This bill amends the definition of "antique motor vehicle" in RSA 259:4 to clarify that such vehicles are not maintained for primary transportation use. The revised definition specifies that an antique motor vehicle, farm tractor, retired fire apparatus, or motorcycle must be over 25 years old (or over 20 years for retired fire apparatus) and is maintained for exhibitions, club activities, parades, and other public interest functions, but not for commercial use. The new legal language inserted into the bill states that these vehicles are "not maintained for primary transportation use," replacing the previous requirement that they be in their original condition or restored to original or better condition.

The fiscal impact of this bill is significant, as it is estimated to decrease state revenue by up to $4.5 million per year due to the potential registration of approximately 75,000 additional vehicles as antiques, which would pay a lower registration fee of $6 compared to the standard fees ranging from $42 to $66. This change would also lead to a reduction in local revenue and expenditures, with estimates of up to $540,000 per year starting in FY 2028. The Department of Safety indicates that this bill could result in a substantial shift in vehicle registrations, impacting both state and local funding sources.

Statutes affected:
Introduced: 259:4, 266:33
As Amended by the House: 259:4
HB1350 text: 259:4