. yield to circulating traffic and travel counterclockwise
Truck Rollover
High risk of truck rollover on this curve or ramp. trucks reduce speed significantly
Weave Area
Traffic is entering and exiting simultaneously. expect lane changes and merging
Advisory Speed
Recommended safe speed for a curve or hazard. not legally enforced but strongly advised
Traffic Signal Ahead
A traffic light is ahead. be prepared to stop
5. Vermont Guide Signs: I-89, I-91, US-7 and the Routes Connecting Burlington, Montpelier and the Northeast Kingdom
Guide signs do not regulate driving. they show destinations, distances, and services. Green = highway navigation. Blue = motorist services. Brown = parks and recreation.
Interstate Route Marker
Identifies the interstate number (e.g., I-89, I-91, I-93 northern tip), 65 mph on Vermont interstates
US Route Marker
Marks US highways (e.g., US-7 Lake Champlain Valley, US-2, US-4, US-302)
State Route Marker
Identifies Vermont state routes (e.g., VT-100 Green Mountain Byway, VT-108 Smugglers Notch, VT-9 Molly Stark, VT-12)
Exit Sign (Exit Only)
Shows upcoming freeway exit and distance
Mile Marker
Indicates distance from the state line or route origin
Services Sign
Points to nearby gas, food, lodging, or medical facilities
Hospital Sign (H)
Indicates direction to the nearest hospital
Diesel
Indicates diesel fuel is available at the next service area
Park / Recreation Sign
Directs to state parks, campsites, and scenic areas
6. Vermont Traffic Signals: No Right on Red When Signs Are Lit and School Bus Yellow-Then-Red Sequence
Flashing red = stop sign. Flashing yellow = yield. Vermont has a specific rule for pedestrian crossing signals. do not turn right on red when pedestrian crossing signs are lit. School bus drivers use alternating yellow lights to warn of an upcoming stop, then red lights to require full stops from all directions.
Standard Traffic Lights
Steady Red
Come to a complete stop behind the stop line. Wait until green.
Steady Yellow
Prepare to stop. the light is about to turn red. Do not speed up to beat it.
Steady Green
Proceed if the intersection is clear. You must still yield to pedestrians and cross traffic.
Green Arrow (left)
You may proceed only in the direction of the arrow. Oncoming traffic is stopped.
Yellow Arrow (no left)
The protected turn is ending. Prepare to stop or yield if you have not yet entered the intersection.
Red Arrow (no left)
Do not turn in the direction of the arrow. Wait for a green arrow or green light.
Green. no left arrow
Proceed straight or right. left turn not permitted on this phase.
Opposing Traffic Extended Green
Oncoming traffic has an extended green phase. wait before turning left.
Flashing Signals
Flashing Red
Treat as a STOP sign, come to a complete stop, then proceed when safe.
Flashing Yellow
Treat as a YIELD sign, slow down, look carefully, and proceed with caution.
Flashing Red Beacon
Overhead flashing red beacon. treat as a stop sign. Come to a full stop, then proceed when safe.
Flashing Green Arrow
You may turn in the direction of the arrow after yielding to oncoming traffic and pedestrians.
Pedestrian Signals
WALK / White Walking Figure & DONT WALK / Orange Hand
White walking figure = pedestrians may cross. Orange hand = do not start crossing; if already crossing, finish quickly.
Flashing Orange Hand + Countdown
Crossing phase is ending. Pedestrians who have started may finish; others should not begin.
Key test point: Flashing red = stop sign. Flashing yellow = yield. Do not turn right on red when pedestrian crossing signs are lit. School bus yellow = prepare to stop; school bus red = stop. All tested on the Vermont DMV permit exam.
7. Vermont Pavement Markings: 50-Foot Railroad No-Parking Zone and the 4-Foot Bicycle Passing Buffer
Yellow lines separate opposing traffic. White lines separate same-direction traffic. Vermont permit test covers lane lines, road arrows, curb markings, and pavement symbols. including the no-parking zone within 50 feet of the nearest rail of a railroad crossing, and Vermont 4-foot passing buffer that applies to both vehicles and bicycles.
Line Colors
Yellow lines
Separate traffic moving in opposite directions
White lines
Separate traffic moving in the same direction, or mark the edge of the road
Line Types
Broken yellow line (Single)
Passing allowed when safe on your side
Solid yellow + broken yellow
Passing allowed only on the broken-line side
Double solid yellow lines
No passing in either direction
Broken white line
Lane changes permitted when safe
Solid white line
Do not cross. lane edge, crosswalk, or stop line
Double solid white lines
Do not change lanes. often used near intersections or toll areas
Center Turn Lane
Shared left-turn lane. used to begin or complete a left turn only
Center Turning Lane (sign)
Overhead or posted sign marking a shared center left-turn lane
Pavement Symbols & Special Markings
Arrows in lane
Indicate which direction(s) you may travel from that lane
Stop line (wide white bar)
Stop your vehicle completely behind this line at red lights and stop signs
Stop Here on Red
Painted instruction on pavement. stop at this marked line on red
Crosswalk lines
Mark the pedestrian crossing area. yield to pedestrians within these lines
Broken white line (pavement)
Lane changes permitted when safe
Solid white line (pavement)
Do not cross. lane edge, crosswalk, or stop line
Double solid white lines (pavement)
Do not change lanes. often used near intersections or toll areas
Railroad crossing markings (X + RR)
Advance warning of tracks ahead. painted on pavement before the crossing
Diagonal yellow lines (gore area)
Do not drive in this area. marks a traffic island or diverging zone
Bicycle lane marking
White painted lane reserved for cyclists. do not drive or park in it
HOV / Carpool lane diamond
Lane restricted to vehicles with 2 or more occupants during posted hours
Yellow curb
No parking or stopping at any time
Red curb
No stopping, standing, or parking. fire zone
White curb
Passenger loading/unloading only. brief stops permitted
Key test point: Yellow lines always separate opposing traffic. White lines always separate same-direction traffic. This is a foundational rule that appears on nearly every DMV exam.
8. Vermont Work Zone Signs: Rear-End Crashes Are the Main Hazard: and Flaggers Have Full Legal Authority
Vermont work zones include construction, maintenance, and utility work areas. Most Vermont work zone crashes are rear-end crashes caused by driving too fast. Follow signs, do not change lanes, do not tailgate, and merge as instructed as soon as it is safe. A flagger in a Vermont work zone has full legal authority to control traffic. disobeying a flagger is a violation.
Road Work Ahead
Construction zone begins ahead. reduce speed and be alert
Flagger Ahead
A person is directing traffic. obey their signals immediately
Workers Ahead
Road workers are present. slow down and be prepared to stop
Active Work Zone
You are in an active work zone. fines doubled, drive with extra caution
End of Active Work Zone
Work zone ends. normal speed and rules resume
Work Zone Headlights
Headlights required in this work zone
Lane Closed Ahead
A travel lane ends ahead. merge early and do not pass in the closed lane
Road Closed
Road is completely closed. do not enter, follow detour signs
Orange barrels / cones
Mark lane boundaries and closures in active work zones
Channelizing devices (barricades)
Direct traffic around obstacles or closed areas
- Flaggers in Vermont work zones have legal authority to control traffic, you must obey them.
- Most Vermont work zone crashes are rear-end crashes caused by driving too fast. Slow down, increase following distance, and be prepared to stop at any time.
- Do not change lanes, tailgate, or engage in aggressive driving in Vermont work zones.
- Cones, drums, and barricades guide you safely through. never drive through or around a lane closure barrier.
Key test point: Orange always means construction or work zone. If you see orange, reduce speed and increase following distance immediately.
9. Vermont Railroad Crossings: Stop 15 Feet From the Nearest Rail and Know the Emergency Notification Number
When required to stop at a Vermont railroad crossing, stop at least 15 feet from the nearest rail. No parking within 50 feet of the nearest rail. Vermont crossings have emergency notification signs. if you see a problem at a crossing or something is blocking the tracks, use the emergency number on the sign to allow the rail company to stop or reroute approaching trains.
Advance Warning Sign
Railroad crossing ahead. the first sign you see. Begin slowing down.
RR Crossbuck Sign (X-shaped)
Located at the crossing itself. yield to trains. Treat as a yield sign if no gates or lights.
Railroad Crossing (at crossing)
Marks the exact railroad crossing location
Crossing Gates
Lower when a train is coming. never drive around or under a lowered gate
Pavement markings (X + RR)
Painted on the road surface before the crossing as an advance warning
Flashing Red Lights
A train is approaching, stop and wait. Do not proceed until lights stop and it is fully clear.
Stop Line
Vermont: stop at least 15 feet from the nearest rail; no parking within 50 feet; use the emergency notification sign number to report any crossing problems
- The round yellow advance warning sign is the first sign before a Vermont railroad crossing. slow down, look, and listen.
- Stop at least 15 feet from the nearest rail when required. No parking within 50 feet of the nearest rail.
- Vermont crossings have emergency notification signs. use the number on the sign if you see a problem at the crossing. This allows the rail company to stop or reroute approaching trains.
- Never stop on railroad tracks. Make sure there is room on the far side before beginning to cross.
Key test point: Vermont railroad stop = at least 15 feet from nearest rail. No parking within 50 feet. Use the emergency notification sign number to report crossing problems. Tested on the Vermont DMV permit exam.
10. Vermont School Zone and School Bus Rules: "When Children Are Present" Includes Weekends: and School Yards Too
Vermont school zone speed limits apply "when flashing" or "when children are present", and the manual specifically notes that after-school and weekend activities at schools also count as children being present. The school bus stop rule applies even in school yards. you must not pass a stopped school bus with red lights flashing even on school property. Violation: substantial fine and 4 points.
School Zone
School ahead. be alert for children, reduce speed
School Speed Limit
Vermont school zone speed applies "when flashing" or "when children are present", includes after-school and weekend activities; school bus red light violation = substantial fine + 4 points
Speed Limit Lights Flashing
Speed limit applies only when the flashing lights are active
School Crossing Ahead
Crosswalk used by schoolchildren ahead. yield to crossing guard and students
- Vermont school zone speed limits apply "when flashing" or "when children are present", this includes after-school and weekend activities at the school, not just regular school hours.
- When a school bus activates alternating flashing yellow lights, prepare to stop. When the red warning lights activate, you must stop. from any direction.
- This applies in school yards too. Even on school property, you must not pass a stopped school bus with its red warning lights activated.
- Violation: substantial fine and 4 points on your Vermont drivers license.
- Exception: You do not have to stop on a divided highway if the school bus is traveling in the opposite direction separated by a concrete barrier.
Key test point: The pentagon shape is used exclusively for school signs. No other sign category uses this shape. making it one of the easiest shapes to identify on the exam.
11. Vermont Pedestrian and Bike Signs: 4 Feet of Clearance Required: Not 3, When Passing Any Vehicle or Bicycle
Pedestrians have right-of-way in Vermont crosswalks. and drivers must yield to pedestrians within crosswalks. Vermont law requires leaving at least 4 feet of clearance between your vehicle and any vehicle or bicycle you are passing. not the 3 feet common in most states. Do not honk at cyclists unexpectedly. the startling noise can cause them to lose control. Both sign types use fluorescent yellow-green and are tested on the VT permit exam.
Pedestrian Crossing Sign
A marked crosswalk is ahead. watch for pedestrians crossing
Bicycle Crossing Sign
Cyclists frequently cross here. reduce speed and yield to bikes
No Bicycles
Bicycles are prohibited on this road or path
No Pedestrian Crossing
Pedestrians must not cross here
- Pedestrians always have right-of-way in Vermont crosswalks. Yield to pedestrians within crosswalks. marked or unmarked.
- Vermont requires at least 4 feet of clearance when passing any vehicle or bicycle. maintain this clearance until you can see the entire front of the vehicle or the bicyclist in your inside rearview mirror before returning to the right lane.
- Do not honk at cyclists unless you have a good reason to warn them. a sudden loud noise can startle a rider and cause them to lose control.
- Bicyclists have the same rights and duties as motor vehicle operators in Vermont.
- Fluorescent yellow-green is used for both school and pedestrian/bike signs. the shape distinguishes between them.
Key test point: Pedestrians always have right-of-way at crosswalks. marked or unmarked. This rule appears on virtually every state DMV exam.
12. How to Pass Vermont DMV Permit Test: Online Option, 4-Foot Bike Rule and 3 Vermont-Specific Rules That Trip Everyone Up
- Take the permit test online first. Vermont allows the permit test online before your DMV visit. Practice with the DMVs online practice exam at vtdmv.vermont.gov. it looks very similar to the actual test. After passing online, visit a DMV office to pay fees and get your permit.
- Vermont maximum speed is 50 mph. not 55 or 65. On all non-Interstate Vermont roads, the maximum speed is 50 mph. Interstate: 65 mph. This lower default cap is Vermont-specific and is tested.
- 4 feet of clearance. not 3. Vermont requires 4 feet when passing any vehicle or bicycle. This is one of the highest required passing distances in the country. Stay far enough past the bicycle before returning right that you can see it in your rearview mirror.
- School zones include weekends and after-school activities. The Vermont manual explicitly states that regular school hours are not the only time children are present. after-school and weekend activities also count. The rule applies whenever the sign says "when children are present."
- School bus stop applies in school yards. Even on school property, you cannot pass a stopped school bus with red lights activated. Violation = substantial fine and 4 points.
- No right on red when pedestrian crossing signs are lit. Vermont specifically prohibits right turns on red when pedestrian crossing signal signs are activated.
- Railroad stop = 15 feet minimum. No parking within 50 feet of the nearest rail. Use the emergency notification sign number to report any crossing problems.
- Disability accommodations available. If a written exam is difficult due to disability, contact the DMV before your visit. arrangements can be made for an oral exam or computer-administered test.
- Flashing signals. Flashing red = full stop. Flashing yellow = slow and yield.
- Moose crossing signs are serious in Vermont. Moose are far larger and darker than deer. they are extremely difficult to see at night and a collision is usually fatal at highway speeds. Slow down significantly on northern Vermont rural routes.
Vermont DMV Driver License
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