$10,000 fines for attempting Vermont's infamous Smuggler's Notch

Vermont's Smugglers' Notch, also known as Vermont Route 108, a seasonal road winding between Cambridge and Stowe, will now cost unauthorized vehicles up to $40,000 if they attempt to cross it. 

Smuggler's Notch, in a popular skiing and outdoor recreation area, has attracted GPS-dependent truck drivers like a moth to the flame. 

Vermont has long fined trucks for blowing past a handful of signs in multiple languages warning about the treacherous pass, and as of Tuesday the fine increased tenfold. 

Vermont state law will now read thusly: 

The employer of an operator who is operating a vehicle in the scope of employment and violates this subsection or the operator of a vehicle who is operating a vehicle for personal purposes and violates this subsection shall be subject to a civil penalty of $10,000.00 or, if the violation results in substantially impeding the flow of traffic on Vermont Route 108, a civil penalty of $20,000.00. For a second or subsequent conviction within a three-year period, the applicable penalty shall be doubled.

The fines might seem steep, up to $40,000 for a single instance if the stuck truck blocks traffic (not the first time it's happened), but Vermont has really tried everything. 

After the 2023 winter season, Vermont installed a "chicane course" at both entrances to the pass. The course mimics the tight turns you'll experience further up the mountain, and a sign warns Chicane ahead, if you don't fit, use truck turnaround. 

In Fall 2025 I took the scenic drive up there, and found it pretty demanding even in a four-wheeler. 

Two shots of the purposefully difficult winding pass meant to deter trucks. If you somehow make your combination through here, congrats. You've likely just lightened your wallet $10,000.Alex Lockie

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In the past, Smugglers' Notch has caught up quite a few drivers who don't speak English, or who maybe just trusted Google Maps more than their own eyes. 

Now, with English language proficiency an out-of-service violation and $10,000 on the line, we'll see if the trucks stop coming. 

[Related: Motor Carriers Road Atlas released: Updated maps, routes]