Smugglers' Notch Truck Fines Now Official

Vermont’s $20,000 Smugglers’ Notch Truck Fine Becomes Law

A Vermont bill that dramatically increases penalties for trucks entering the restricted Smugglers’ Notch corridor has officially become law.

Governor Phil Scott signed Senate Bill 326 on June 16, 2026, as part of a broader motor vehicle bill approved by the Vermont Legislature. The new law increases fines for commercial vehicles that ignore truck restrictions on Vermont Route 108 through Smugglers’ Notch.

The measure was previously approved by both the Vermont House and Senate before being sent to the governor’s desk for final approval.

New Smugglers’ Notch Penalties

Under the new law, operators of truck tractors, tractor-trailers, semi-trailers, or trucks with trailers who enter the prohibited section of Smugglers’ Notch face significantly higher penalties.

The law establishes:

• A $10,000 civil penalty for entering the restricted section.
• A $20,000 civil penalty if the vehicle becomes stuck.
• Additional penalties for repeat violations.
• Driver license points for violations.

The penalties are substantially higher than the previous fines, which carried penalties of approximately $1,000 for entering the restricted area and $2,000 for becoming stuck.

Why Vermont Increased the Fine

Smugglers’ Notch is a narrow mountain pass located on Vermont Route 108 between Stowe and Cambridge. The roadway contains sharp turns and tight clearances that make it unsuitable for large commercial vehicles.

Despite years of warning signs, flashing alerts, roadway markings, and physical barriers, trucks continue to become stuck in the Notch. When that happens, traffic can be blocked for hours while crews work to remove the vehicle.

State lawmakers argued that stronger penalties were necessary because previous fines failed to stop drivers from entering the restricted roadway.

Vermont Continues Efforts to Keep Trucks Out of Smugglers’ Notch

The new law also requires Vermont transportation officials to install updated warning signs leading to Smugglers’ Notch to alert truck drivers about the increased penalties.

Trucks are prohibited on the mountain pass because of its narrow lanes and sharp turns. Despite warning signs and a chicane system designed to discourage commercial vehicles from entering the route, trucks continue to become stuck there each year.

Lawmakers also considered imposing penalties on GPS providers that fail to warn drivers about truck restrictions in the area, but that proposal was not included in the final legislation.

When the Law Takes Effect

The legislation signed by Governor Scott contains an effective date of July 1, 2026, meaning the increased Smugglers’ Notch penalties are expected to take effect at the beginning of next month.

Commercial drivers traveling through Vermont are advised to follow posted truck restrictions and use approved alternate routes rather than attempting to navigate the Smugglers’ Notch corridor.

The law represents Vermont’s latest effort to prevent costly traffic disruptions and vehicle recoveries caused by trucks becoming trapped on one of the state’s most well-known mountain roads.