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 failing to pay fines related to moving violations as defined in RSA 265:79, RSA 265-A:2, RSA 265-A:3, or RSA 270:29-b. Additionally, it modifies the reinstatement criteria to focus on payment of fines or demonstration of financial inability to pay, rather than requiring a court appearance. The bill also updates the judicial authority to suspend licenses, ensuring that suspensions can only occur under specific conditions and with prior notice to the license holder.

Furthermore, the bill repeals several existing statutes that allow for license suspension due to defaults, noncompliance, or nonpayment of fines unrelated to driving offenses. This change is expected to have a significant fiscal impact, with an estimated decrease in highway fund revenue of approximately $955,000 annually, starting in FY 2026. The Department of Safety has indicated that a substantial portion of current restoration fees collected are related to non-motor vehicle offenses, which will no longer be subject to license suspension under this new legislation.

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