HD 2442 Massachusetts House · 194th Legislature (2025-2026)

An Act relative to primary enforcement of seatbelt violations

HD 2442 would change New Hampshire law to allow police to stop drivers solely for not wearing a seatbelt, without needing another reason for the stop. Currently, seatbelt violations are enforced only as a "secondary offense," meaning officers could only issue tickets if they had already stopped the driver for a different violation. This bill removes the restriction that limited enforcement to such situations, making seatbelt compliance a "primary enforcement" offense. The policy change directly affects drivers who may be stopped for seatbelt violations alone and gives law enforcement that authority statewide. If passed, it would shift how seatbelt laws are enforced in New Hampshire.
Bill status Introduction 0 of 4 stages cleared
Introduction
Committee Review
Floor Vote
Governor