NH is Hands Free
What does this mean?
- No use of hand held electronic devices capable of providing voice or data
communication while driving or temporarily halted in traffic for a stop sign or
traffic signal or other momentary delays - This includes cell phones, GPS, tablets, iPods, iPads or other devices that require
data entry - Emergency calls to 911 or other public safety agencies will be allowed
- Bluetooth or other hands-free electronic devices will be allowed
- One hand non-cellular 2-way radio use will be allowed
- Teen drivers under the age of 18 will not be allowed to use any electronic devices
(hand held or not) except to report an emergency. Anyone violating this will be
subject to penalties and license suspension or revocation.
Why is the NH Law Important?
- During the past several years, over 116 fatal crashes in New Hampshire were caused by
distraction - The increasing use of electronic devices is fast becoming the primary distraction
- While texting, a driver is 23 times more likely to crash
- Sending or receiving a text distracts the driver for almost 5 seconds
- At 50 miles per hour, we travel longer than the length of a football field during
that 5 seconds - Even dialing a phone number increases the risk of crashing by 3 times.
Penalties for Violations
1st Offense…………………………… $100 fine
2nd Offense…………………………. $250 fine
3rd Offense within 2 years………. $500 fine
Penalty assessments will be added to the fines
