Bicycle Accident Claims in Vermont
Bicycle rules in Vermont (passing distance, helmets, riding rules), how fault is shared after a bike crash, and the deadline to sue.
Short answer: A person riding a bicycle has the rights and duties of a vehicle operator, except where provisions on vulnerable users or bicyclists say otherwise or cannot apply. 23 V.S.A. §§ 1136(c), 1033(b), 1139
| Bicycle laws | A person riding a bicycle has the rights and duties of a vehicle operator, except where provisions on vulnerable users or bicyclists say otherwise or cannot apply. A driver approaching or passing a bicyclist or other vulnerable user must use due care, including slowing down and leaving at least four feet of clearance (civil penalty of at least $200). Bicyclists generally ride as near the right side as is safe, with listed exceptions, and no more than two abreast. Vermont's bicycle subchapter contains no helmet requirement. Reviewed 23 V.S.A. chapter 13, subchapter 12 (operation of bicycles) on 2026-10-28; no helmet provision found. |
|---|---|
| Fault rule (comparative negligence) | Modified comparative negligence (51% bar). An injured person's negligence does not bar recovery if it was not greater than the total negligence of the defendants; damages are reduced in proportion to the injured person's negligence. Each defendant pays its proportionate share. Comparative negligence may not be used as a defense to limit recovery for negligence claims relating to a sexual act or sexual conduct. Source: 12 V.S.A. § 1036 |
| Minimum car insurance | Owners and operators must have an auto liability policy or bond of at least $25,000 for one person and $50,000 for two or more persons killed or injured, and $10,000 for property damage in any one crash (or $115,000 in approved self-insurance). Source: 23 V.S.A. § 800(a) |
| Deadline to sue for an injury | Three years after the cause of action accrues for injuries to the person caused by another's act or default. The claim is treated as accruing on the date the injury is discovered. Assault and battery, false imprisonment, and slander and libel also have a three-year deadline. Source: 12 V.S.A. § 512(1)–(4) |
More Vermont personal injury & wrongful death
- Deadlines to File an Injury Lawsuit in Vermont
- Wrongful Death Lawsuits in Vermont
- Medical Malpractice Rules in Vermont
- Car Accident Claims in Vermont
- Dog Bite Liability in Vermont
- Motorcycle Accident Claims in Vermont
- Pedestrian Accident Claims in Vermont
- Uber and Lyft Accident Claims in Vermont
- Truck Accident Claims in Vermont
- Construction Site Injuries in Vermont
- All Vermont personal injury & wrongful death rules
FAQ
What are the bicycle laws in Vermont?
A person riding a bicycle has the rights and duties of a vehicle operator, except where provisions on vulnerable users or bicyclists say otherwise or cannot apply. A driver approaching or passing a bicyclist or other vulnerable user must use due care, including slowing down and leaving at least four feet of clearance (civil penalty of at least $200). Bicyclists generally ride as near the right side as is safe, with listed exceptions, and no more than two abreast. Vermont's bicycle subchapter contains no helmet requirement.
Can you recover damages if you were partly at fault in Vermont?
Modified comparative negligence (51% bar). An injured person's negligence does not bar recovery if it was not greater than the total negligence of the defendants; damages are reduced in proportion to the injured person's negligence. Each defendant pays its proportionate share. Comparative negligence may not be used as a defense to limit recovery for negligence claims relating to a sexual act or sexual conduct.
What is the minimum car insurance required in Vermont?
Owners and operators must have an auto liability policy or bond of at least $25,000 for one person and $50,000 for two or more persons killed or injured, and $10,000 for property damage in any one crash (or $115,000 in approved self-insurance).
What is the statute of limitations for personal injury in Vermont?
Three years after the cause of action accrues for injuries to the person caused by another's act or default. The claim is treated as accruing on the date the injury is discovered. Assault and battery, false imprisonment, and slander and libel also have a three-year deadline.
General legal information, not legal advice. Laws change and local rules can differ; check the linked official source or talk to a lawyer about your situation.