This bill amends existing laws to include "retired fire apparatus" (fire trucks) in the definition of antique vehicles, thereby granting them similar exemptions and regulations as other antique vehicles. Specifically, it modifies RSA 259:4 to define antique motor vehicles, farm tractors, and retired fire apparatus as vehicles over 25 years old, or over 20 years old for retired fire apparatus, that are maintained for exhibitions and public interest activities rather than for commercial use. The bill also clarifies that "maintained for use" means the vehicle is in its original condition or restored to its original or better condition.

Additionally, the bill makes several amendments to existing laws regarding the use of sirens and emergency lights. It specifies that retired fire apparatus are exempt from the prohibition against sirens on motor vehicles (RSA 266:73) and includes them in the category of emergency response vehicles allowed to use emergency lights (RSA 266:78-c, I). Furthermore, it allows for certain tail lamp height exemptions for antique vehicles, including retired fire apparatus, under RSA 266:33. The act will take effect 60 days after its passage and is projected to have a fiscal impact of less than $10,000 in each fiscal year from 2025 to 2028.

Statutes affected:
Introduced: 259:4, 266:73, 266:78-c, 266:33