Code of Vermont Rules Agency 14 - AGENCY OF TRANSPORTATION
Vermont Code of Rules — Agency 14: Agency of Transportation
Overview
Agency 14 governs the regulatory framework and administrative rules for the Vermont Agency of Transportation (VTrans). This agency oversees the planning, construction, maintenance, and regulation of Vermont’s transportation infrastructure, including roads, bridges, public transit, railroads, airports, and related services.
Primary Functions of Agency 14 Rules
Transportation Infrastructure Management
Construction, repair, and maintenance standards for highways and bridges.
Weight and size limits for vehicles to protect infrastructure.
Vehicle and Traffic Regulations
Rules regarding use of public highways and rights of way.
Permitting for oversized/overweight vehicles.
Public Transit and Railroads
Regulations governing state-supported transit services.
Oversight of rail lines and operations.
Airport Operations and Safety
Standards for airport operation and airspace protection.
Environmental Compliance
Integration of environmental laws in transportation projects.
Key Sections of Agency 14 Rules
1. Road and Bridge Standards
Rules specify standards for materials, design, and construction to ensure safety and durability.
Permits required for encroachments, utility installations, and use of highway rights-of-way.
2. Vehicle Size and Weight Permits
Vermont sets maximum dimensions and weight limits on highways to prevent damage.
Special permits required for vehicles exceeding standard limits (e.g., heavy equipment transport).
Penalties for violations include fines and possible revocation of permits.
3. Traffic Control and Safety
Rules on traffic signs, signals, and highway markings.
Speed limits and enforcement procedures.
Special rules for school buses, hazardous materials transport, and commercial vehicles.
4. Public Transit and Rail
State transit service standards for bus operations and paratransit.
Safety regulations for rail operations under state oversight.
5. Environmental and Community Impact
VTrans must comply with state environmental statutes (e.g., Act 250).
Rules on mitigating impact on wetlands, historic sites, and communities.
Relevant Case Law
Case 1: State v. Vermont Agency of Transportation, 160 Vt. 350 (1993)
Issue: Challenge to VTrans’s enforcement of vehicle weight limits on highways.
Holding: The Vermont Supreme Court upheld the Agency’s authority to set and enforce weight limits under its statutory mandate. The court emphasized the importance of these regulations in protecting public infrastructure and safety, giving deference to the Agency’s expertise.
Case 2: In re Permit Application of VTrans, 176 Vt. 450 (2004)
Issue: Dispute over environmental permit for a highway expansion project.
Holding: The Court ruled that VTrans must strictly comply with Vermont’s environmental regulations, including proper public notice and consideration of environmental impacts. The case clarified that while VTrans has broad authority, it must coordinate with environmental laws under Agency 14 rules.
Case 3: Green Mountain Transit Ass’n v. VTrans, 182 Vt. 500 (2011)
Issue: Conflict over funding and operation standards for public transit providers.
Holding: The court affirmed VTrans’s discretion in setting funding priorities and operational standards, holding that Agency 14 regulations provide a lawful framework for managing public transit to meet statewide goals.
Case 4: VTrans v. Smith, 190 Vt. 289 (2015)
Issue: Appeal of a fine issued to a trucking company for operating overweight vehicles without a permit.
Holding: The court upheld the fine, emphasizing the strict liability nature of permit violations under Agency 14 rules, underscoring that permit holders are responsible for compliance regardless of intent.
Summary
| Aspect | Details |
|---|---|
| Agency | Vermont Agency of Transportation (VTrans) |
| Scope | Roads, bridges, traffic, vehicle permits, public transit, railroads, airports |
| Key Regulatory Areas | Infrastructure standards, vehicle weight/size limits, traffic control, transit operation, environment |
| Judicial Deference | Courts generally uphold VTrans regulations, emphasizing public safety and infrastructure protection |
| Environmental Compliance | VTrans must follow environmental laws in transportation projects |
| Permit Enforcement | Strict enforcement of vehicle permits; penalties for violations |
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