HB 628-FN - AS INTRODUCED

2021 SESSION

21-0237

11/06

HOUSE BILL 628-FN

AN ACT relative to maximum vehicle speed limitations.

SPONSORS: Rep. Yokela, Rock. 33

COMMITTEE: Transportation

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ANALYSIS

This bill raises the maximum speed limit on certain ways.

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Explanation: Matter added to current law appears in bold italics.

Matter removed from current law appears [in brackets and struckthrough.]

Matter which is either (a) all new or (b) repealed and reenacted appears in regular type.

21-0237

11/06

STATE OF NEW HAMPSHIRE

In the Year of Our Lord Two Thousand Twenty One

AN ACT relative to maximum vehicle speed limitations.

Be it Enacted by the Senate and House of Representatives in General Court convened:

1  Speed Limitations; Basic Rule and Maximum Limits.  Amend RSA 265:60, II(d)-(e) to read as follows:

(d) [55] 60 miles per hour in other locations, except as provided in (e);

(e) [65] 70 miles an hour on the interstate system, the central New Hampshire turnpike and the eastern New Hampshire turnpike in locations where said highways are 4-lane divided highways or other divided highways of 4 or more lanes, except that the speed limit on the portion of I-93 from mile marker 45 to the Vermont border shall be [70] 75 miles per hour.

2  Maximum Speed Limits; Toll Collection Area.  Amend RSA 265:60, II(h) to read as follows:

(h) In the toll collection area of an open road tolling lane, at a speed greater than is reasonable and prudent for the conditions and actual and potential hazards existing at the time or greater than a per se maximum speed of [65] 70 miles per hour, whichever is less.

3  Maximum Speed Limits; Fines.  Amend RSA 265:60, VI to read as follows:

VI. The fines for violations of subparagraph II(e) shall be as follows:

Miles above the [65] 70 mph limit:

1-5 $65

6-10 100

11-15 150

16-20 250

21+ 350

Miles above the [70] 75 mph limit:

1-5 $65

6-10 100

11-15 200

16-20 300

21+ 400

The fines listed in this paragraph shall be plus penalty assessment.

4  Effective Date.  This act shall take effect 60 days after its passage.

LBA

21-0237

1/13/21

HB 628-FN- FISCAL NOTE

AS INTRODUCED

AN ACT relative to maximum vehicle speed limitations.

FISCAL IMPACT:      [ X ] State              [    ] County               [    ] Local              [    ] None

METHODOLOGY:

This bill raises the maximum speed limit on certain roadways, which would require the installation of updated signs.  The Department of Transportation states the needed number signs is not readily available, but for estimation purposes, it is assumed that there are 500 signs installed on conventional non-divided highways and 200 signs installed on divided highways.  For illustrative purposes, the cost to purchase signs, as well as replace existing and install new signs as needed, is as follows (it is expected costs would be incurred in FY 2022):

The Department of Transportation states there are a number of other highway features based on the posted speed limit, such as horizontal alignment warning signing, no passing zones, lane tapers, and guardrail limits that will need to be evaluated if the speed limits are to increase as proposed.  The evaluations will require significant engineering study and the results would likely include more warning signs, fewer passing zones, and more guardrail.  For example, the speed limit for a 12-mile (+/-) segment of state highway was recently increased from 35 to 45 mph and the resulting engineering review determined an additional 200 (+/-) highway alignment warning signs were required.  There may also be locations where the Department will need to document a design exception for elements that do not meet the standard for the higher speed limits.  While potentially significant, these impacts have not been analyzed for the purpose of this fiscal note.

Lastly, the Department of Transportation states the proposed changes would likely not impact local roads.

It is assumed any fiscal impact resulting from this bill will not occur until FY 2022.

AGENCIES CONTACTED:

Department of Transportation