Full Notification

New Hampshire’s new hands free device law taking will be taking effect on July 1, 2015. The following is important information pertaining to this new law:

-No use of hand held electronic devices capable of providing voice or data communication while driving or temporarily halted in traffic for a stop sign or traffic signal or other momentary delays

-This includes cell phones, GPS, tablets, iPods, iPads or other devices that require data entry

-Emergency calls to 911 or other public safety agencies will be allowed

-One hand non-cellular 2-way radio use will be allowed

-Teen drivers under the age of 18 will not be allowed to use any electronic devices (hand held or not) except to report an emergency. Anyone violating this will be subject to penalties and license suspension or revocation

-Bluetooth or other hands-free electronic devices will be allowed

Penalties for violations:

1st offense- $100 fine
2nd offense- $250 fine
3rd offense- $500 fine

I recently purchased an aftermarket Bluetooth device for our Toyota police cruiser that was manufactured prior to the technology being standard for under $100.

Why is the NH law important?

-During the past 4 years, 116 fatal crashes in NH were caused by distraction

-The increasing use of electronic devices is fast becoming the primary distraction

-While texting, a driver is 23 times more likely to crash

-Sending or receiving a text distracts the driver for almost 5 seconds

-At 50 miles per hour, we travel longer than the length of a football field during that 5 seconds

-Even dialing a phone number increases the risk of crashing by 3 times

If you have any questions about this new law please feel free to contact me and I will do my best to answer it.

Enjoy this beautiful weather!

Chief Sanders