Truck driver gets stuck in Smuggler’s Notch, tells police he followed GPS
A truck driver was issued a hefty fine by Vermont State Police (VSP) after getting his vehicle stuck on a steep and curvy roadway notorious for snagging CMVs on Monday.
Shortly after 11 p.m. on Monday, June 27, VSP troopers responded to Vermont Route 108 in Cambridge for a reported tractor trailer stuck in Smuggler’s Notch.
Troopers located the stuck truck in a sharp curve near the top of Smuggler’s Notch.
When VSP made contact with 37 year old Florida-based truck driver Edzer Cosmeus, he told troopers that “he observed the several warning signs prohibiting tractor trailers from travelling through the notch but continued to follow his GPS.”
VSP said that Cosmeus was cited for violating the commercial vehicle prohibition on Smuggler’s Notch and was issued a fine of $3544 in addition to four points.
Vermont Route 108 was closed for several hours before it was removed from the roadway with the help of a tow truck crew.
While the road is closed each winter, Vermont transportation officials reopened Smugglers Notch for the season on April 13, 2022.
Truck drivers are never allowed on Smuggler’s Notch, but many still find themselves stuck on the notorious stretch of road each year in spite of several signs warning that trucks aren’t allowed.
Vermont State Police issued a statement on the April 13 opening date to remind truckers to steer clear.
It’s only April 13th, but #VT Route 108 through Smugglers Notch is OPEN for the season — weather-permitting, of course. Drive safely, and remember: Tractor-trailers are not allowed and will not fit through the Notch! #btv @AOTVermont pic.twitter.com/TAfAscQGEU
— Vermont State Police (@VTStatePolice) April 13, 2021