BE A SAFE DRIVER, BE A FOCUSED DRIVER
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.
- If your vehicle is not equipped with Bluetooth functionality, auto service centers can install after-market systems or over the ear devices can be purchased at retailers such as Staples, Best Buy or your cell phone carrier.
Penalties for Violations
- 1st Offense
- 2nd Offense
- 3rd Offense within 2 years
- $100 fine
- $250 fine
- $500 fine
Penalty assessments will be added to the fines
Why is the NH Law Important?
- During the past 4 years, 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