A new law aims to punish truck drivers who get stuck in Vermont’s infamous Smuggler’s Notch.
What’s the punishment? A hefty fine.
Smuggler’s Notch is a narrow passage through the Green Mountains in Stowe, Vermont. Transportation officials reported that many trucks get stuck in this pass each year, causing traffic to shut for hours at a time.
According to an article on VTDigger, many of the truckers who get stuck in the Notch don’t lack proper driving skills, but rather, common sense.
Ernie Patnoe, the Vermont Agency of Transportation maintenance manager for the region reported that on each side of the Notch there are four signs that notify truckers, “You can’t make it.”
There is also a six feet high, ten feet long message board that flashes the message with LEDs.
Despite the sings that warn truckers to stay away, many choose to ignore them because they rely too heavily on their GPS.
Until now, police have only issued fines of $162. With the new law in place, law enforcement can fine truck drivers $1,000 just for using the road, and up to $2,000 if their truck blocks traffic.
Lawmakers believe that the fine will cause truck drivers to make better choices, reducing the number of stuck trucks.
The law will go into effect July 1 unless Vermont Governor Peter Shumlin chooses to veto it.
