Traffic Violations in New Hampshire

In New Hampshire, traffic violations refer to offenses committed by drivers while operating a motor vehicle. These offenses can range from minor infractions, such as speeding or illegal parking, to more severe crimes, such as DUI or hit and run. Traffic violations are governed by the New Hampshire Revised Statutes, which outline the penalties for each type of offense. These laws are enforced by the New Hampshire State Police and local police departments, and offenders are prosecuted in the New Hampshire courts.

New Hampshire traffic violations are distinguished by their classification as either infractions, misdemeanors, or felonies. Infractions are the least serious of the three types of offenses, and they are punishable by fines only. Felony traffic offenses are the most serious offenses, and they are punishable by jail time, fines, or both. Traffic violation penalties vary depending on the offense committed and the offender's criminal history. Typically records of traffic offenses are featured in the offender's New Hampshire traffic record, which is accessible to the public.

Types of Traffic Violations in New Hampshire

The New Hampshire Department of Motor Vehicles (DMV) outlines the provisions for road use within state limits and defines the penalties for road offenses per the New Hampshire revised statutes.

According to the NHRS, traffic violations in New Hampshire may be considered in two categories; major and minor. Major offenses are more severe and carry harsher penalties, such as DUI, hit and run, or vehicular homicide. Minor offenses are less severe and typically result in a shorter suspension period, such as speeding or illegal parking. The length of the suspension or revocation also varies depending on the offense committed and the offender's criminal history.

New Hampshire traffic violations are also categorized into moving and non-moving violations. Moving violations occur while the vehicle is in motion, such as speeding or running a red light. Non-moving violations can be committed even when the vehicle is not in motion, such as illegal parking or having an expired registration.

The penalties for traffic violations may include a fine, points added to your driving record, and a license suspension or revocation. The severity of the penalty generally increases with each subsequent offense. For example, a first-time offender convicted of speeding may only receive a warning, while a repeat offender may be fined and have points added to their driving record.

New Hampshire Traffic Violation Code

The New Hampshire Traffic Violation Code is located in Chapter 265 of the New Hampshire Revised Statutes. It provides for the issuance of traffic tickets for violations of traffic laws and also establishes penalties for traffic violations.

The code is divided into two sections: motor vehicle offenses and non-motor vehicle offenses.

Motor vehicle offenses include speeding, reckless driving, and DUI. On the other hand, non-motor vehicle offenses include parking violations and littering.

In addition, the New Hampshire Traffic Violation Code provides for the establishment of a points system. Points are issued for traffic violations and accumulate on a person's driving record. If a person accumulates enough points, their driver's license may be suspended. Furthermore, the code spells out the procedures for paying traffic tickets and how to contest them.

Penalties for traffic violations range from a warning to a fine or jail time. The severity of the penalty depends on the nature of the violation and the offender's prior record.

The code is enforced by the state's police officers and highway patrol. Tickets can be issued by police officers who witness a violation or by highway patrol officers who use radar to detect speeding vehicles.

Ultimately, the New Hampshire Traffic Violation Code aims to promote safety on the state's roads and highways, deter drivers from violating traffic laws, and penalize those who do violate the law.

New Hampshire Felony Traffic Violations

According to NH traffic violation statutes, a felony traffic offense refers to any traffic offense that results in severe injury or death to another person. The penalties for felony traffic offenses are much more severe than those for misdemeanor traffic offenses and can include prison time, hefty fines, and a driver's license suspension.

Some of the most common felony traffic offenses in New Hampshire include:

DUI/DWI: Driving under the influence of alcohol or drugs is a felony offense in New Hampshire if it results in serious injury or death to another person. Penalties can include up to 15 years in prison, large fines, and a driver's license suspension.
Vehicular homicide: This charge is filed when a person kills another person through negligent or reckless driving.
Vehicular assault: This charge is filed when a person seriously injures another person through negligent or reckless driving.

Other felony traffic violations in New Hampshire include hit and run accidents, street racing, and driving on a suspended or revoked license.

The penalties of a felony traffic violation in New Hampshire are determined by the specific offense and the case's circumstances. Per New Hampshire statutes, the penalties for felony traffic offenses include but are not limited to:

Imprisonment: A felony traffic offense can result in a prison sentence of up to 15 years.
Fines: The fine for a felony traffic offense can be up to $4,000 or more, depending on the circumstances of the case.
License suspension: A driver's license can be suspended for up to 5 years for a felony traffic offense.

A conviction for a felony traffic offense will also result in a permanent criminal record. This can make it challenging to find employment, housing, and insurance. Felony traffic offenses can also lead to immigration consequences for non-U.S. citizens.

New Hampshire Traffic Misdemeanors

In New Hampshire, traffic misdemeanors are punishable by a fine of up to $1,000 and/or imprisonment for up to one year. The court will determine the specific penalties for each traffic misdemeanor offense based on the severity of the offense and the offender's criminal history. The most common New Hampshire traffic misdemeanors include:

DUI/DWI
Reckless driving
Speeding
Careless driving
Driving with a suspended or revoked license
Leaving the scene of an accident
Driving without insurance
Driving an unregistered vehicle
Using a handheld electronic device while driving

New Hampshire Traffic Infractions

New Hampshire traffic infractions are minor offenses that do not result in jail time but can result in a fine. The penalties for traffic infractions vary depending on the crime, but most result in a fine of $50-$200.

Common traffic infractions in New Hampshire include speeding, running a red light, and making an illegal turn. The provisions for traffic infractions in New Hampshire are outlined in section 265-A of the New Hampshire Revised Statutes.

New Hampshire Traffic Violation Codes and Fines

In New Hampshire, the fines for traffic violations are determined by the severity of the offense. The most severe offenses, such as reckless driving, can result in fines of up to $1,000. For less serious offenses, such as speeding, the fines are typically between $50 and $200.

The New Hampshire Department of Motor Vehicles maintains a complete list of traffic violation codes and associated fines. Drivers cited for a traffic violation will receive a notice in the mail with the specific code and fine amount. Payment of the fine is due within 30 days.

Further information regarding New Hampshire traffic violation codes or fines may be directed to the Department of Motor Vehicles at (603) 227-4000.

Some of the most common traffic offenses in NH and their associated codes and fines are as follows:

VTL 1201: Driving Without a License - Class B Misdemeanor

Drivers who operate a motor vehicle without a valid license can be charged with a Class B misdemeanor. The minimum fine for this offense is $500, and drivers caught driving without a license may also have their vehicles impounded.

VTL 1202: Driving With a Suspended or Revoked License - Class A Misdemeanor

Drivers who operate a motor vehicle with a suspended or revoked license can be charged with a Class A misdemeanor. The minimum fine for this offense is $1,000.

VTL 1203: Driving Without Insurance - Class A Misdemeanor

Drivers who operate a motor vehicle without insurance can be charged with a Class A misdemeanor. The minimum fine for this offense is $1,000.

VTL 1204: Speeding - Variable

The penalties for speeding depend on the speed limit and the amount by which the driver was speeding. For example, drivers who are caught speeding in a school zone can expect to receive double the fines that they would receive for speeding in a non-school zone. The minimum fine for speeding is $100.

VTL 1205: Reckless driving - Class A Misdemeanor

Drivers who recklessly operate a motor vehicle can be charged with a Class A misdemeanor. The minimum fine for this offense is $1,000, and the maximum fine is $2,000.

VTL 1206: Racing - Class B Misdemeanor

Drivers who engage in a race can be charged with a Class B misdemeanor. The minimum fine for this offense is $500.

VTL 1207: Tailgating - Class C Misdemeanor

Drivers who follow another vehicle too closely can be charged with a Class C misdemeanor. The minimum fine for this offense is $250.

VTL 1208: Failure to yield - Class C Misdemeanor

Drivers who fail to yield the right of way can be charged with a Class C misdemeanor. The minimum fine for this offense is $250.

VTL 1209: Improper passing - Class C Misdemeanor

Drivers who pass another vehicle in an improper manner can be charged with a Class C misdemeanor. The minimum fine for this offense is $250

VTL 1210: Failure to signal - Class C Misdemeanor

Drivers who fail to signal when turning or changing lanes can be charged with a Class C misdemeanor. The minimum fine for this offense is $250.

VTL 1211: Driving in the wrong lane - Class C Misdemeanor

Drivers who operate a vehicle in the wrong lane can be charged with a Class C misdemeanor. The minimum fine for this offense is $250.

VTL 1212: Making an illegal U-turn - Class C Misdemeanor

Drivers who make an illegal U-turn can be charged with a Class C misdemeanor. The minimum fine for this offense is $250, and the maximum fine is $500.

VTL 1213: Running a red light - Class C Misdemeanor

Drivers who run a red light can be charged with a Class C misdemeanor. The minimum fine for this offense is $250, and the maximum fine is $500.

VTL 1214: Running a stop sign - Class C Misdemeanor

Drivers who run a stop sign can be charged with a Class C misdemeanor. The minimum fine for this offense is $250.

VTL 1215: Failure to yield to pedestrians - Class C Misdemeanor

Drivers who fail to yield to pedestrians can be charged with a Class C misdemeanor. The minimum fine for this offense is $250.

VTL 1216: Failure to yield to emergency vehicles - Class C Misdemeanor

Drivers who fail to yield to emergency vehicles can be charged with a Class C misdemeanor. The minimum fine for this offense is $250.

VTL 1217: Improper turn - Class C Misdemeanor

Drivers who make an improper turn can be charged with a Class C misdemeanor. The minimum fine for this offense is $250.

VTL 1218: Cutting off another vehicle - Class C Misdemeanor

Drivers who cut off another vehicle can be charged with a Class C misdemeanor. The minimum fine for this offense is $250.

VTL 1219: Driving on the wrong side of the road - Class C Misdemeanor

Drivers who operate a vehicle on the wrong side of the road can be charged with a Class C misdemeanor. The minimum fine for this offense is $250.

VTL 1220: Failure to dim headlights - Class C Misdemeanor

Drivers who fail to dim their headlights can be charged with a Class C misdemeanor. The minimum fine for this offense is $250.

The New Hampshire Traffic Violations Bureau is responsible for the collection of all fines associated with traffic violations committed in the state. The bureau accepts cash, checks, and money orders as payment for these fines. They also offer a payment plan option for those who cannot pay the total amount at once.

How to Pay a Traffic Violation Ticket in New Hampshire

In New Hampshire, traffic offenders can pay their traffic violation tickets in one of two ways; online or by mail.

Paying Your New Hampshire Traffic Violation Ticket Online
Offenders may pay their traffic violation tickets online through the New Hampshire Judiciary E-Payment System. They will need to provide their ticket number, license plate number, and credit card information to process a request. This service is available 24 hours a day, seven days a week, but costs a $2.50 convenience fee.

Paying Your Traffic Violation Ticket by Mail
Offenders may choose to pay their traffic violation ticket by mail. They will need to send a request to the clerk of courts of the court address listed on their ticket to do so. They must also enclose their ticket number or citation information, along with the payment. It is important to note that offenders must allow 7-10 days for the payment to be processed if paying by mail.

If the payment is being made to the state DMV directly, the check or money order for the specified fine should be made out to "Treasurer, State of New Hampshire" and addressed to:

New Hampshire Division of Motor Vehicles
Attn: Traffic Violations Bureau
P.O. Box 508
Concord, NH 03302-0508

Requestors will also be required to include a self-addressed, stamped envelope so that the court can send a receipt.

For in-person payments, offenders can go to the clerk of courts of the courthouse indicated on the ticket during business hours to make a payment. They will need to bring their ticket and payment (cash, check, or money order) with them.

Traffic Violation Lookup in New Hampshire

Motorists who have received a traffic citation in New Hampshire can look up their violations online, in-person, or through a third-party site. To lookup a violation online, the requesting party may visit the New Hampshire Judiciary website and select "Traffic Violations" from the drop-down menu. Next, enter the driver's license number and date of birth. Finally, click "Search".

The search engine should provide all the violations associated with the information provided. For each violation, requesters can see the date it occurred, the offense committed, and the fine amount. Further questions about traffic violations or how to pay fines can be made to the New Hampshire Traffic Violations Bureau at (800) 852-3411.

Alternatively, requesters may look up a traffic ticket or violation in New Hampshire by contacting the clerk of court in the county where they received the citation. When contacting the clerk of court, the inquirer will be required to provide their full name, date of birth, and driver's license number.

Third-party aggregate sites also offer this service but often charge a nominal fee. These websites typically have a search engine that allows users to input their personal information to look up traffic violations.

How to Plead not Guilty to a Traffic Violation in New Hampshire

Motorists who have been issued a traffic citation in New Hampshire may opt to plead not guilty to the offense. They must appear in person to make the plea or send it via mail to the District Court in the county where they received the citation within 30 days of the violation.

The prosecutor will present evidence to support the charge at the court hearing, and the defendant may present evidence and witnesses on their behalf. If the judge finds enough evidence to convict the defendant, they will enter a guilty finding. The motorist can then either pay the fine or file an appeal.

If the judge does not find not enough evidence to convict, they will enter a not guilty finding and dismiss the case. In some cases, the prosecutor may choose to file an appeal.

Please note that pleading not guilty will result in a trial, which takes more time than simply paying the fine. If the motorist is found guilty, they will also have to pay court costs.

What Happens if You Plead No Contest to a Traffic Violation in New Hampshire

Offending motorists in New Hampshire can choose to plead no contest to their traffic citation. With a no-contest plea, the motorist neither admits nor denies guilt. The effect of pleading no contest is that the motorist agrees to be convicted and pay any resultant fine.

Drivers who choose to plead no contest may do so for various reasons. Some want to avoid the hassle and possible points associated with fighting their traffic ticket in court. Others believe that by pleading no contest, they will prevent increased insurance rates.

Pleading no contest has its consequences, however. A guilty conviction will still appear on the driver's record. In some cases, the New Hampshire Division of Motor Vehicles (DMV) may also suspend or revoke the individual's license following a no-contest plea. The DMV can impose these penalties if it believes the driver poses a danger to public safety.

When deciding whether to plead no contest to a traffic violation, motorists should carefully weigh the pros and cons. Those who have questions or concerns about their specific case should speak to an experienced traffic attorney for guidance.

How Long Do Traffic Violations Stay on Your Record?

When a motorist is convicted of a traffic violation in New Hampshire, the offense will stay on their driving record for a specific amount of time. The length of time that the violation remains on the record will depend on the severity of the offense. For example, a conviction for speeding will stay on a driver's record for three years, while a conviction for DUI will remain on a driver's record for ten years.

Some traffic violations, such as those involving drugs or alcohol, can result in mandatory license suspensions. In these cases, the driver's license will not be reinstated until they complete a drug or alcohol treatment program, as required by the court.

To get a violation off their record sooner, offenders can take a defensive driving course, which will erase the conviction from their record. However, this option is only available to drivers who have not taken a defensive driving course within the past three years.

Can Traffic Violations Be Expunged or Sealed in New Hampshire?

Yes, traffic violations can be expunged or sealed in New Hampshire. The process is relatively straightforward, but there are a few things to keep in mind:

First, only certain types of violations can be expunged or sealed. For example, speeding tickets and other minor offenses are typically eligible, but more serious offenses like DUI or reckless driving are not (especially where serious bodily injury or death was involved).
Second, there is usually a waiting period before the offender can petition for an expungement or sealing. This waiting period is typically one year from the date of the conviction.
Finally, the offender will need to submit a petition to the court where they were convicted. The court will then review the case and decide whether or not to grant the request.

To request a violation to be sealed or expunged in New Hampshire, offenders may submit a petition to the court where they were convicted. The petition should include:

The name, address, and telephone number of the petitioner;
The name, address, and telephone number of the attorney representing the petitioner, if any;
A list of all criminal convictions that the petitioner wishes to have sealed or expunged;
A statement indicating whether the petitioner has ever been convicted of a crime in any other jurisdiction; and
A certification that the information contained in the petition is true and accurate to the best of the petitioner's knowledge.

What Happens if You Miss a Court Date for a Traffic Violation in New Hampshire?

In New Hampshire, if a motorist misses their court date, a warrant may be issued for their arrest. If the warrant is issued and the motorist is arrested, they will likely have to post bail and face additional penalties. Other penalties for missing a court date in New Hampshire include driver's license suspension and paying additional fines.

Offenders who cannot attend their court date can reach out to the court as soon as possible to reschedule. Otherwise, they can provide a valid reason (to the registrar or court clerk) for missing the court date to avoid being held in contempt of the court.