Texting while driving is a primary offense in New Hampshire that warrants fines of up to $500 for multiple offenses. Penalties for a distracted driving conviction also include points on your driving record and a subsequent increase in your car insurance premium.
The number of people who own smartphones increased from 52% in 2011 to 82% in 2014. Since then, the number has only gotten higher—prompting the need for specific laws regulating the use of phones on the road. To prevent the rise in distraction-related accidents, the state of New Hampshire has placed a ban on phone use for all drivers.
It can be hard to understand the intricacies of texting and driving laws. That’s why the car insurance
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Start earning nowWhat are the texting and driving laws in New Hampshire?
In New Hampshire, texting and driving is considered a primary offense. That means that officers can pull you over and ticket you for using your phone on the road. Aside from texting, New Hampshire has also banned the use of email, social media, or other phone applications while driving.
Specific acts of distracted driving are typically classified in one of three categories:
Visual distractions: Force drivers to look away from the road
Manual distractions: Require drivers to take their hands off the wheel
Cognitive distractions: Have drivers take their mind off their driving
Texting and other phone-related activities can be classified in each category of distractions, making texting and driving an extremely risky activity.
What are the penalties for texting and driving in New Hampshire?
The penalties for texting and driving are fairly severe in New Hampshire. A single infraction can cost up to $100 and warrant demerit points on your driving record. However, points are assigned on a case-by-case basis, so the fines are the only set penalty.
Here is how the fines break down by :
New Hampshire assesses violations within two-year periods, meaning that multiple violations within two years will count as second or subsequent offenses.
Remember that you could have your license suspended for collecting more than 12 points in a single year. So multiple violations could quickly lead to more severe consequences than a simple fine.
Are there exceptions to New Hampshire’s texting and driving law?
Yes. While New Hampshire’s texting and driving laws are fairly strict, here are a few exceptions to the current laws:
May use your phone to report an emergency
May use GPS or navigation systems in a hands-free capacity
Drivers may use a two-way radio if they’re licensed
The National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA)
notes that up to 36% of nationwide accidents happen at intersections. That’s why it’s also illegal to check your phone while stopping at red lights in New Hampshire. Even if it were legal, it’s always best to keep your eyes on the road and your mind on your driving. Are there special rules about texting and driving for young drivers?
In New Hampshire, drivers under the age of 18 cannot use their phones in any capacity. That means that young drivers aren’t allowed to make hands-free calls or use their phones at all while driving.
Key Takeaway It’s illegal to text and drive in New Hampshire, and doing so could warrant fines up to $500 and demerit points on your driving record.
Can texting and driving raise my insurance premium?
Texting and driving can cost you enormous amounts in distracted driving tickets
and cause your insurance premium to rise significantly. Because even first offenses are considered moving violations in New Hampshire, a single citation could be detrimental. In terms of solid numbers, the average New Hampshire driver pays about $1,346 with a clean record. But after a moving violation, the average insurance rate increases to $1,802. That’s a total increase of $456 or 34%.
To ensure your car insurance premium stays low as possible, make sure to keep your hands off your phone while you’re on the road. Texting while driving can be tempting, but it’s not worth the thousands in potential fines and insurance premiums.
How to save money on car insurance in New Hampshire
Car insurance premiums can be expensive—even with a clean driving record. But for drivers who’ve been convicted of moving violations, they’re almost unaffordable. Luckily, the Jerry
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coverage you need, regardless of your driving record. A licensed broker, the Jerry app helps users save an average of $887 a year on car insurance. Just download the app, answer a few questions, and Jerry will send you personalized quotes for the coverage you need from top providers like Allstate and Progressive.
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