This bill amends current law to allow drivers who plead guilty or nolo contendere to certain motor vehicle violations to request an extension of their fine payment period from 30 days to 90 days. The new legal language specifies that drivers can submit their plea and payment either physically, by mail, or online, and outlines the conditions under which they can request a second 90-day extension if they are unable to pay within the initial 90 days. The bill also includes provisions for the Division of Motor Vehicles (DMV) to adopt rules regarding the request and granting of these extensions.

Additionally, the bill modifies existing language in RSA 262:44, I, by inserting provisions that allow for online plea submissions and payment, as well as clarifying the eligibility criteria for the extended payment period. The fiscal impact of the bill indicates that while there will be no revenue generated, there will be an estimated one-time expenditure of $90,000 in FY 2026 for necessary software changes at the DMV to implement these new provisions. The bill is set to take effect on January 1, 2026.

Statutes affected:
Introduced: 262:44
As Amended by the House: 262:44