SB649 Increasing fines for using a hand-held mobile electronic device while driving a motor vehicle.
Increasing fines for using a hand-held mobile electronic device while driving a motor vehicle.
Impact Score — How Does This Bill Affect You?
Overall Impact Score
Concerning
Scale: 1 (harmful) to 10 (beneficial)
Your Wallet
Higher fines for distracted drivers; most residents can avoid this by not using phones while driving.
Your Community
Distracted driving is a leading cause of crashes; stronger penalties can save lives on NH roads.
Your Freedom
Increases government penalties on personal behavior, though targeting genuinely dangerous activity.
Status
Signed by the Governor on 05/28/2026; Chapter 114; Effective 01/01/2027
Sponsor
Donovan Fenton (D)
The Short Version
Increases fines for distracted driving with handheld devices. Aims to deter texting and phone use while driving through stiffer financial penalties.
Who's Behind This Bill?
Who Benefits
- ▲ All road users
- ▲ Pedestrians and cyclists
- ▲ Families of crash victims
Who Pays the Price
- ▼ Drivers who use phones while driving
Bill statuses as of May 2026. Check LegiScan or NH General Court for the latest.
This bill was auto-scored using AI analysis of the bill text and legislative data. Scores may be refined as we review more bills.