New Hampshire Traffic Laws

By Natalie Moritz | Legally reviewed by Melissa Bender, Esq. | Last reviewed October 17, 2023

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Knowing the rules of the road while driving in New Hampshire is key to staying safe and being a conscientious motorist. It can also help you avoid a ticket from a law enforcement officer.

In this article, you can learn more about New Hampshire traffic offenses and motor vehicle laws.

Use the following driving manuals and vehicle codes:

The comprehensive manuals and vehicle codes in the bullets above cover several topics. The links at the end of this article also go in-depth about state-specific traffic laws and public safety rules.

This article and the linked materials will help you learn about:

  • Driver's license suspension, revocation, and reinstatement
  • Laws for using electronic devices and sending/reading text messages while driving
  • Basic traffic laws and common traffic violations like who has the right of way, where to make a U-turn, and what happens if you run a red light
  • Driving Under the Influence (DUI) and Driving While Intoxicated (DWI) laws
  • Speed limit information for varying roads and highways and applicable minimum speed rules
  • Rules for situations like overtaking a school bus or yielding for emergency vehicles
  • Pedestrian control signals and crosswalks
  • Safety requirements for a child passenger

New Hampshire Traffic Law Chart

Find the relevant laws for New Hampshire in the chart below.

Drinking & Driving Violations

 Driving under the influence of drugs or liquor (NH Statutes 265-A:2)Penalties for intoxication or under the influence of drugs offenses (NH Statutes 265-A:18)

Driving Without a License / With a Suspended License

 License Required (NH Statutes 263:1)

Driving Without Insurance / With Insufficient Insurance

 Amount of proof of financial responsibility (NH Statutes 264:20)Methods of giving proof of financial responsibility (NH Statutes 264:21)

Driving Without Registration / With Expired Registration

 Certificates of title and registration of vehicles (NH Statutes Ch. 261)

Illegal U-Turn

 Turning and starting (NH Statutes 265:45)

Leaving the Scene of an Accident / Hit & Run

 Conduct after an accident (NH Statutes 264:25)

Mechanical Violations

 Equipment of Vehicles (NH Statutes Ch. 266)

Reckless Driving

 Reckless driving; minimum penalty (NH Statutes 265:79)

Running a Red Light / Stop Sign

 Obedience to any required traffic control devices (NH Statutes 265:9)

Seat Belt / Child Restraint Violations

 Child passenger restraints required (NH Statutes 265:107-a)

Speeding

 Speed limitations: basic rule and maximum limits (NH Statutes 265:60)

Unlawful Vehicle Modifications

 Equipment of Vehicles (NH Statutes Ch. 266)

Traffic Violation? Get Help Now

If you have been cited for a traffic violation in the state of New Hampshire such as reckless driving or running a stop sign, you should contact a traffic ticket attorney in your area for legal advice.

An experienced attorney can review your citation to ensure the police officer followed the law. This may save you an expensive fine, a ding on your driving record, and points off your driver's license.

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Can I Solve This on My Own or Do I Need an Attorney?

  • Complex traffic tickets usually require a lawyer
  • Experienced lawyers can seek to reduce or eliminate penalties
  • A lawyer can help you keep your license

Get tailored legal advice and ask a lawyer questions. Many traffic ticket attorneys offer free consultations.

If you need an attorney, find one right now.

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