This bill proposes significant changes to the criteria for driver's license suspension, specifically eliminating suspensions for reasons unrelated to motor vehicle offenses. It amends RSA 263:56-a to specify that a driver's license can only be suspended for failures related to moving violations as defined in RSA 265:79, RSA 265-A:2, RSA 265-A:3, and RSA 270:29-b. Additionally, it removes the authority for courts to suspend licenses for defaults, noncompliance, or nonpayment of fines that are not related to driving offenses. The bill also repeals several existing statutes that allow for license suspension under these circumstances.

The bill further clarifies the process for reinstating a suspended license, stating that payment of fines or demonstration of financial inability to pay must be established for reinstatement. It also modifies the judicial authority to suspend a driver's license, ensuring that such actions are only taken when specifically warranted and with proper notice and opportunity for the license holder to contest the suspension. The bill is expected to have a fiscal impact, decreasing highway fund revenue by approximately $955,000 annually due to the removal of restoration fees associated with non-driving related offenses, effective January 1, 2026.

Statutes affected:
Introduced: 263:56-a, 263:57