TITLE XXI
MOTOR VEHICLES

Chapter 265-A
ALCOHOL OR DRUG IMPAIRMENT

Section 265-A:1

    265-A:1 Definitions. –
In this chapter:
I. "Authorized agent" means any agent or inspector certified by the commissioner, after training, to police the public waters of the state.
II. "Boat" means and includes every type of watercraft used or capable of being used as a means of transportation on the water.
III. "OHRV" means an off highway recreational vehicle as defined in RSA 259:69 or a snowmobile as defined in RSA 259:102.
IV. "Peace officer" means "peace officer" as defined in RSA 594:1 or any properly trained personnel of the United States Coast Guard.
V. "Operate," when used in relation to a boat, means to drive, paddle, row, or exercise control over any boat unless the boat is at anchor, docked, made fast, or moored.
VI. "Drive," or "attempt to drive," or "actual physical control" shall not include sleeping, resting, or sheltering in place in a vehicle parked in any place where parking is permitted, provided that the person is not seated at the controls of the vehicle.

Source. 2006, 260:1. 2008, 316:1, eff. July 2, 2008. 2020, 20:1, eff. Sept. 15, 2020.

Section 265-A:1-a

    265-A:1-a Incorporation of Former, Repealed Statutes. –
I. Any reference to a prior violation of, or conviction under, RSA 265-A:2 or RSA 265-A:3 shall be read to include violations of, and convictions under, the former, repealed versions of those statutes.
II. Any reference to a prior administrative license suspension under RSA 265-A:30 shall be read to include proceedings under the former, repealed version of that statute.
III. Any reference to a prior refusal of consent under RSA 265-A:14 shall be read to include a refusal under the former, repealed version of that statute.
IV. In any statute, any reference to a revocation, suspension, or conviction pursuant to a section of RSA 265-A shall be read to include a revocation, suspension, or conviction pursuant to the former, repealed version of the statute.

Source. 2008, 62:3, eff. July 20, 2008.

Driving or Operating Under the Influence of Drugs or Liquor

Section 265-A:2

    265-A:2 Driving or Operating Under Influence of Drugs or Liquor; Driving or Operating With Excess Alcohol Concentration. –
I. No person shall drive or attempt to drive a vehicle upon any way or operate or attempt to operate an OHRV:
(a) While such person is under the influence of intoxicating liquor or any controlled drug, prescription drug, over-the-counter drug, or any other chemical substance, natural or synthetic, which impairs a person's ability to drive or any combination of intoxicating liquor and controlled drugs, prescription drugs, over-the-counter drugs, or any other chemical substances, natural or synthetic, which impair a person's ability to drive; or
(b) While such person has an alcohol concentration of 0.08 or more or in the case of a person under the age of 21, 0.02 or more.
II. No person shall operate or attempt to operate a boat while under the influence of intoxicating liquor or a controlled drug, prescription drug, over-the-counter drug, or any other chemical substance, natural or synthetic, which impairs a person's ability to drive or any combination of intoxicating liquor and a controlled drug or drugs, prescription drug or drugs, over-the-counter drug or drugs, or any other chemical substance or substances, natural or synthetic, which impair a person's ability to drive or while such person has an alcohol concentration of 0.08 or more or in the case of persons under the age of 21, 0.02 or more.

Source. 2006, 260:1. 2012, 267:2, eff. Jan. 1, 2013.

Section 265-A:3

    265-A:3 Aggravated Driving While Intoxicated. –
A person shall be guilty of aggravated driving while intoxicated if the person drives, operates, or attempts to operate an OHRV, or if the person drives or attempts to drive a vehicle upon any way, or if the person operates or attempts to operate a boat:
I. While under the influence of intoxicating liquor or any controlled drug, prescription drug, over-the-counter drug, or any other chemical substance, natural or synthetic, which impairs a person's ability to drive or any combination of intoxicating liquor and controlled drug or drugs, prescription drug or drugs, over-the-counter drug or drugs, or any other chemical substance or substances, natural or synthetic, which impair a person's ability to drive and, at the time alleged:
(a) Drives or operates at a speed more than 30 miles per hour in excess of the prima facie limit;
(b) Causes a motor vehicle, boating, or OHRV collision resulting in serious bodily injury, as defined in RSA 625:11, VI, to the person or another;
(c) Attempts to elude pursuit by a law enforcement officer by increasing speed, extinguishing headlamps or, in the case of a boat, navigational lamps while still in motion, or abandoning a vehicle, boat, or OHRV while being pursued;
(d) Carries as a passenger a person under the age of 16; or
(e) Drives a vehicle with a gross combination weight rating of 10,001 pounds or more;
II. While having an alcohol concentration of 0.08 or more or, in the case of a person under the age of 21 at the time of the offense, 0.02 or more and, at the time alleged:
(a) Drives or operates at a speed more than 30 miles per hour in excess of the prima facie limit;
(b) Causes a motor vehicle, boating, or OHRV collision resulting in serious bodily injury, as defined in RSA 625:11, VI, to the person or another;
(c) Attempts to elude pursuit by a law enforcement officer by increasing speed, extinguishing headlamps or, in the case of a boat, navigational lights while still in motion, or abandoning a vehicle, boat, or OHRV while being pursued;
(d) Carries as a passenger a person under the age of 16; or
(e) Drives a vehicle with a gross combination weight rating of 10,001 pounds or more; or
III. While having an alcohol concentration of 0.16 or more.

Source. 2006, 260:1. 2012, 267:3, eff. Jan. 1, 2013. 2020, 33:8, 9, eff. Jan. 1, 2021.

Section 265-A:3-a

    265-A:3-a Arraignment. – To the extent practicable, a law enforcement officer charging a person with violating RSA 265-A:2 or RSA 265-A:3 shall schedule an arraignment on such charge to take place no later than 14 business days after the date of the violation.

Source. 2012, 228:3, eff. Jan. 1, 2013.

Section 265-A:4

    265-A:4 Implied Consent of Driver or Operator to Submit to Testing to Determine Alcohol Concentration. – Any person who drives, operates, or attempts to operate an OHRV, drives or attempts to drive a vehicle upon the ways of this state, or operates or attempts to operate a boat upon the public waters of the state shall be deemed to have given consent to physical tests and examinations for the purpose of determining whether such person is under the influence of intoxicating liquor or controlled drugs, prescription drugs, over-the-counter drugs, or any other chemical substances, natural or synthetic, which impair a person's ability to drive and to a chemical, infrared molecular absorption, or liquid or gas chromatograph test or tests of any or all of any combination of the following: blood, urine, or breath, for the purpose of determining the controlled drug, prescription drug, over-the-counter drug, or any other chemical substance, natural or synthetic, which impairs a person's ability to drive content of such person's blood or alcohol concentration if arrested for any offense arising out of acts alleged to have been committed while the person was driving, operating, attempting to operate, or in actual physical control of an OHRV, driving, attempting to drive, or in actual physical control of a vehicle, or operating, attempting to operate, or in actual physical control of a boat while under the influence of intoxicating liquor or controlled drugs, prescription drugs, over-the-counter drugs, or any other chemical substances, natural or synthetic, which impair a person's ability to drive or while having an alcohol concentration in excess of the statutory limits contained in RSA 265-A:2 or RSA 265-A:3. The test or tests shall be administered at the direction of a law enforcement officer, peace officer, or authorized agent having reasonable grounds to believe the person to have been driving, operating, attempting to operate, or in actual physical control of an OHRV, driving or in actual physical control of a vehicle, or operating or in actual physical control of a boat while under the influence of intoxicating liquor or controlled drugs, prescription drugs, over-the-counter drugs, or any other chemical substances, natural or synthetic, which impair a person's ability to drive or while having an alcohol concentration of 0.08 or more, or in the case of a person under the age of 21, 0.02 or more. A copy of the report of any such test shall be furnished by the law enforcement agency to the person tested within 48 hours of receipt of the report by the agency by certified mail directed to the address shown on such person's license or other identification furnished by the person. Results of a test of the breath shall be furnished immediately in writing to the person tested by the certified breath testing operator conducting the test. When the incident involves an accident resulting in death or serious bodily injury to any person as provided in RSA 265-A:16, the prerequisites of RSA 265-A:8 shall not apply. Properly trained personnel of the United States Coast Guard may arrest and conduct tests on persons who are believed to be under the influence of intoxicating liquor or controlled drugs, prescription drugs, over-the-counter drugs, or any other chemical substances, natural or synthetic, which impair a person's ability to drive or a combination thereof, and who are in physical control of a boat operating upon the public coastal waters of this state.

Source. 2006, 260:1. 2012, 267:4, eff. Jan. 1, 2013. 2017, 78:2, eff. July 1, 2017.

Section 265-A:5

    265-A:5 Administration of Alcohol Concentration Tests. –
I. Only a duly licensed physician, registered nurse, certified physician's assistant, phlebotomist, or qualified medical technician or medical technologist acting at the request of a law enforcement officer, authorized agent, peace officer, or individual seeking a test of his or her own blood may withdraw blood for the purpose of a test required by RSA 265-A:4. Such licensed physician, registered nurse, certified physician's assistant, phlebotomist, or qualified medical technician or medical technologist shall not be liable for damages or otherwise to the person from whom blood is withdrawn for any act performed in connection with such withdrawal provided the physician, registered nurse, physician's assistant, phlebotomist, or qualified medical technician or medical technologist acts with ordinary care.
II. All such blood and urine tests made under the direction of a law enforcement officer, authorized agent, or peace officer shall be conducted in the forensic science laboratory of the department of safety established in RSA 106-B:2-a or, in the case of blood and urine samples to be tested for the presence of controlled drugs, prescription drugs, over-the-counter drugs, or any other chemical substances, natural or synthetic, which impair a person's ability to drive in any other laboratory capable of conducting such tests which is licensed under the laws of this or any other state and which has also been licensed by the U.S. Department of Health and Human Services under the Clinical Laboratory Improvement Act of 1988 , as amended.
III. The successful completion of the external standard reference check shall be admissible evidence that the instrument was properly calibrated at the time of the test. The external standard reference check shall be performed according to the schedule required in rules adopted by the commissioner of the department of safety pursuant to RSA 541-A.
IV. No tests of blood, urine, or breath authorized by RSA 265-A:4 shall be considered as evidence in any proceeding before any administrative officer or court unless such test is performed in accordance with methods prescribed by the commissioner of the department of safety. The commissioner of the department of safety shall have exclusive authority for equipment testing, law enforcement training, and administration of grant programs relating to alcohol concentration tests.
V. The commissioner of the department of safety shall adopt rules pursuant to RSA 541-A relative to:
(a) Methods and procedures for the testing of blood, urine, and breath to determine alcohol concentration and controlled drug, prescription drug, over-the-counter drug, or any other chemical substance, natural or synthetic, which impairs a person's ability to drive content of a person's blood;
(b) Techniques or methods for ascertaining the qualifications and competence of individuals to conduct such tests;
(c) Methods and procedures for the delivery and processing of samples of such tests;
(d) Forms relative to taking samples for alcohol concentration tests for admission as evidence pursuant to RSA 265-A:12, IV;
(e) A requirement that any laboratory that conducts tests pursuant to RSA 265-A:7 be accredited by any nationally recognized accrediting body; and
(f) Such other matters as are required to carry out the provisions of this chapter relative to alcohol concentration tests.

Source. 2006, 260:1. 2007, 276:1. 2012, 267:5, 6. 2013, 63:1, eff. June 6, 2013. 2016, 244:4, eff. Jan. 1, 2017. 2017, 156:240, eff. July 1, 2017.

Section 265-A:6

    265-A:6 Administration of Physical Tests Added. – No post-arrest physical test or examination authorized by RSA 265-A:4 shall be considered as evidence in any proceeding before any administrative officer or court unless such test or examination is performed by a law enforcement officer who has been trained in the administration of such physical tests and examinations by a law enforcement agency or in a training program approved by the police standards and training council.

Source. 2006, 260:1, eff. Jan. 1, 2007.

Section 265-A:7

    265-A:7 Additional Tests. –
I. Any person to whom RSA 265-A:4 is applicable shall have the right at his or her own expense to have additional tests made by a person of his or her own choosing who is competent to conduct the tests, as determined by the commissioner of the department of safety under RSA 265-A:5, and shall be so informed by the law enforcement officer at the same time as the person is requested to permit a test under the provisions of RSA 265-A:4. The failure or inability of an arrested person to obtain an additional test shall not preclude the admission of any test taken at the direction of a law enforcement officer, authorized agent, or peace officer. Nothing herein shall require the release from custody of the arrested person for the purpose of having such additional test made.
II. A sample of blood taken pursuant to RSA 265-A:4 shall be of sufficient quantity to allow 2 tests; and the testing laboratory shall retain for a period of 30 days subsequent to the test conducted pursuant to RSA 265-A:4 a quantity of said sample sufficient for another test, which quantity shall be made available to the respondent or his or her counsel upon request.
III. A sample of breath taken pursuant to paragraph I shall be analyzed in accordance with rules adopted by the commissioner of the department of safety pursuant to RSA 265-A:5, V. A subject who submits to an infrared molecular absorption test at the request of a law enforcement officer shall have the right at his or her own expense to have a blood sample drawn and a blood test made by a person of his or her own choosing who is competent to conduct the tests, as determined by the commissioner of the department of safety under RSA 265-A:5. The person shall be so informed by the law enforcement officer at the same time as the person is requested to permit a test under the provisions of RSA 265-A:4. After the person submits to the infrared molecular absorption test and the test is completed, the person shall also be provided contact information for individuals and the nearest facilities that make themselves available to draw and test blood. The individuals listed, by virtue of their residence or work location, should have a reasonable probability of performing the blood draw within 2 hours of the initial breath sample having been taken by the police. The failure or inability of an arrested person to obtain an additional test shall not preclude the admission of any test taken at the direction of a law enforcement officer, authorized agent, or peace officer. Nothing in this paragraph shall require the release from custody of the arrested person for the purpose of having such additional test taken, however, an arrested person who remains in custody shall be permitted to have his or her blood drawn by a person who has been determined to be competent by the commissioner of the department of safety under RSA 265-A:5.

Source. 2006, 260:1, eff. Jan. 1, 2007. 2016, 244:2, eff. Jan. 1, 2017. 2019, 119:1, eff. Aug. 20, 2019.

Section 265-A:8

    265-A:8 Prerequisites to Tests. –
I. Before any test of a person's blood, urine, or breath specified in RSA 265-A:4 is given, the law enforcement officer, authorized agent, or peace officer shall:
(a) Inform the arrested person of his or her right to have an additional test or tests of his or her blood made by a person of his or her own choosing;
(b) Afford the arrested person an opportunity to request such additional test; and
(c) Inform the arrested person of the consequences of his or her refusal to permit a test at the direction of the law enforcement officer.
II. Before any post-arrest physical test specified in RSA 265-A:4 is given, the law enforcement officer, authorized agent, or peace officer shall inform the defendant of the consequences of the defendant's refusal to comply with the law enforcement officer's, authorized agent's, or peace officer's instructions for a post-arrest physical test.
III. If the law enforcement officer, authorized agent, or peace officer fails to comply with the provisions of this section, the test shall be inadmissible as evidence in any proceeding before any administrative officer and court of this state.

Source. 2006, 260:1, eff. Jan. 1, 2007. 2016, 244:3, eff. Jan. 1, 2017.

Section 265-A:9

    265-A:9 Effect of Evidence of Alcohol Concentration Test. – The provisions of this subdivision do not limit the introduction of any other competent evidence bearing on the question of whether a person charged with the violation of RSA 265-A:2, I(a), or RSA 265-A:3, I, was under the influence of intoxicating liquor or any controlled drug, prescription drug, over-the-counter drug, or any other chemical substance, natural or synthetic, which impairs a person's ability to drive.

Source. 2006, 260:1. 2012, 267:7, eff. Jan. 1, 2013.

Section 265-A:10

    265-A:10 Effect of Evidence of Refusal to Take Alcohol Concentration Test. – If a person refuses to submit to a test as provided in RSA 265-A:4, such refusal may be admissible into evidence in a civil or criminal action or proceeding arising out of an act alleged to have been committed by that person while driving, operating, attempting to operate, or in actual physical control of an OHRV, driving, attempting to drive, or in actual physical control of a vehicle, or operating, attempting to operate, or in actual physical control of a boat while under the influence of intoxicating liquor or any controlled drug, prescription drug, over-the-counter drug, or any other chemical substance, natural or synthetic, which impairs a person's ability to drive.

Source. 2006, 260:1. 2012, 267:8, eff. Jan. 1, 2013.

Section 265-A:11

    265-A:11 Evidence. –
I. Upon complaint, information, indictment, or trial of any person charged with the violation of RSA 265-A:2, the court may admit evidence of physical testing of the defendant for being under the influence of intoxicating liquor or controlled drugs, prescription drugs, over-the-counter drugs, or any other chemical substances, natural or synthetic, which impair a person's ability to drive as provided in RSA 265-A:4, and of the controlled drug, prescription drug, over-the-counter drug, or any other chemical substance, natural or synthetic, which impairs a person's ability to drive content of the defendant's blood and the defendant's alcohol concentration, as shown by a test of his or her breath, blood, or urine as provided in RSA 265-A:4. Evidence that there was, at the time alleged, an alcohol concentration of 0.03 or less is prima facie evidence that the defendant was not under the influence of intoxicating liquor. Evidence that there was, at the time alleged, an alcohol concentration of more than 0.03 and less than 0.08 is relevant evidence but is not to be given prima facie effect in indicating whether or not the defendant was under the influence of intoxicating liquor, but such fact may be considered with other competent evidence in determining the guilt or innocence of the defendant. Evidence that there was, at the time alleged, an alcohol concentration of 0.08 or more is prima facie evidence that the defendant was under the influence of intoxicating liquor. In addition, evidence that there was, at the time alleged, an alcohol concentration of 0.08 or more shall, in conjunction with the evidence otherwise required by RSA 265-A:2, I(b) of driving or attempting to drive a vehicle upon a way, constitute a separate offense under RSA 265-A:2, I(b); and evidence that there was, at the time alleged, an alcohol concentration of 0.08 or more shall, in conjunction with the evidence otherwise required by RSA 265-A:3, II of driving or attempting to drive a vehicle upon a way and of one or more of the circumstances specified in RSA 265-A:3, II(a), (b), (c), and (d) constitute a separate offense under RSA 265-A:3, II; and evidence that there was, at the time alleged, an alcohol concentration of 0.16 or more shall, in conjunction with the evidence otherwise required by RSA 265-A:3, III of driving or attempting to drive a vehicle upon a way, constitute a separate offense under RSA 265-A:3, III.
II. Upon complaint, information, indictment, or trial of any person charged with a violation of the provisions of RSA 265-A:2, II relative to the operation of boats by a person under the influence of intoxicating liquor or a controlled drug, prescription drug, over-the-counter drug, or any other chemical substance, natural or synthetic, which impairs a person's ability to drive the court may admit evidence of the defendant's alcohol concentration at the time alleged, as shown by a chemical, infrared molecular absorption, or liquid or gas chromatograph test or tests of his or her breath, urine, or blood. Evidence that there was, at the time alleged, an alcohol concentration of 0.08 or more, is prima facie evidence that the defendant was under the influence of intoxicating liquor. Evidence that the defendant had, at the time alleged, an alcohol concentration of more than 0.03 and less than 0.08 is relevant evidence and may be considered with other competent evidence in determining whether or not the defendant was under the influence of intoxicating liquor. Evidence that the defendant had, at the time alleged, an alcohol concentration of 0.03 or less is prima facie evidence that the defendant was not under the influence of intoxicating liquor.

Source. 2006, 260:1. 2012, 267:9, eff. Jan. 1, 2013. 2017, 78:3, eff. July 1, 2017.

Section 265-A:12

    265-A:12 Official Record of Tests. –
I. Any person who is arraigned on a charge arising under RSA 265-A:4 shall file notice in said court, within 30 days immediately following the receipt by the person of the results of any alcohol concentration test administered to such person, requiring the attendance of the person who conducted the breath test, or in the case of any other chemical test, the certifying scientist. Failure to file notice shall be deemed a waiver to require attendance of the person who conducted the breath test, or in the case of any other chemical test, the certifying scientist at the trial. The official report of the test issued pursuant to RSA 265-A:4 shall be deemed conclusive evidence of the conduct and result of said test.
II. A copy of the preventive maintenance check form filled out by the forensic breath testing supervisor who performed the last preventive maintenance check on the breath testing machine in question prior to the time of the test at issue shall be admissible evidence of the performance and successful completion of such check. Such check shall have been performed according to the schedule required in the rules adopted by the commissioner of the department of safety.
III. The successful completion of the external standard reference check shall be admissible evidence that the instrument was properly calibrated at the time of the test. The external standard reference check shall be performed according to the schedule required in rules adopted by the commissioner of the department of safety pursuant to RSA 541-A.
IV. A copy of the appropriate form filled out and signed by the person who took the sample for the alcohol concentration test in question shall be admissible evidence that the sample was taken by such person at the stated time on the stated date according to the procedures prescribed in the rules adopted by the commissioner of the department of safety pursuant to RSA 265-A:5, V.
V. Any person who is arraigned on a charge arising under RSA 265-A:2, RSA 265-A:3, or RSA 265-A:43 shall file, within 10 days of such person's receipt of the results of any toxicology test administered to such person for the presence of any controlled drug, prescription drug, over-the-counter drug, or any other chemical substance, natural or synthetic, which impairs a person's ability to drive, a notice in said court requiring the attendance of the certifying scientist. Failure to file notice shall be deemed a waiver to require attendance of the certifying scientist at trial. The official report of the test issued pursuant to RSA 265-A:4 shall be deemed conclusive evidence of the conduct of the result of such test.

Source. 2006, 260:1. 2012, 267:10, eff. Jan. 1, 2013.

Section 265-A:13

    265-A:13 Incapacity to Give Consent. – Any person who is dead, unconscious, or who is otherwise in a condition rendering him or her incapable of refusing shall be deemed not to have withdrawn the consent provided by RSA 265-A:4 and the test or tests may be administered. The provisions of RSA 265-A:8 shall not apply to persons incapable of giving consent as provided for in this section.

Source. 2006, 260:1, eff. Jan. 1, 2007.

Section 265-A:14

    265-A:14 Refusal of Consent. –
I. If a person under arrest for any violation or misdemeanor under RSA 265 or RSA 215-A refuses upon the request of a law enforcement officer, authorized agent, or peace officer to submit to physical tests or to a test of blood, urine, or breath designated by the law enforcement officer, authorized agent, or peace officer to as provided in RSA 265-A:4, none shall be given, but:
(a) If this is the first refusal with no prior driving or operating while intoxicated or aggravated driving or operating while intoxicated convictions:
(1) The director shall suspend his or her license to drive or nonresident driving privilege for a period of 180 days; or
(2) If the person is a resident without a license or permit to drive a motor vehicle in this state, the director shall deny to the person the privilege to drive and the issuance of a license for a period of 180 days after the date of the alleged violation.
(b) If the person has a prior driving or operating while intoxicated or aggravated driving or operating while intoxicated conviction or a prior refusal of consent under this section:
(1) The director shall suspend his or her license to drive or nonresident driving privilege for a period of 2 years; or
(2) If the person is a resident without a license or permit to drive a motor vehicle in this state, the director shall deny to the person the privilege to drive and the issuance of a license for a period of 2 years after the date of the alleged violation.
II. Except as provided in paragraph VI, the 180-day or 2-year suspension period or denial of issuance period imposed pursuant to this section shall not run concurrently with any other penalty imposed under the provision of this title. Any such suspension or denial of a license or privilege to drive shall be imposed in addition to any other penalty provided by law, subject to review as provided in RSA 265-A:31.
III. A refusal of consent for both post-arrest physical testing and testing of blood, urine, or breath following any one arrest shall be deemed one refusal for the purposes of this section.
IV. The provisions and penalties of this section, relative to the refusal of consent, shall apply to any person under arrest for any violation or misdemeanor involving the operation of a boat and upon satisfactory proof of the following:
(a) That the authorized agent or peace officer had reasonable grounds to believe the arrested person had been operating, had been attempting to operate, or was in actual physical control of a boat upon the public waters of this state while under the influence of intoxicating liquor or controlled drugs, prescription drugs, over-the-counter drugs, or any other chemical substances, natural or synthetic, which impair a person's ability to drive or any combination thereof;
(b) That the person has been arrested;
(c) That the person refused to submit to the test upon request of the authorized agent or peace officer;
(d) That the agent or officer informed the person arrested that his or her refusal to submit to such a test would result in the loss of his or her privilege to operate a boat on the waters of the state and the loss of his or her privilege to operate a motor vehicle on the ways of this state; and
(e) That the agent or officer informed the arrested person of his or her right to have a similar test or tests conducted by a person of his or her own choosing.
V. If a person's license or privilege to drive is suspended under paragraph I or IV, the person's privilege to operate a boat on the waters of the state shall also be suspended for the same period of time.
VI. The commissioner, after a hearing and for good cause shown, may authorize the concurrent running of a suspension period or denial of issuance period imposed pursuant to this section, to be applied retroactively, if:
(a) The person's license or privilege to drive has been continuously suspended or revoked for 10 years or more;
(b) The person has no conviction for negligent homicide with a motor vehicle, or equivalent out-of-state offense, and no more than 2 lifetime convictions for driving under the influence of drugs or liquor or aggravated driving while intoxicated, or equivalent out-of-state offense; and
(c) The person has not driven a motor vehicle for 10 years or more and has not held a driver's license in any state during that time.

Source. 2006, 260:1. 2008, 316:2. 2010, 107:1. 2012, 56:1, 2, eff. May 14, 2012; 267:11, eff. Jan. 1, 2013.

Section 265-A:15

    265-A:15 Preliminary Breath Test. –
I. Any law enforcement officer, authorized agent, or peace officer, who has been certified by the police standards and training council according to standards for such certification contained in rules adopted by said council pursuant to RSA 541-A, having reasonable grounds to believe that a person has been driving, operating, attempting to operate, or in actual physical control of an OHRV, driving, attempting to drive, or in actual physical control of a vehicle, or operating, attempting to operate, or in actual physical control of a boat upon the public waters of the state while under the influence of intoxicating liquor or controlled drug, prescription drug, over-the-counter drug, or any other chemical substance, natural or synthetic, which impairs a person's ability to drive or while the person's alcohol concentration was 0.08 or more or in the case of a person under the age of 21, 0.02 or more or in the case of a person licensed to operate and operating a commercial vehicle or operating a commercial vessel and licensed pursuant to RSA 270-E:22 at the time of the offense, 0.04 or more may, without making an arrest, request that such person submit to a preliminary breath test for alcohol concentration to be administered by the officer. The results of any test administered under this section may be introduced into evidence in a court for any relevant purpose. Failure to submit to the test shall not constitute a violation of this chapter. Evidence of a failure to submit to a preliminary breath test shall not be admissible in court in any prosecution under this subdivision, except for the purpose of determining whether the officer had probable cause to arrest the person. The provisions of this section shall not limit the introduction of any other competent evidence bearing on the question of whether a person charged with violating RSA 265-A:2, I(a), RSA 265-A:2, II, or RSA 265-A:3 was under the influence of intoxicating liquor or any controlled drug, prescription drug, over-the-counter drug, or any other chemical substance, natural or synthetic, which impairs a person's ability to drive. Nothing contained in this section shall be construed to prevent or require a subsequent test pursuant to RSA 265-A:4. The police officer requesting the test shall advise orally the person to be tested that his or her failure to take the test or his or her taking of the test shall not be construed to prevent or require a subsequent test pursuant to RSA 265-A:4. The results of the test shall be furnished immediately to the person tested by the police officer administering the test and in writing, if requested.
II. No device may be used to give a chemical test under the provisions of this section unless it has been approved as to type and make by the department of safety.
III. The commissioner of the department of safety shall adopt rules, pursuant to RSA 541-A, relative to methods and procedures for evaluation and approval of preliminary breath test devices.

Source. 2006, 260:1. 2012, 267:12, eff. Jan. 1, 2013.

Section 265-A:16

    265-A:16 Blood Testing of Certain Motor Vehicle Fatalities. –
When a collision, boating accident, or OHRV accident results in death or serious bodily injury to any person, all drivers or operators involved, whether living or deceased, and all deceased vehicle, boat, or OHRV occupants and pedestrians involved shall be tested for evidence of alcohol or controlled drugs, prescription drugs, over-the-counter drugs, or any other chemical substances, natural or synthetic, which impair a person's ability to drive. A law enforcement officer, authorized agent, or peace officer shall request a licensed physician, registered nurse, certified physician's assistant, or qualified medical technician or medical technologist to withdraw blood from each driver or operator involved if living and from the body of each deceased driver or operator, deceased occupant, or deceased pedestrian, in accordance with RSA 611-B:14, II, for the purpose of testing for evidence of alcohol content or controlled drugs, prescription drugs, over-the-counter drugs, or any other chemical substances, natural or synthetic, which impair a person's ability to drive; provided that in the case of a living driver or operator the officer has probable cause to believe that the driver or operator caused the collision or accident. All tests made under this section shall be conducted by the forensic science laboratory established in RSA 106-B:2-a or in any other laboratory capable of conducting such tests which is licensed under the laws of this or any other state and which has also been licensed by the U.S. Department of Health and Human Services under the Clinical Laboratory Improvement Act of 1988, as amended. A copy of the report of any such test shall be kept on file by the medical examiner. The filed report is not a public record under RSA 91-A. However, the report shall be made available to the following:
I. Any highway safety agency for use in compiling statistics to evaluate the effectiveness of its program; and
II. Any person, including his or her legal representative, who is or may be involved in a civil, criminal, or administrative action or proceeding arising out of an accident in connection with which the test was performed.

Source. 2006, 260:1. 2007, 324:14. 2012, 267:13, eff. Jan. 1, 2013.

Section 265-A:17

    265-A:17 Arrest Without a Warrant. – Notwithstanding any other statutory provision of law to the contrary, a law enforcement officer may, without a warrant, arrest any person involved in a traffic accident, OHRV accident, or boating accident when the officer has probable cause to believe that such person has committed an offense, an element of which is driving under the influence of intoxicating liquors or controlled drugs, prescription drugs, over-the-counter drugs, or any other chemical substances, natural or synthetic, which impair a person's ability to drive, or both. Notwithstanding any statutory provision of law to the contrary, a law enforcement officer may make such an arrest in such officer's own jurisdiction or on the property of any medical facility in another jurisdiction in this state where the person or others are taken for treatment for injuries suffered in such traffic accident.

Source. 2006, 260:1. 2012, 267:14, eff. Jan. 1, 2013.

Section 265-A:18

    265-A:18 Penalties for Intoxication or Under Influence of Drugs Offenses. –
I. Except as otherwise provided in this section:
(a) Any person who is convicted of any offense under RSA 265-A:2, I shall be:
(1) Guilty of a class B misdemeanor;
(2) Fined not less than $500;
(3) Referred by the court to an IDCMP and, if a first-time offender, required to submit to an alcohol and drug abuse screening within 14 days of conviction, and, if testing demonstrates the likelihood of a substance use disorder, to submit further to a full substance use disorder evaluation within 30 days of conviction, to be administered by a service provider indicated by the IDCMP, and thereafter to follow the service plan developed from that substance use disorder evaluation by the IDCMP;
(4) Required to complete a department of health and human services approved impaired driver education program prior to the restoration of the person's driver's license or privilege to drive; provided however, that if the person has previously completed such a program within the past 5 years and provides required proof, that shall serve as fulfillment of this requirement;
(5) Required to pay all fees arising from services provided by the IDCMP and its referrals for the service plan; and
(6) Subject to the following:
(A) The person's driver's license or privilege to drive shall be revoked for not less than 9 months and, at the discretion of the court, such revocation may be extended for a period not to exceed 2 years. The court may suspend up to 6 months of this sentence, provided that the person has been screened within 14 days and, if required, has completed the substance use disorder evaluation within 30 days with a service provider indicated by an IDCMP and is in compliance with the service plan produced thereafter, and has completed a department of health and human services approved impaired driver education program. The court may, in its discretion, require the installation of an interlock device in accordance with RSA 265-A:36 during the period of sentence reduction, and may reimpose the longer suspension period if the defendant becomes noncompliant with the treatment recommendations at any time during the suspension period;
(B) The sentencing court may require the person to submit to random urinalysis or such other tests as the court may deem appropriate; and
(C) The court in which the person was convicted may reduce the conviction to a violation upon a motion filed by either party at least one year after the date of the conviction. In deciding whether to reduce the conviction to a violation, the court may consider the person's subsequent driving record, the recommendation of the IDCMP, the hardship that having a criminal record may cause for the person, and any other factors that the court deems relevant.
(b) Any person who is convicted of any aggravated DWI offense under RSA 265-A:3, except as provided in subparagraph (c), shall be:
(1) Guilty of a class A misdemeanor;
(2) Fined not less than $750;
(3) Sentenced to a mandatory sentence of not less than 17 consecutive days in the county correctional facility, of which 12 days shall be suspended. The court shall refer the person to an IDCMP to schedule a full substance use disorder evaluation. A condition of the suspension shall be that upon release from serving the 5 days in the county correctional facility, the person shall schedule a substance use disorder evaluation within 30 days of release, complete the required substance use disorder evaluation within 60 days of release, and comply with the service plan developed. The IDCMP shall administer the substance use disorder evaluation and shall develop the service plan from that substance use disorder evaluation. Any portion of the suspended sentence to the county correctional facility may be imposed if the defendant does not comply with all of the requirements of this subparagraph or becomes noncompliant with the service plan during the suspension period;
(4) Ordered to install an interlock device in accordance with RSA 265-A:36; and
(5) Subject to the following:
(A) The person's driver's license or privilege to drive shall be revoked for not less than 18 months and, at the discretion of the court, such revocation may be extended for a period not to exceed 2 years. Upon confirmation from the IDCMP that the person is in full compliance with the service plan, the court may suspend up to 6 months of this sentence, with the condition that an interlock device be installed for the period of the suspended sentence in addition to any period required in accordance with RSA 265-A:36 and provided that all fees have been paid; and
(B) The sentencing court may require the person to submit to random urinalysis or such other tests as the court may deem appropriate.
(c) Any person who is convicted of aggravated DWI under RSA 265-A:3, I(b) or II(b), shall be:
(1) Guilty of a class B felony;
(2) Fined not less than $1,000;
(3) Sentenced to a mandatory sentence of not less than 35 consecutive days in the county correctional facility, of which 21 shall be suspended. The court shall refer the person to an IDCMP to schedule a full substance use disorder evaluation. A condition of the suspension shall be that upon release from serving the 14 days in the county correctional facility, the person shall schedule a substance use disorder evaluation within 30 days of release, complete the required substance use disorder evaluation within 60 days of release, and comply with the service plan developed. The IDCMP shall administer the substance use disorder evaluation and shall develop the service plan from that substance use disorder evaluation. Any portion of the suspended sentence to the county correctional facility may be imposed if the defendant does not comply with all of the requirements of this subparagraph or becomes noncompliant with the service plan during the suspension period;
(4) Ordered to install an interlock device in accordance with RSA 265-A:36; and
(5) Subject to the following:
(A) The person's driver's license or privilege to drive shall be revoked for not less than 18 months and, at the discretion of the court, such revocation may be extended for a period not to exceed 2 years. The court may suspend up to 6 months of this sentence, provided that the person shall schedule a substance use disorder evaluation within 30 days of release, or upon release from the county correctional facility, whichever occurs later, complete the required substance use disorder evaluation within 60 days of release with a service provider indicated by an IDCMP, and the service plan produced thereafter, with the condition that an interlock device be installed for the period of the suspended sentence in addition to any period required in accordance with RSA 265-A:36 and provided that all fees have been paid; and
(B) The sentencing court may require the person to submit to random urinalysis or such other tests as the court may deem appropriate.
II. Any person convicted of a violation of RSA 265-A:19, II shall be subject to the penalties set out in this section for a violation of RSA 265-A:3. Any person convicted of a violation of any other provision in RSA 265-A:19 or a violation of RSA 265-A:2, II shall be subject to the penalties set out in this section for a violation of RSA 265-A:2, I.
III. Any person who is convicted of an offense under RSA 265-A:2, I or RSA 630:3, II, and whose offense occurred while the person was under the age of 21, shall be sentenced according to the provisions of this section, except that in all cases the person's driver's license or privilege to drive shall be revoked for not less than one year. The person shall schedule a substance use disorder evaluation with a service provider indicated by an IDCMP within 30 days of conviction, or upon release from the correctional facility, whichever occurs later, complete the required substance use disorder evaluation within 60 days of release, comply with the service plan developed by the IDCMP, and complete an approved impaired driver education program if not previously completed within the past 5 years.
IV. Upon conviction of any offense under RSA 265-A:2, I or RSA 265-A:3, based on a complaint which alleged that the person has had one or more prior convictions under RSA 265-A:2, I or RSA 265-A:3, or RSA 630:3, II, or under reasonably equivalent offenses in an out-of-state jurisdiction, within 10 years preceding the date of the second or subsequent offense, the person shall be subject to the following penalties in addition to those provided in paragraph I:
(a) For a second offense:
(1) The person shall be guilty of a class A misdemeanor;
(2) The person shall be fined not less than $750;
(3)(A) If the complaint alleges that the prior conviction occurred within 2 years preceding the date of the second offense, the person shall be sentenced to a mandatory sentence of not less than 60 consecutive days in the county correctional facility, of which 30 days shall be suspended. The court shall refer the person to an IDCMP to schedule a full substance use disorder evaluation. A condition of the suspension shall be that upon release from serving the 30 days in the county correctional facility, the person shall schedule a substance use disorder evaluation within 30 days of release, complete the required substance use disorder evaluation within 60 days of release, and comply with the service plan developed. The IDCMP shall administer the substance use disorder evaluation and shall develop the service plan from that substance use disorder evaluation. Any portion of the suspended sentence to the county correctional facility may be imposed if the defendant does not comply with all of the requirements of this subparagraph or becomes noncompliant with the service plan during the suspension period;
(B) If the complaint alleges that the prior conviction occurred more than 2 but not more than 10 years preceding the date of the second offense, the person shall be sentenced to a mandatory sentence of not less than 17 consecutive days in the county correctional facility, of which 12 days shall be suspended. The court shall refer the person to an IDCMP to schedule a full substance use disorder evaluation. A condition of the suspension shall be that upon release from serving the 5 days in the county correctional facility, the person shall schedule a substance use disorder evaluation within 30 days of release, complete the required substance use disorder evaluation within 60 days of release, and comply with the service plan developed. The IDCMP shall administer the substance use disorder evaluation and shall develop the service plan from that substance use disorder evaluation. Any portion of the suspended sentence to the county correctional facility may be imposed if the defendant does not comply with all of the requirements of this subparagraph or becomes noncompliant with the service plan during the suspension period; and
(4) The person's driver's license or privilege to drive shall be revoked for not less than 3 years. The person's driver's license or privilege to drive shall not be restored by the department until the person shall have completed the service plan developed by the IDCMP, and paid all relevant fees.
(b) For a third offense, any person convicted under this paragraph shall be subject to all the penalties of subparagraph (a) except that:
(1) The person's driver's license or privilege to drive shall be revoked indefinitely and shall not be restored for at least 5 years. At the end of the 5-year minimum revocation period the person may petition the court for eligibility to reapply for a driver's license and the court, for good cause shown, may grant such eligibility subject to such terms and conditions as the court may prescribe. Any untimely petition under this subparagraph shall be dismissed without a hearing. If such petition is granted and the person is otherwise eligible for license restoration, the person may then apply to the director for restoration of driver's license, but the license shall not be restored until all requirements under law are met. The person's driver's license or privilege to drive shall not be restored by the department until the person shall have completed the service plan developed by the IDCMP, and paid all relevant fees.
(2) The person shall be sentenced to a mandatory sentence of not less than 180 consecutive days of which 150 shall be suspended. The court shall refer the person to an IDCMP to schedule a full substance use disorder evaluation. A condition of the suspension shall be that upon release from serving the 30 days in the county correctional facility, the person shall schedule a substance use disorder evaluation within 30 days of release, complete the required substance use disorder evaluation within 60 days of release, and comply with the service plan developed. The IDCMP shall administer the substance use disorder evaluation and shall develop the service plan from that substance use disorder evaluation. Any portion of the suspended sentence to the county correctional facility may be imposed if the defendant does not comply with all of the requirements of this subparagraph or becomes noncompliant with the service plan during the suspension period. The remainder of the sentence may be deferred for a period of up to 2 years. The court may, at the satisfactory completion of any required treatment, suspend any remaining deferred sentence.
(c) For a fourth or subsequent offense, any person convicted under this paragraph shall be subject to all the penalties of subparagraphs (a) and (b) except that the person shall be guilty of a felony, and the person's driver's license or privilege to drive shall be revoked indefinitely and the person shall not petition for eligibility to reapply for a driver's license as provided in subparagraph (b)(1) for at least 7 years.
(d) For a third or subsequent offense when any prior offense under this paragraph is negligent homicide under RSA 630:3, II, or reasonably equivalent offense in an out-of-state jurisdiction, the person convicted under this paragraph shall be subject to all the penalties of subparagraphs (a) and (b) except that the person's driver's license or privilege to drive shall be revoked indefinitely and the person shall not petition for eligibility to reapply for a driver's license as provided in subparagraph (b)(1) for at least 10 years.
V. If any person is convicted of a violation of RSA 265-A:2, I or RSA 265-A:3, and the conviction is not based upon a complaint which alleges prior convictions as provided in paragraph IV, but the person is found to have had one or more such prior convictions in this state or in an out-of-state jurisdiction within 10 years preceding the date of the offense, the person's driver's license or privilege to drive shall be revoked for not less than one year nor more than 3 years. The court shall refer the person to an IDCMP to schedule a full substance use disorder evaluation. The person shall schedule a substance use disorder evaluation within 30 days of release, complete the required substance use disorder evaluation within 60 days of release, and comply with the service plan developed. The IDCMP shall administer the substance use disorder evaluation and shall develop the service plan from that substance use disorder evaluation. The court may suspend up to 6 months of this sentence, conditional on completion of the required evaluation within 30 days of the court's finding, completion of the service plan developed by the IDCMP, and payment of all relevant fees.
VI. For the purposes of this section:
(a) "Revocation" or "revoked" means revocation as defined in RSA 259:90 and also includes, if the person is a nonresident, the revocation of the person's privilege as an out-of-state driver to drive on any ways of this state.
(b) "Out-of-state jurisdiction" includes any governmental entity that issues driver's licenses that are valid for operating a motor vehicle on the ways of this state as provided in RSA 263:37, and that has laws relating to driving while impaired that are reasonably equivalent to the laws of this state.
(c) "IDCMP" means an impaired driver care management program approved by the department of health and human services under RSA 265-A:40.
VII. No portion of the minimum mandatory sentence of imprisonment and no portion of the mandatory sentence of the period of revocation and no portion of any fine imposed under this section shall be suspended or reduced by the court. No case brought to enforce this section shall be continued for sentencing for longer than 35 days. No person serving the minimum mandatory sentence under this section shall be discharged pursuant to authority granted under RSA 651:18, released pursuant to authority granted under RSA 651:19, or in any manner, except as provided in RSA 623:1, prevented from serving the full amount of such minimum mandatory sentence under any authority granted by RSA title LXII or any other provision of law.
VIII. Any person convicted of a violation of RSA 265-A:2, RSA 265-A:3, or RSA 265-A:19, II, and who at the time of driving or attempting to drive a vehicle or off highway recreational vehicle or operating or attempting to operate a boat was transporting a person under the age of 16, shall have the driver's license or privilege to drive revoked for the maximum time period under the section violated and the person's license or privilege to drive shall not be restored until the offender has completed an IDCMP screening within 14 days of conviction, and if testing demonstrates the likelihood of a substance use disorder, the person shall schedule a substance use disorder evaluation within 30 days of conviction or within 30 days of release from the correctional facility, whichever occurs later, complete the required substance use disorder evaluation within 60 days of release from the correctional facility, comply with the service plan developed from the substance abuse disorder evaluation by the IDCMP, and complete a department of health and human services approved impaired driver education program prior to the restoration of the person's driver's license or privilege to drive; provided however, that if the person has previously completed such a program within the past 5 years and provides required proof, that shall serve as fulfillment of this requirement.
IX. Any conviction under RSA 265-A:2, I or RSA 265-A:3 shall be reported to the department of safety, division of motor vehicles, and shall become a part of the motor vehicle driving record of the person convicted.
X. When any provision of this section requires a person to schedule, submit to, or complete an alcohol and drug abuse screening or substance use disorder evaluation within a specified number of days, or makes such a condition of eligibility for suspension of a period of license revocation or other sentence, a person may comply with the requirement within the time period specified or as soon thereafter as any extenuating circumstances approved by the department of health and human services allow.

Source. 2006, 260:1. 2008, 256:1-4. 2010, Sp. Sess., 1:13-18. 2012, 228:4, eff. Jan. 1, 2013.

Section 265-A:19

    265-A:19 Penalties for Boating While Intoxicated. –
I. Any person convicted of a violation of RSA 265-A:2, II or RSA 630:2 or RSA 630:3, or RSA 631:1, RSA 631:2, RSA 631:2-a, or RSA 631:3 when the offense was committed by means of his or her operation or attempted operation of a boat shall not operate a boat on the waters of this state for a period of one year from the date of his or her conviction, whether or not such conviction is appealed. Any person operating or attempting to operate a boat during such a period is guilty of a misdemeanor.
II. Any person convicted of a violation of RSA 265-A:2, II who at the time of the violation was transporting a person under the age of 16 shall not operate a boat on the waters of this state until the person completes a substance use disorder evaluation administered by a service provider indicated by an IDCMP, complies with the service plan developed from the substance abuse disorder evaluation, and completes a department of health and human services approved impaired driver education program; provided however, that if the person has previously completed such a program within the past 5 years and provides required proof, that shall serve as fulfillment of the impaired driver education program requirement. Any person operating a boat in violation of this paragraph is guilty of a misdemeanor.
III. Any conviction under this section shall be reported to the commissioner of the department of safety, division of motor vehicles, and shall become a part of the motor vehicle driving record of the person convicted.
IV. Any person who is convicted of a violation of RSA 265-A:2, II shall be subject to the same penalties as a person convicted of a violation of RSA 265-A:2, I as specified in RSA 265-A:18. Any person who is convicted of a violation of paragraph II of this section shall be subject to the same penalties as a person convicted of a violation of RSA 265-A:3 as specified in RSA 265-A:18.
V. [Repealed.]

Source. 2006, 260:1. 2008, 316:5. 2010, Sp. Sess., 1:19. 2012, 228:5, eff. Jan. 1, 2013.

Section 265-A:20

    265-A:20 Loss of Motorboat Privileges. – Any person who is convicted of a violation of RSA 265-A:2, I involving a motor vehicle shall lose the privilege to operate a motorboat on the waters of this state for a period of one year from the date of conviction. Any person who is convicted of a violation of RSA 265-A:3 shall lose the privilege to operate a motorboat on the waters of this state for the same period of time as the loss of driving privileges.

Source. 2006, 260:1. 2008, 316:3. 2012, 43:3, eff. Jan. 1, 2013.

Section 265-A:21

    265-A:21 Annulment; Plea Bargaining. –
I. Notwithstanding the provisions of RSA 651:5, no court shall order an annulment of any record of conviction of driving or attempting to drive a vehicle upon any way or driving, operating, attempting to operate, or being in actual physical control of an OHRV or operating or attempting to operate a boat on the waters of this state while under the influence of intoxicating liquor or any controlled drug, prescription drug, over-the-counter drug, or any other chemical substance, natural or synthetic, which impairs a person's ability to drive or while having an alcohol concentration of 0.08 or more or of aggravated drunken driving until 10 years after the date of conviction. Any record thus annulled shall be retained in a permanent file, to be opened only for purposes of sentencing in the case of an offense under RSA 265-A:3.
II. Notwithstanding any other provision of law to the contrary, in any case in which a person is arrested for and charged with the offense of driving or attempting to drive a vehicle on any way or driving, operating, attempting to operate, or being in actual physical control of an OHRV or operating or attempting to operate a boat while under the influence of intoxicating liquor or drugs or while having an alcohol concentration of 0.08 or more and that charge is reduced from a second or subsequent offense to a first offense or in which the original charge is reduced to or in any manner substituted with another charge or a nolle prosequi entered in exchange for an agreement to plead guilty or nolo contendere to another charge, the prosecutor shall submit to the attorney general a written report describing such agreement. All such written reports shall be submitted to the attorney general on a monthly basis. The report shall contain such information as the attorney general shall prescribe; provided, however, that the attorney general shall not be subject to the provisions of RSA 541-A in prescribing such information. The report required by this paragraph shall be a public record and shall be available for public inspection as provided in RSA 91-A:4.
III. Notwithstanding any other provision of law to the contrary, if a person is arrested for driving or attempting to drive a motor vehicle upon any way or driving, operating, attempting to operate, or being in actual physical control of an OHRV or operating or attempting to operate a boat while under the influence of intoxicating liquor or drugs or while having an alcohol concentration of 0.08 or more, no prosecutor shall enter into any agreement with such person or such person's attorney if such agreement would result in a charge that removed the case from consideration under any provision of RSA 259-RSA 266. The provisions of this paragraph, however, shall not prevent the bringing of any charge under RSA 630:2 or RSA 630:3.

Source. 2006, 260:1. 2012, 267:15, eff. Jan. 1, 2013.

Section 265-A:22

    265-A:22 Payment of All Obligations Prior to Restoration or Renewal. – The director of motor vehicles shall not restore or renew a person's license or privilege to drive, if it was revoked pursuant to RSA 265-A:2; RSA 265-A:3; RSA 265-A:35; RSA 265-A:43; RSA 630:2; or RSA 630:3, or if the revocation was connected with an alcohol-related or drug-related offense, until all obligations of such person resulting from the arrest and conviction for the offense are met. For the purposes of this section, the word "obligations" shall mean fines and penalty assessments, court-ordered restitution or reimbursement to any person injured as a result of the offense, successful completion of all treatment and rehabilitation programs the person is required to take, full payment of all fees for such programs, and any other costs which may be ordered by the court. The word "obligations" shall not mean completion of probation or parole or completion of a condition of probation or parole. In any case where the court orders periodic payment of fines, penalty assessments, restitution, or reimbursement, the obligations of such periods shall be deemed to have been met if such person is current in all such court-ordered payments.

Source. 2006, 260:1, eff. Jan. 1, 2007.

Section 265-A:23

    265-A:23 Commercial Licensing; Penalties; Driving Under the Influence. – Any person who is the holder of a commercial driver license or commercial endorsement or was required by law at the time to have a commercial driver license or endorsement and who is convicted of violating RSA 265-A:2 or RSA 265-A:3, or who drives a commercial vehicle with an alcohol concentration of 0.04 or greater shall in addition to the penalties provided in this chapter be subject to the additional penalties and sanctions provided in RSA 263:94.

Source. 2006, 260:1. 2010, 95:6, eff. Jan. 1, 2011.

Section 265-A:24

    265-A:24 Commercial Drivers Prohibited From Driving With any Alcohol in Their Systems. –
I. Notwithstanding any other provision of law, a person shall not drive a commercial motor vehicle while having alcohol in his or her system.
II. A person who drives a commercial motor vehicle while having alcohol in his or her system, or who refuses to take a test to determine his or her alcohol concentration, shall be placed out-of-service for 24 hours.

Source. 2006, 260:1, eff. Jan. 1, 2007.

Section 265-A:25

    265-A:25 Implied Consent Requirements for Commercial Motor Vehicle Drivers. –
I. Any person who drives a commercial motor vehicle upon the ways of New Hampshire shall be deemed to have given consent, subject to the provisions of RSA 265-A:4, to a test or tests of any or all or any combination of the following: blood, breath, or urine, for the purpose of determining that person's alcohol concentration, or the presence of other drugs.
II. A test or tests may be administered at the direction of a law enforcement officer who, after stopping or detaining the commercial motor vehicle driver, has probable cause to believe that the driver was driving a commercial motor vehicle while having alcohol in his system.
III. (a) Upon the first refusal of any person to submit to a test or tests as administered by a law enforcement officer for the purposes of determining the person's alcohol concentration or the presence of other drugs, the director shall revoke his or her commercial license for a period of not less than one year.
(b) If the person has a prior refusal under subparagraph III(a) then, upon the second or subsequent refusal of such person to submit to a test or tests as administered by a law enforcement officer for the purposes of determining the person's alcohol concentration or the presence of other drugs, the director shall revoke his or her commercial license for life, with an opportunity for a review after 10 years, as provided in RSA 263:94, IV.
IV. If the person refuses testing, or submits to a test which discloses an alcohol concentration of 0.04 or more, the law enforcement officer shall submit a sworn report to the department certifying that the test was requested pursuant to paragraph I and that the person refused to submit to testing, or submitted to a test which disclosed an alcohol concentration of 0.04 or more.
V. Upon receipt of the sworn report of a law enforcement officer submitted under paragraph IV, the department shall immediately disqualify the driver from driving a commercial motor vehicle under RSA 265-A:23.
VI. The driver shall have the opportunity for a hearing and appeal as provided in RSA 265-A:31 and RSA 265-A:34.

Source. 2006, 260:1. 2013, 180:8, eff. Jan. 1, 2014. 2020, 33:10, eff. Jan. 1, 2021.

Section 265-A:26

    265-A:26 Revocation of License for Driving While Intoxicated and Appeal. –
I. Upon a conviction of a violation of RSA 265-A:2 or RSA 265-A:3, the court shall report to the department and shall immediately revoke the license or driving privilege of the person so convicted, or the right of a nonresident so convicted to drive within the state of New Hampshire; and said court in the case of holders of New Hampshire licenses shall return such license with its findings marked thereon, together with the court return, to the department; and the department may revoke the license of any person who shall be convicted of a similar offense by a court of any other state in a criminal proceeding, or who shall be found to have committed a similar act by a court of any other state in a civil proceeding.
II. Whenever any person convicted of a violation of RSA 265-A:2 or RSA 265-A:3 appeals, the district court shall forthwith revoke the license or driving privilege of such person and, in case of a holder of a New Hampshire license, shall return such license together with the court return to the department which shall not reissue any license until the period of revocation determined by the court has elapsed.

Source. 2006, 260:1, eff. Jan. 1, 2007.

Section 265-A:27

    265-A:27 Not Guilty Finding; Return of License. – Any person whose license was revoked under the provisions of RSA 265-A:26 who appeals and is not found guilty shall have any previously held license returned. No additional fee requirements shall be imposed in connection with such license restoration.

Source. 2006, 260:1, eff. Jan. 1, 2007.

Section 265-A:28

    265-A:28 License Restored Upon Proof of Financial Responsibility. – Notwithstanding the provisions of RSA 263:71, the director shall not restore a license or driving privilege to a person whose license or driving privileges have been revoked pursuant to RSA 265-A:18 until such person has furnished proof of financial responsibility as required by other provisions of the law.

Source. 2006, 260:1, eff. Jan. 1, 2007.

Section 265-A:29

    265-A:29 Revocation of Nonresident Privilege. – When it has been finally determined under the procedures of this subdivision that a nonresident's privilege to drive a motor vehicle in this state has been revoked, the department shall give information in writing or by electronic means of the action taken to the motor vehicle administrator of the state of the person's residence and of any state in which he or she has a license.

Source. 2006, 260:1, eff. Jan. 1, 2007.

Section 265-A:30

    265-A:30 Administrative License Suspension. –
I. If any person refuses a test as provided in RSA 265-A:14 or submits to a test described in RSA 265-A:4 which discloses an alcohol concentration of 0.08 or more or, in the case of a person under the age of 21 at the time of the violation, 0.02 or more, the law enforcement officer shall submit a sworn report to the department. In the report the officer shall certify that the test was requested pursuant to RSA 265-A:4 and that the person refused to submit to testing or submitted to a test which disclosed an alcohol concentration of 0.08 or more, or, in the case of a person under the age of 21, 0.02 or more.
II. Upon receipt of the sworn report of a law enforcement officer submitted under paragraph I, the department shall suspend the person's driver's license or privilege to drive as follows:
(a) In the case of a refusal to take a test described in RSA 265-A:4, the suspension shall be for the period specified in RSA 265-A:14.
(b) In the case of a person who submits to a test described in RSA 265-A:4 which discloses an alcohol concentration of 0.08 or more or, in the case of a person under the age of 21 at the time of the violation, 0.02 or more, the suspension shall be for:
(1) Six months if there is no prior refusal under RSA 265-A:14, no prior driving while intoxicated or aggravated driving while intoxicated convictions, and no prior administrative license suspension pursuant to RSA 265-A:30.
(2) Two years if there is a prior refusal under RSA 265-A:14, or a prior driving while intoxicated or aggravated driving while intoxicated conviction, or a prior administrative suspension pursuant to RSA 265-A:30.
III. On behalf of the department, the law enforcement officer submitting the sworn report under paragraph I shall serve immediate notice of suspension on the person, and the suspension shall be effective 30 days after the date of service. If the person has a valid New Hampshire driver's license, an officer shall take the driver's license of the person, and issue a temporary license valid for the notice period. The officer shall send the license to the department along with the sworn report under paragraph I.
IV. If the person submits to a test described in RSA 265-A:4 and the results of the test are not immediately available and therefore no notice has been served by the law enforcement officer, the department shall mail such notice and the suspension shall be effective 30 days after the date of service. If the address shown in the law enforcement officer's report differs from that shown on the department records, the notice shall be mailed to both addresses. The notice shall be presumed to have been served 3 days after mailing. Upon receipt of the notice of suspension and before requesting any review or hearing under RSA 265-A:31, if the person has a New Hampshire driver's license that has not been surrendered, the person shall surrender such person's license at a place designated by the department and shall be issued a temporary driving permit valid for the notice period.
V. In the case of a person who has a driver's license from another jurisdiction, all provisions of this subdivision shall apply except that surrender of the out-of-state driver's license and issuance of a temporary driving permit shall not be required. The department shall transmit a copy of the suspension order to the motor vehicle authorities in the jurisdiction where the person's license was issued, and also in the jurisdiction of the person's residence if different from that where the license was issued.

Source. 2006, 260:1, eff. Jan. 1, 2007.

Section 265-A:31

    265-A:31 Administrative Review and Hearings. –
I. (a) Any person whose license is suspended or revoked under this subdivision may request either an administrative review or a hearing. The request shall be in writing and shall state the grounds upon which the person seeks to have the order of suspension or revocation rescinded, which grounds shall be limited to those provided in paragraph II. The filing of the request shall not stay the suspension or revocation. A request for either administrative review or hearing received by the department after 30 days from the date the notice is issued shall be denied as untimely.
(b) If the request is for an administrative review, the request may be accompanied by any statement or other evidence which the person wants the department to consider. Upon receiving the request the department shall review the order, the evidence upon which it is based, including whether the person was driving or in actual physical control of a motor vehicle, and any other information brought to the attention of the department, and shall determine whether sufficient cause exists to sustain the order.
(c) If the request is for a hearing, the request shall also indicate whether or not the person desires to have the law enforcement officer present. The hearing shall be held within 20 days after the filing of the request unless the person requests a continuance. A request for a continuance by the person shall not stay the order of suspension or revocation. The hearing shall be recorded, and be conducted by the department's designated agent. The hearing may be conducted upon a review of the law enforcement officer's report if there is no request to have the officer present. If there is a request that the law enforcement officer be present at the hearing and the officer fails to appear without good cause shown, the case shall be dismissed and the order rescinded. If the person requesting the hearing fails to appear without good cause shown, the right to a hearing shall be waived and the order sustained.
II. The scope of the administrative review or hearing shall be limited to the issues of:
(a) Whether the officer had reasonable grounds to believe the arrested person had been driving, attempting to drive, or was in actual physical control of a vehicle upon the ways of this state or operating or attempting to operate a boat on the waters of this state or was driving, operating, attempting to operate, or in actual physical control of an OHRV while under the influence of intoxicating liquor, narcotics, or drugs;
(b) The facts upon which the reasonable grounds to believe such are based;
(c) Whether the person had been arrested;
(d) Whether the person has refused to submit to the test upon the request of the law enforcement officer or whether a properly administered test or tests disclosed an alcohol concentration of 0.08 or more, or, in the case of a person under 21 years of age, 0.02 or more;
(e) Whether the officer informed the arrested person of his or her right to have a similar test or tests conducted by a person of his or her own choosing; and
(f) Whether the officer informed the arrested person of the fact that refusal to permit the test would result in suspension of his or her license or driving privilege and that testing above the alcohol concentration level specified in RSA 265-A:2 or RSA 265-A:3 would also result in suspension.
III. In the case of either an administrative review or a hearing, the hearing examiner shall issue his or her recommendation on the order of suspension or revocation within 15 days of the request for administrative review or the hearing date. The recommendation shall be in writing and a copy shall be provided to the parties. The recommendation shall be final unless a review or appeal is filed under RSA 265-A:33 or RSA 265-A:34.

Source. 2006, 260:1, eff. Jan. 1, 2007.

Section 265-A:32

    265-A:32 Period of License Suspension. – Where a license or driving privilege has been suspended under RSA 265-A:30 and the person is also convicted on criminal charges arising out of the same event both the suspension and the court-ordered revocation shall be imposed but the total period of suspension and revocation shall not exceed the longer of the 2 periods; provided, however, that any suspension for refusing to submit to a test under the provisions of RSA 265-A:14 shall not run concurrently with any other penalty imposed under the provisions of this title.

Source. 2006, 260:1, eff. Jan. 1, 2007.

Section 265-A:33

    265-A:33 Review. – Within 10 days following the examiner's ruling, a person whose license has been suspended or revoked, or the law enforcement officer, may petition the director for a review of the ruling. The filing of the petition shall not stay a suspension or revocation of the person's driver's license or privilege to drive if imposed, or the restoration of the person's driver's license or privilege to drive. The review shall determine whether the ruling is erroneous as a matter of law or cannot be sustained by the facts as presented at the hearing. After a review of the ruling, the director shall issue within 10 days a finding either affirming the ruling or granting a new hearing. Any grant of a new hearing shall be accompanied by a written explanation setting forth the specific error of law or the reason why the ruling cannot be sustained by the facts.

Source. 2006, 260:1, eff. Jan. 1, 2007.

Section 265-A:34

    265-A:34 Appeal; Administrative License Suspension. –
I. Any person aggrieved by a decision of the department under this subdivision, after the administrative hearing or review, may appeal the decision as provided in this section. The court shall have the full authority to determine whether any license suspension or revocation should be stayed during the pendency of the appeal.
II. If the suspension is sustained after a hearing as provided in RSA 265-A:31, a person shall have the right to file a petition in the superior court in the county in which he or she was arrested to review the final order by the director or the director's authorized agent within 30 days of the date of the final order. Jurisdiction to hear such appeals is vested in the superior court.
III. At the earliest practical time, the court shall review the record as developed before the director or authorized agent, together with any written legal argument presented to the court. Based on that review, the court may affirm or reverse the decision of the director or agent or order that oral argument be held. As justice may require, the court may remand the case to the director or authorized agent for further findings or rulings. In no event shall the oral argument be held less than 14 days after notice has been provided to the director. The petition for appeal shall set forth all the grounds upon which the final order is sought to be overturned. Issues not raised by the appellant before the director or agent shall not be raised before the superior court. The burden of proof shall be upon the appellant to show that the decision of the director or agent was clearly unreasonable or unlawful, and all findings of the director or agent upon all questions of fact properly before him or her shall be deemed to be prima facie lawful and reasonable. The order or decision appealed from shall not be set aside or vacated except for errors of law, unless the court is satisfied, by a clear preponderance of the evidence before it, that the order is unjust or unreasonable.
IV. No new or additional evidence shall be introduced in the superior court, but the case shall be determined upon the record and evidence transferred, except that in any case, if it shall be necessary in order that no party shall be deprived of any constitutional right, or if the court shall be of the opinion that justice requires the reception of evidence of facts which have occurred since the hearing, or which by reason of accident, mistake, or misfortune could not have been offered before the director or authorized agent, it shall remand the case to the director or authorized agent to receive and consider such additional evidence.

Source. 2006, 260:1, eff. Jan. 1, 2007.

Section 265-A:35

    265-A:35 Probationary Licenses. –
I. Any person who shall apply for reissuance of his or her driver's license following revocation or suspension for an offense under RSA 265:79, RSA 265-A:2, RSA 265-A:3, or RSA 265-A:43 for an offense involving a vehicle is an "at risk" driver and his or her driver's license shall be probationary for at least 5 years following the date of reissuance.
II. No holder of a probationary license shall drive or attempt to drive a vehicle upon any way when he or she is under the influence of intoxicating liquor or any controlled drug, prescription drug, over-the-counter drug, or any other chemical substance, natural or synthetic, which impairs a person's ability to drive or any combination of intoxicating liquor and controlled drugs, prescription drugs, over-the-counter drugs, or any other chemical substances, natural or synthetic, which impair a person's ability to drive so that the alcohol concentration is 0.03 or more. Driving with an alcohol concentration of 0.03 or more is a per se violation of a probationary license and subjects the probationary license holder to administrative suspension of his or her driver's license for not less than 90 days and not more than 180 days. Such administrative suspension shall be in addition to any court imposed suspension or revocation periods.
III. Any probationary license holder whom the police have reasonable cause to believe is driving with an alcohol concentration of 0.03 or more and who refuses to submit to a test for alcohol concentration shall have his or her driver's license administratively suspended for a period of 90 days.

Source. 2006, 260:1. 2012, 267:16, eff. Jan. 1, 2013.

Alcohol Ignition Interlock Program

Section 265-A:36

    265-A:36 Alcohol Ignition Interlock Program Established. –
I. Any person whose license or permission to drive has been revoked or suspended for an aggravated DWI offense under RSA 265-A:18, I(b) or I(c), or a subsequent DWI offense under RSA 265-A:18, IV shall be required by the court after the period of revocation or suspension to install an ignition interlock device as defined in RSA 259:43-a in any vehicle registered to that person or used by that person, for not less than 12 months nor more than 2 years. Installation and monitoring costs shall be paid by the offender. A certificate proving installation of the device shall be provided to the division of motor vehicles as a condition precedent to reinstatement of the individual's license to drive, and the division may mark the person's license and the person's number plate by use of a striping sticker accordingly.
I-a. Any person who is convicted of driving while under suspension or revocation resulting from a DWI offense shall be required by the court to install an ignition interlock device in any vehicle registered to that person or used by that person, for the remaining period of suspension or revocation plus an additional period not less than 12 months nor more than 2 years. The court may order such installation on a temporary basis prior to conviction as a condition of bail.
I-b. To the extent that technology does not exist to permit the installation or safe operation of any particular vehicle type when equipped with an interlock, the court may order that a restraining device which disables the vehicle be placed on any such vehicle registered to or used by a person required to install an ignition interlock device.
II. Nothing in this section shall prohibit a court of competent jurisdiction from requiring the installation of an ignition interlock device for any person convicted of a violation of RSA 265-A:2 involving a vehicle, where the conviction is not based upon a complaint which alleges prior convictions as provided in RSA 265-A:18, IV, but the person is found to have had one or more such prior convictions in this state or in an out-of-state jurisdiction.
III. Any person under the age of 21 whose license or permission to drive has been revoked or suspended under RSA 265-A:18 may be required by the court after the period of revocation or suspension to install an ignition interlock device as defined in RSA 259:43-a in any vehicle registered to that person or used by that person, until the age of 21 or for not less than 12 months, whichever is longer.
IV. It shall be a violation for an ignition interlock device to be sold or distributed in this state without the device being approved by the commissioner or the department of safety.
IV-a. Wherever the term "alcohol ignition interlock device" or "ignition interlock device" is referred to in this chapter or in department administrative rules, it shall mean an enhanced technology ignition interlock device, as defined in RSA 259:28-b. A device installed on or before January 1, 2019 that is not an enhanced technology ignition interlock device may, if it is recalibrated within 30 days of installation and every 60 days thereafter, continue to be operated in the vehicle in which it was installed until January 1, 2022 or such time as the vehicle is replaced with a different vehicle, whichever occurs first, at which time it shall be replaced with an enhanced technology ignition interlock device.
V. The department of safety shall establish rules, pursuant to RSA 541-A, for the approval of ignition interlock devices and for the licensing of approved interlock service providers.
VI. The commissioner shall adopt rules and regulations to create an ignition interlock program that will control the delivery of interlock service in this state under this subdivision. The rules adopted for the licensing of approved interlock service providers shall require that each provider, at a minimum:
(a) Provide recalibration of each enhanced technology ignition interlock device no less frequently than every 180 days unless otherwise ordered by the court;
(b) Maintain at least that number of locations across the state for the installation, service, calibration, monitoring, and removal of an ignition interlock device as might be required from time to time by the program operating protocol developed by the commissioner;
(c) Provide periodic reports as determined by the court or in department rules, to the director of the division of motor vehicles, the department's interlock coordinator, and the court of jurisdiction;
(d) Retain all data-logger records for 36 months after the end of the period to which the offender is sentenced;
(e) Maintain a reserve account with a balance at least equal to 2 percent of the provider's revenue from interlock device service and installation in this state, excluding the purchase or rental costs of devices, during the previous calendar year. Funds in the account shall be used to assist with the cost of the installation and service to those offenders determined by the court or the department to be unable to pay the full cost of an interlock program. Offenders determined by the court or the department to be unable to pay the full cost of an interlock program shall, at a minimum, pay 25 percent of the cost for the installation and service. Reserve account balances and costs to the provider for assisting with the cost of installation and service shall be reported annually to the department;
(f) Provide a certificate of installation to the vehicle's owner and to the department's interlock coordinator upon installation of the device in a form to be determined by the department's interlock rules; and
(g) Provide reports to the department when data specified in department rules becomes available. The reports shall be provided no less frequently than every 60 days. The department shall make data from the reports available to the director of the division of motor vehicles, appropriate prosecutor, prosecuting agency, treatment provider, probation officer, and defense attorney by means of authorizing the interlock provider to provide these entities with secure electronic access to the data via the interlock provider's web-based portal.

Source. 2006, 260:1. 2007, 276:2. 2012, 204:1, 2. 2013, 219:2, 3, eff. July 11, 2013. 2018, 122:2, 5, eff. Jan. 1, 2019; 122:4, eff. Jan. 1, 2022. 2022, 60:1, 2, eff. July 19, 2022.

Section 265-A:36-a

    265-A:36-a Department of Safety Authority to Order Ignition Interlock Device Installation. – The commissioner of safety may require an administrative hearing for a person whose license or driving privilege was revoked or suspended pursuant to RSA 262:19 or RSA 630:2, III, where alcohol was involved, or as the result of a conviction of any offense under RSA 265-A:2, RSA 265-A:3, or RSA 265:79-a, or an equivalent offense in another jurisdiction where alcohol was involved, or RSA 630:3, II, and, upon a finding that the safety of the person and of other users of the highways would be enhanced thereby, may order the person, as a condition of restoration of his or her license or driving privilege, to install an enhanced technology ignition interlock device in any vehicle registered to that person or used by that person, for not less than 12 months nor more than 2 years, subject to the same conditions and prohibitions as if the interlock was ordered by a court under the provisions of this subdivision. Where possible, the hearing shall be conducted prior to the restoration of the license or driving privilege, although such restoration shall not prevent the commissioner from requiring the hearing.

Source. 2012, 153:1, eff. Jan. 1, 2013. 2017, 243:1, eff. July 18, 2017; 244:1, eff. July 18, 2017. 2018, 122:3, eff. Jan. 1, 2019. 2022, 136:1, eff. Aug. 6, 2022.

Section 265-A:37

    265-A:37 Alcohol Ignition Interlock Circumvention. –
I. Any person required by the court or by the commissioner of safety after a hearing pursuant to RSA 265-A:36-a to install an ignition interlock device shall not drive any motor vehicle not equipped with this device.
II. No person who is subject to an interlock order of the court or of the commissioner and no person who is conspiring with or attempting to permit a person subject to such an interlock order to circumvent the order shall tamper with, or in any way attempt to circumvent the operation of an ignition interlock device that has been installed in a motor vehicle, and no person who is subject to an interlock order shall knowingly drive a vehicle in which the interlock device has been circumvented or otherwise illegally tampered with. As a condition of having a vehicle equipped with an ignition interlock device, the vehicle owner assents to an inspection of the device by a representative of the director at reasonable times upon prior notice in order to determine that the interlock has not been subject to tampering or circumvention.
III. A person shall not start or attempt to start a motor vehicle equipped with an ignition interlock device for the purpose of providing an operable motor vehicle to a person who he or she knows is restricted by law to drive only a motor vehicle so equipped. The provisions of this section do not apply if the starting of a motor vehicle, or the request to start a motor vehicle equipped with an ignition interlock device, is done for the purpose of safety or mechanical repair of the device or the vehicle, and the person subject to the court order or order of the commissioner does not drive the vehicle.
III-a. Upon satisfactory proof that a person who is restricted by law to drive only a motor vehicle equipped with an ignition interlock device has attempted to start a motor vehicle equipped with an ignition interlock device while having an alcohol concentration of greater than .025, or who fails to take the retest, or who takes a retest while having an alcohol concentration of greater than .025, the department, after a hearing, may impose for each occurrence an additional period of up to one year following the expiration of the original interlock order during which the person shall be restricted to driving only a vehicle equipped with an ignition interlock device. The department may take action under this paragraph within 60 days after the ignition interlock device is removed.
IV. A person shall not knowingly provide a motor vehicle not equipped with a functioning ignition interlock device to another person whom the provider of the vehicle knows was sentenced or subject to a valid order to drive only a motor vehicle equipped with an ignition interlock device.
V. Any person who violates the provisions of this section shall be guilty of a class A misdemeanor, be fined not less than $500, and if he or she is the person subject to the interlock order, be ordered to install an enhanced technology ignition interlock device, and have the period of required ignition interlock device installation extended for 2 years.

Source. 2006, 260:1. 2012, 201:1. 2013, 219:4, eff. July 11, 2013. 2015, 118:1, 2, eff. Jan. 1, 2016. 2017, 244:2, eff. July 18, 2017.

Section 265-A:38

    265-A:38 Violating Interlock Order. –
I. Upon written notice, by affidavit, that any person has violated an order of the court or the commissioner with regard to the installation of an ignition interlock device after the period of revocation or suspension imposed in RSA 265-A:18, 265:79, 630:2, III or 630:3, a hearing shall be scheduled within 14 business days of the notice. Pending the hearing and upon a finding of probable cause that a violation has occurred based upon the affidavit, the commissioner shall immediately suspend the defendant's privilege to drive a motor vehicle. After the hearing and upon a finding of violation by a preponderance of the evidence, the privilege to drive shall not be restored until the commissioner is satisfied that the person is in compliance with the order.
II. If it is found that a person required to drive a motor vehicle equipped with an ignition interlock device has failed without reasonable cause including, but not limited to, illness, hospitalization, or incarceration, to comply with any requirement for the maintenance or calibration of the device, or shows a consistent pattern of failures to pass the breath test provided by the device, or where there is evidence of tampering or circumvention of the device, or where there is an unauthorized engine start without a passed breath test, and when the unit has a power disconnect for more than 15 minutes, the commissioner after a hearing may order a further license suspension or revocation for a period of not more than 12 months. In addition, upon a complaint the court may order a show cause hearing to determine if the person should be held in contempt of court. Upon a finding of contempt, the court may sentence the defendant to up to 6 months in a county department of corrections facility, and may make such other orders as necessary to bring about compliance, and in the absence of a license suspension by the commissioner may order a further license suspension or revocation for a period of not more than 12 months. The period of suspension or revocation under this section shall be added to any previously ordered suspension or revocation.

Source. 2006, 260:1, eff. Jan. 1, 2007. 2015, 118:3, eff. Jan. 1, 2016. 2017, 243:2, eff. July 18, 2017; 244:3, eff. July 18, 2017.

Section 265-A:38-a

    265-A:38-a Ignition Interlock Device Removal Protocol. –
I. Prior to the removal of an ignition interlock device from a vehicle, the interlock service provider shall obtain from the department's interlock coordinator a certificate of removal effective on the expiration date of the interlock order provided the driver has not committed an interlock violation within the preceding 120-day period. As used in this section "interlock violation" means:
(a) Operating a motor vehicle without an interlock device.
(b) Soliciting or allowing any other person to provide a breath sample to an interlock device or to start an interlock equipped vehicle for the purpose of providing the person so restricted with an operable motor vehicle.
(c) Using any means other than providing a breath sample directly from the operator's mouth into the device in order to supply an air sample to the device.
(d) An attempt to tamper with or circumvent the interlock device.
(e) A failed rolling retest in which the operator's breath alcohol concentration registered at or above 0.05.
(f) Two failed rolling retests within a single service period in which the operator's breath alcohol concentration registered above 0.03.
(g) Two lockouts due to missed rolling retests.
(h) Two missed service visits.
(i) More than one attempt to start the vehicle with a breath alcohol concentration of 0.05 or above.
II. If the restricted person has more than one interlock violation within the 120 days prior to the request for removal of the interlock, the commissioner shall refuse to issue a removal certificate and shall order that the person continue to have an interlock device or enhanced technology interlock device in any vehicle registered to or used by that person for an additional period of 120 days or until the individual has been violation-free for such extended period, whichever is the later.
III. An operator who is identified as having committed an ignition interlock violation may request a hearing with the bureau of hearings to determine by a preponderance of the evidence whether such violation occurred. The department shall notify the operator of this right to a hearing, however the interlock shall not be removed from the vehicle while such hearing is pending.
IV. If after a hearing the commissioner determines that the scope and nature of an operator's violations of the provisions of this section are so significant or flagrant that the interests of public safety are at risk, the commissioner may also revoke any vehicle registrations in the name of the operator, as well as the registrations of vehicles equipped with an ignition interlock device the operator has access to, and prevent further registrations from issuing.
V. If a person, who is required to have an ignition interlock device installed in any vehicle registered to or used by that person on a regular basis, removes or has the interlock removed without first obtaining a removal certificate, the commissioner in his or her discretion may suspend that person's license or driving privilege until such time as the ignition interlock device is reinstalled and may extend the period of time for which an ignition interlock device is required by not less than a number of days equivalent to the number of days that the ignition interlock device was not in place, or not more than an additional 120 days, regardless of the date that the interlock order would otherwise expire.
VI. No person who has a court or administrative hearing pending regarding an allegation of having committed one or more ignition interlock device violations shall remove the ignition interlock device or have the ignition interlock device removed or apply for a removal certificate, and if he or she has the ignition interlock device removed during the pendency of such hearing the commissioner in his or her discretion may require the ignition interlock device to be reinstalled and may extend the period of time for which an ignition interlock device is required by a number of days equivalent to the number of days that the ignition interlock device was not in place or not more than an additional 120 days, regardless of the date that the interlock order would otherwise expire.

Source. 2014, 287:1, eff. Sept. 26, 2014. 2015, 118:4, 5, eff. Jan. 1, 2016. 2017, 244:4, eff. July 18, 2017.

Impaired Driver Intervention Programs

Section 265-A:39

    265-A:39 Impaired Driver Education Programs. –
I. Except as provided in paragraph III, the commissioner of the department of health and human services shall be responsible for approving the impaired driver education programs which persons convicted under RSA 265-A:2 or RSA 265-A:3 shall attend in order to regain their driver's licenses or driving privileges; but the commissioner of the department of health and human services shall not approve any impaired driver education program unless such program is conducted without cost to the state.
II. An impaired driver education program shall consist, at a minimum, of 20 hours of evidence-based educational curriculum. The department of health and human services shall establish and maintain standards of instruction and monitor course content.
III. The commissioner of the department of health and human services shall adopt rules, pursuant to RSA 541-A, relative to the impaired driver education programs with respect to:
(a) Necessary procedures and forms to be followed in order for drivers who have completed such programs to regain their licenses or driving privileges.
(b) Place of business and areas of the state in which approved programs may operate.
(c) Records and reports.
(d) Schedule of fees and charges.
(e) Course content and standards of instruction.
(f) Certification and recertification of instructors.
(g) A per client fee to be paid by program providers sufficient to cover the costs of monitoring course content, establishing and maintaining standards of instruction, data collection, and administrative support.
(h) Program compliance.
(i) Any other matter related to the proper administration of this section and the protection of the public.

Source. 2006, 260:1. 2008, 256:5, 6. 2010, Sp. Sess., 1:20. 2012, 228:6. 2013, 144:35, eff. July 1, 2013.

Section 265-A:40

    265-A:40 Impaired Driver Care Management Programs. –
I. The commissioner of the department of health and human services shall publish a regularly-updated list of approved impaired driver care management programs (IDCMPs) and related treatment providers. The commissioner of the department of health and human services may approve an IDCMP upon receipt of an application that demonstrates, in a manner satisfactory to the commissioner of the department of health and human services, that the applicant has the professional capability, financial viability, pertinent experience, and potential longevity necessary to provide the services required of an IDCMP under this chapter. A treatment provider, who may also carry out substance use disorder evaluations, may be approved upon receipt of an application that demonstrates in equivalent fashion the professional capability, financial viability, pertinent experience, and potential longevity necessary to provide services. The commissioner of the department of health and human services shall monitor IDCMP services and may withdraw the approval of an IDCMP or treatment provider upon receipt of reliable evidence that the entity has failed to meet the requirements of this section or is likely to act in a manner that threatens public safety or the welfare of a client.
II. An approved impaired driver care management program (IDCMP) shall provide the following services for persons arrested for or convicted of an offense under this chapter:
(a) Screening of first-time offenders, using a screening test approved by the department of health and human services, to determine whether they need a full evaluation for substance use disorders.
(b) Conducting a full substance use disorder evaluation, as necessary.
(c) Development of a service plan based on this assessment of the client, which may include referral to education and/or treatment programs.
(d) Monitoring of the services provided to the client under the service plan.
(e) Notifying the division of motor vehicles and the sentencing court if the client fails to comply with the service plan.
(f) Periodic face-to-face evaluations of the client's progress.
(g) Administration of drug and alcohol tests or other abstinence monitoring regimen required by the court or included in the service plan.
(h) Reporting the results of monitoring or final evaluation and completion by the IDCMP, as appropriate, to the sentencing court, the division of motor vehicles, and the department of health and human services.
III. Before the service plan is finalized, the client shall provide to the program an original certified copy of the person's driver's license record. Such record shall be secured from the division of motor vehicles, or from the state in which the person holds a driver's license, if an out-of-state resident. The person shall pay for all costs involved in securing the certified copy.
IV. Persons receiving services from an impaired driver care management program and from education or treatment programs included in the service plan shall be responsible for the fees assessed by such programs, including a per-client fee paid by the program provider to the department of health and human services sufficient to cover the costs of monitoring program services, data collection, and administrative support by the department of health and human services. Persons who cannot pay for IDCMP or treatment services may avail themselves of publicly funded programs. The department of health and human services may review the fees assessed and allow for payment plans, fee waivers, or services for indigent clients or clients that meet poverty guidelines established by the commissioner.
V. The approved impaired driver care management program (IDCMP) shall determine whether the client has complied with all requirements of the service plan. The IDCMP shall notify the client, the division, the court, and the department of health and human services when the client has complied with such requirements and paid all applicable fees.
VI. The client shall have the right to a hearing before the commissioner of safety or designee, who shall determine whether the service plan requirements are warranted and appropriate.
VII. The commissioner of the department of health and human services shall adopt rules, pursuant to RSA 541-A, relative to the impaired driver care management programs with respect to:
(a) Approval of programs.
(b) Procedures and forms to be followed in order to verify client completion of the program.
(c) Place of business and areas of the state in which approved programs may operate.
(d) Records and reports.
(e) Schedule of fees and charges.
(f) Certification and recertification of programs.
(g) A per client fee to be paid by program providers sufficient to cover the costs of monitoring compliance, data collection, and administrative support.
(h) Site reviews.
(i) Program compliance.
(j) Any other matter related to the proper administration of this section and the protection of the public.
VIII. For the purposes of clinical efficacy and continuity of care the IDCMP may provide substance abuse treatment services to those persons required to complete a treatment service plan if the IDCMP is also a department of health and human services approved treatment services provider and if the person elects this option. Before the person may elect this option, the IDCMP shall first provide the person with a printed list of all other department of health and human services approved providers. The person shall sign a waiver acknowledging receipt of the list that also fully explains his or her right to choose a different provider at any time. The person may elect to receive treatment services from the IDCMP by acknowledging on the waiver that he or she has chosen to obtain the required substance abuse treatment services from the IDCMP.
IX. Notwithstanding other provisions in RSA 265-A, out-of-state residents may elect to obtain required screening, evaluation, treatment, and education services in their legal state of residence provided that they register with a New Hampshire IDCMP and that the New Hampshire IDCMP:
(a) Ensures that screening, evaluation, and treatment services are provided by individuals possessing an International Certification __ampersand__ Reciprocity Consortium/Alcohol and Other Drug Abuse (IC__ampersand__RC) sanctioned license, or, if the client resides in a non-IC__ampersand__RC state, by individuals who are approved by that state for the purpose of license reinstatement subsequent to an alcohol or drug DWI conviction;
(b) Ensures that impaired driver education programs are provided by programs which are approved by that state for the purpose of license reinstatement subsequent to an alcohol or drug DWI conviction;
(c) Develops the service plan;
(d) Monitors compliance with the service plan and reports noncompliance to the division of motor vehicles and the sentencing court; and
(e) Determines whether the service plan has been completed and, if so, reports completion to the sentencing court, the division of motor vehicles, and the department of health and human services.

Source. 2006, 260:1. 2008, 256:7. 2010, Sp. Sess., 1:21. 2012, 228:7. 2013, 219:5, eff. July 11, 2013.

Section 265-A:41

    265-A:41 Utilization of Funds. – All funds derived from the fees collected by the commissioner of the department of health and human services under RSA 265-A:18, RSA 265-A:39, and RSA 265-A:40 shall be deposited into the general fund.

Source. 2006, 260:1. 2010, Sp. Sess., 1:22. 2012, 228:8. 2013, 144:36, eff. July 1, 2013.

Section 265-A:42

    265-A:42 Attendance at Impaired Driver Education Course Required. –
I. The director shall not restore the license or driving privilege of any person whose license or privilege has been revoked or suspended pursuant to RSA 265-A:2, I or 265-A:3 if the person has not completed a department of health and human services approved impaired driver education program within the past 5 years, completed an alcohol and drug abuse screening, and if testing demonstrates the likelihood of a substance use disorder, a substance use disorder evaluation, and complied with the service plan developed from the substance abuse disorder evaluation by the IDCMP, furnished proof of completion of a department of health and human services approved impaired driver education, and paid all relevant program fees.
II. The impaired driver education program operating the course shall report completion of the course to the impaired driver care management program.

Source. 2006, 260:1. 2008, 256:8, 9. 2010, Sp. Sess., 1:23. 2012, 228:9, eff. Jan. 1, 2013.

Other Alcohol and Drug Offenses

Section 265-A:43

    265-A:43 Possession of Drugs. – Any person who drives on any way a vehicle while knowingly having in his or her possession or in any part of the vehicle a controlled drug or controlled drug analog in violation of the provisions of RSA 318-B shall be guilty of a misdemeanor, and his or her license shall be revoked or his or her right to drive denied for a period of 60 days and at the discretion of the court for a period not to exceed 2 years. This section shall not apply to the possession of marijuana or hashish as provided in RSA 318-B:2-c, or a personal-use amount of a regulated marijuana-infused product as defined in RSA 318-B:2-c, I(b).

Source. 2006, 260:1, eff. Jan. 1, 2007. 2017, 248:7, eff. Sept. 16, 2017.

Section 265-A:44

    265-A:44 Transporting Alcoholic Beverages. –
I. The words "liquor" and "beverage" as used in this section shall have the same meanings as defined in RSA 175:1.
II. Except as provided in paragraph V, no driver shall transport, carry, possess, or have any liquor or beverage within the passenger area of any motor vehicle or OHRV upon any way in this state except in the original container and with the seal unbroken. Securely capped partially filled containers of liquor or beverages shall be stored and transported in the trunk of the motor vehicle or OHRV. If the motor vehicle or OHRV does not have a trunk, such containers shall be stored and transported in that compartment or area of the vehicle or OHRV which is the least accessible to the driver.
III. Except as provided in paragraph V, no passenger shall carry, possess, or have any liquor or beverage within any passenger area of any motor vehicle or OHRV upon any way or in an area principally used for public parking in this state except in the original container and with the seal unbroken. Securely capped partially filled containers of liquor or beverages may be stored and transported in that compartment or area of the vehicle or OHRV which is the least accessible to the driver.
IV. A person who violates this section shall be guilty of a violation and shall be subject to a fine of $150. In addition, a person who violates paragraph II of this section may have his or her drivers' license, if a resident, or driving privilege, if a nonresident, suspended 60 days for a first offense and up to one year for a second or subsequent offense.
V. This section shall not apply to persons transporting, carrying, possessing, or having any liquor or beverage in a chartered bus, in a taxi, or in a limousine for hire; provided, however, that the driver of any of said vehicles is prohibited from having any liquor or beverage in or about the driver's area.
VI. For the purposes of this section only:
(a) "Passenger area of any motor vehicle or OHRV" shall not include any section of a motor vehicle or OHRV which has been designed or modified for the overnight accommodation of persons or as living quarters.
(b) "Way" shall mean the entire width between the boundary lines of any public highway, street, avenue, road, alley, park, or parkway, or any private way laid out under authority of statute, or any such way provided and maintained by a public institution to which state funds are appropriated for public use or any such way which has been used for public travel for 20 years.

Source. 2006, 260:1, eff. Jan. 1, 2007. 2019, 216:15, eff. Sept. 10, 2019.

Section 265-A:45

    265-A:45 Transportation of Alcoholic Beverages by a Minor. –
I. Notwithstanding RSA 265-A:44, II, no driver under the age of 21 shall, except when accompanied by a parent, stepparent, legal guardian, grandparent, step-grandparent, or legal age spouse, domestic partner, or sibling, transport any liquor or beverage in any part of a vehicle. A driver violating this section may have his or her license or privilege to drive suspended for 60 days.
II. No person operating a boat while under the age of 21 shall, except when accompanied by a parent, stepparent, legal guardian, grandparent, step-grandparent, or legal age spouse, domestic partner, or sibling, transport any liquor or beverage in any part of a boat with an intent to consume such liquor or beverage. Anyone violating this paragraph may, following a hearing, have his or her privilege to operate a boat on the waters of the state suspended for 90 days and may additionally have his or her license or privilege to drive suspended for 90 days.
III. The words "liquor" and "beverage" as used in this section shall have the same meanings as defined in RSA 175:1. "Legal age spouse" means a person 21 years of age or older.
IV. This section shall not apply to a driver under 21 years of age employed under RSA 179:23.

Source. 2006, 260:1. 2008, 316:4, eff. July 2, 2008. 2018, 303:1, eff. Aug. 24, 2018.