Bill > HB239

This bill defines and enables lane filtering for motorcyclists in New Hampshire, introducing a new legal provision that allows motorcycles to overtake and pass motor vehicles that are stopped or moving less than 10 miles per hour in the same lane and direction. Specifically, lane filtering is permitted when the motorcyclist does not exceed 20 miles per hour and can continue to operate in a reasonable and prudent manner. The bill removes previous restrictions that prohibited motorcycles from passing in the same lane or driving between lanes of traffic. Additionally, the legislation establishes a new offense of intentionally impeding a motorcycle during lane filtering, with fines ranging from $250 to $500 for a first offense and $500 to $1,000 for subsequent offenses. The bill also requires the Division of Motor Vehicles to develop educational guidelines to ensure the safety of motorcyclists and other drivers during lane filtering. These changes aim to provide more flexibility for motorcyclists while maintaining road safety, and the bill will take effect 60 days after its passage. The fiscal note indicates that implementing these changes will cost the state between $10,000 and $100,000 in educational and administrative expenses over the next few years.

Transportation and Infrastructure

https://gc.nh.gov/bill_status/legacy/bs2016/bill_status.aspx?lsr=0013&sy=2025&sortoption=&txtsessionyear=2025&txtbillnumber=HB239