Transportation (Roads & Highways) in New Hampshire

in committee · New Hampshire · Senate Jan 7, 2026

SB 152: authorizing the sale of toll credits to fund a newly established noise barrier construction fund for the design and construction of noise barrier projects.

SB 152 authorizes the sale of turnpike toll credits to create a dedicated "noise barrier construction fund" for the New Hampshire Department of Transportation (NHDOT) to design and build highway noise barriers meeting specific federal criteria. The fund would receive revenue from selling up to $10 million annually in toll credits, subject to federal match requirements and legislative approvals, with funds restricted solely for noise barrier projects. NHDOT must follow established guidelines for Type II noise barriers and consult affected communities on project eligibility. The bill's fiscal impact is indeterminable, as the Department of Transportation notes no existing market or federal authority for toll credit sales, making implementation uncertain.

Topics ✓ Transportation

Sub-Topics Roads & Highways

in committee · New Hampshire · Senate Jan 7, 2026

SB 155: relative to highway toll credits.

SB 155 allows municipalities, counties, and non-profit organizations to use toll credits as their local funding match for federally funded highway and road projects, including the Nashua-Manchester-Concord project. This eliminates the need for legislative approval for these specific projects, as long as federal rules permit toll credits. For other uses of toll credits, the bill requires prior approval from the joint legislative capital project committee. The fiscal note estimates this change would reduce annual toll credit balances by approximately $20 million, as toll credits would replace local matching funds previously required for projects.

Topics ✓ Transportation

Sub-Topics Roads & Highways

vetoed · New Hampshire · House Aug 21, 2026

HB 2026: relative to the state 10-year transportation improvement plan; relative to toll rate adjustments and periodic toll reviews for the New Hampshire turnpike system to support the 2027-2036 ten-year transportation plan; and relative to reconstruction of the Gregg Mill Road Bridge in the town of New Boston.

HB 2026 formally adopts New Hampshire's "State 10-Year Transportation Improvement Plan 2027-2036," which was submitted by the governor under existing law. The bill directly affects state transportation planning by designating this specific plan as the official framework for the 2027-2036 decade. It requires the state to implement the projects outlined in the plan, encouraging timely action on transportation improvements. The bill does not create new funding or alter project details but legally endorses the governor's submitted plan as the state's roadmap.

Topics ✓ Transportation

Sub-Topics Bridges Roads & Highways

failed · New Hampshire · Senate Jan 7, 2026

SB 149: relative to the crime of aggravated driving while intoxicated.

SB 149 adds "wrong-way driving" as an aggravating factor that elevates a standard driving while intoxicated (DWI) offense to an aggravated DWI. This means drivers convicted of DWI who also drive the wrong way on a road (violating RSA 265:26, I) will face harsher penalties. The bill amends New Hampshire's aggravated DWI statute (RSA 265-A:3) to include this specific violation as a new factor for sentencing. It takes effect January 1, 2026, and directly affects individuals convicted of DWI who engage in wrong-way driving. The change was requested by the Department of Safety to address a specific high-risk behavior.

Topics ✗ Criminal Justice ✓ Transportation

Sub-Topics Sentencing Roads & Highways

passed · New Hampshire · Senate Mar 12, 2026

SB 631: authorizing the sale of toll credits to fund a newly established noise barrier construction fund for the design and construction of noise barrier projects.

SB 631 directs the New Hampshire Department of Transportation to install a 1,845-foot sound barrier along the west side of Interstate 93 southbound, between Pillsbury Road in Londonderry and Exit 4 (Route 102 ramp). The barrier will border the Woodmont Development property and aims to reduce noise for nearby residents. The project has an estimated cost of $8.07 million, funded through existing Highway Fund and potential federal funds (if eligible), with no new state funding provided. This is a physical infrastructure project affecting properties adjacent to the specified I-93 corridor.

Topics ✓ Transportation

Sub-Topics Roads & Highways

in committee · New Hampshire · House Feb 19, 2026

HB 1410: creating a new classification for electric vehicles.

HB 1410 creates a new "out-of-class electric vehicle" (OCEV) classification for small electric vehicles (fewer than 4 wheels) that don't fit existing categories like mopeds or bicycles. It requires sellers to clearly disclose at point of sale and in advertising that these vehicles aren't standard electric bikes and are instead subject to motor vehicle laws. The bill restricts public road operation unless reclassified, mandates safety equipment (headlights, brakes, mirrors), sets age limits (no operators under 16, helmets for under 18), and imposes a $250 penalty for violations. This directly affects sellers of such vehicles, operators, and local authorities responsible for designating permitted areas.

Topics ✓ Transportation

Sub-Topics Electric Vehicles Roads & Highways

signed · New Hampshire · House Jul 10, 2026

HB 1594: establishing a weight-based tiered registration fee schedule for electric and plug-in hybrid vehicles.

HB 1594 changes New Hampshire's registration fees for electric vehicles from a flat rate to a weight-based system. Fully electric cars (BEVs) will pay $25 for vehicles under 2,000 pounds, $100 for 2,000-5,000 pounds, and $150 for heavier models, while plug-in hybrid vehicles (PHEVs) will continue to pay $50 regardless of weight. Neighborhood electric vehicles and low-speed scooters would be exempt from fees. The fees collected would go into the highway fund, and the bill takes effect July 1, 2026.

Topics ✓ Budget & Taxes ✓ Transportation

Sub-Topics Fees & Licensing Electric Vehicles Roads & Highways Vehicle Registration

failed · New Hampshire · House Feb 5, 2026

HB 1785: requiring mileage-based exit numbers on tier 1 highways.

HB 1785 requires all New Hampshire tier 1 highways (excluding I-393) to adopt mileage-based exit numbers that align with federal traffic control standards. This affects drivers traveling on major highways like I-93, I-89, and the Turnpike, as well as the New Hampshire Department of Transportation (NHDOT), which must replace existing exit signage by 2038. The bill mandates using the Federal Highway Administration's manual for exit numbering, based on mileage in NHDOT's system, with implementation beginning as early as fiscal year 2031. Costs will be phased over time, with initial planning starting in 2031 and construction through 2038, funded primarily through federal highway grants.

Topics ✓ Transportation

Sub-Topics Roads & Highways

in committee · New Hampshire · Senate Feb 5, 2026

SB 628: enabling curbside electric-vehicle charging.

SB 628 enables highway authorities (state or local governments) to license curbside electric vehicle (EV) charging stations in public rights-of-way, such as sidewalks or street spaces. It establishes two options for electricity supply: either a dedicated new service or a "host energy reimbursement arrangement" where operators pay adjacent property owners for electricity use via separate metering. The bill sets strict siting rules to ensure pedestrian accessibility, safety, and compliance with disability standards, while clarifying that operators are not considered public utilities. This directly affects highway authorities, property owners hosting chargers, and EV charging operators by creating a legal framework for public EV charging infrastructure.

Topics ✓ Energy ✓ Environment ✓ Transportation

Sub-Topics Electric Vehicles Electric Vehicles Pedestrian Safety Roads & Highways

failed · New Hampshire · House Feb 19, 2026

HB 1682: relative to registration and road access for low-capacity and low-weight battery-operated vehicles.

HB 1682 establishes registration fees for small battery-operated vehicles used on public roads in New Hampshire. It charges $20 annually for municipal on-road use (vehicles under 400 lbs) and $30 for public road use (401-1,000 lbs), with fees paid to the owner's municipality or deposited in the highway fund. The bill exempts motorized electric vehicles used exclusively off-road from registration requirements. It also requires the Department of Safety to report annual fee revenue to transportation committees. This affects owners of small electric scooters, bikes, or similar devices operating on public roads.

Topics ✓ Budget & Taxes ✓ Transportation

Sub-Topics Electric Vehicles Roads & Highways Vehicle Registration

All transportation bills