This bill grants municipalities the authority to seasonally adjust speed limits on their roads. It amends RSA 265:63 by adding a new paragraph that allows the governing body of a municipality, or its designee, to lower the prima facie speed limit on any part of the municipal highway system that experiences seasonal congestion due to pedestrian or bicycle traffic. This action can be initiated by the municipality itself or in response to a petition from at least 10 residents. The petition must specify the area of the highway system in question and the reasons for requesting a speed limit reduction. The municipality is then responsible for conducting an engineering and traffic investigation to determine the appropriate seasonal speed limit.

The bill stipulates that only one seasonal speed limit adjustment is allowed per 12-month period, with a minimum limit of 20 miles per hour and a maximum duration of four months. Additionally, municipalities can designate the times of day when the reduced speed limit is in effect. The costs of signage for the new seasonal speed limits, including design, construction, and installation, are to be borne by the municipality, with the approval of the commissioner of the department of transportation. The act is set to take effect on July 19, 2024, the same day it was approved.

Statutes affected:
Introduced: 265:63
As Amended by the House: 265:63
As Amended by the Senate: 265:63
Version adopted by both bodies: 265:63
CHAPTERED FINAL VERSION: 265:63