The following information is updated periodically. However, laws and regulations can change between updates. State statutes and local ordinances are the ultimate authorities for these issues.
Points of Interest
Speed Limits
Rural Interstates: Cars 65, Trucks 65
Urban Interstates: Cars 65, Trucks 65
Other Limited Access Roads: Cars 55, Trucks 55
(http://www.ghsa.org/html/stateinfo/laws/speedlimit_laws.html)
These speed limits apply unless a different limit is posted.
Absolute (Exceeding the speed limit is illegal per se--regardless of whether it was safe under the specific conditions): State and interstate highway speed limits
Presumed (Driving faster than the speed limit is only evidence of unreasonable speed--you can still argue that your speed was safe under the specific conditions): All other speed limits
Speed Limits Enforcement Techniques
Enforced through use of:
Pacing: Yes
Radar: Yes
Vascar: No
Automated Speed Enforcement: No
Aircraft: Yes
Laser: Yes
Ticket Payment Methods
Consult your ticket or clerk of courts
Trial By Declaration Allowed
No
Jury Trial Allowed
Speeding: No
Parking: No
Equipment: No
DWI: Yes*
* On appeal
Member of Nonresident Compact
Yes
Member of Driver License Compact
Yes
When and Where to File Accident Reports
Accidents involving death, personal injury, or property damage exceeding $1,000 must be reported immediately to the local authorities and (if the accident is not investigated by the authorities) within 15 days in writing to the Director, Division of Motor Vehicles, Financial Responsibility, Hazen Drive, Concord, NH 03305.
Resident Insurance Requirements
Liability insurance is required (although some states allow posting a cash bond or such as an alternative)
Minimum Coverage Required:
Injury to one person: $25,000
All injuries: $50,000
Property Damage: $25,000
Phone Restrictions
Novice Drivers: No special restrictions*
School Bus Drivers: No special restrictions*
All Drivers: Text-messaging prohibited, using primary enforcement*
* Dealt with as a "distracted driving" issue; New Hampshire enacted a comprehensive distracted driving law.
(http://www.ghsa.org/html/stateinfo/laws/cellphone_laws.html)
Other Regulations
General Information
http://www.nh.gov/safety/divisions/index.html (Department Of Public Safety)
Emergency Cellular Phone Number: *64 or 911
Go Back To NMA State Chapter Home Page
These pages are created and managed by the volunteer efforts of NMA Activists, State Chapter Coordinators and members.
If your state doesn't currently have anyone serving in these roles, perhaps you'd like to consider it.
Across the United States, even the most careful, safe drivers on the road would probably admit to being nervous when they spot a police officer enforcing traffic laws. Instead of inspiring feelings of safety, our traffic laws are used to create fear. Can this ever change?
This page was last updated: August 2010