Bill > HB441

This bill prohibits "rolling coal," which is the act of modifying a diesel-powered motor vehicle to intentionally emit excessive smoke, specifically targeting vehicles with a gross vehicle weight rating under 18,000 pounds. The legislation makes it illegal to operate a vehicle on public roads or in parking areas where smoke is deliberately produced through permanent or temporary alterations to the exhaust system. "Rolling coal" is typically done as a form of provocative vehicle modification, often to intimidate or harass other drivers, pedestrians, or cyclists. Under this bill, anyone who violates the prohibition would be considered guilty of a violation, which is a lesser offense than a misdemeanor or felony. The bill is set to take effect on January 1, 2026, giving vehicle owners and law enforcement time to prepare for the new regulation. While the fiscal note indicates that the bill may have some indeterminable impact on judicial and correctional systems due to potential enforcement and prosecution, no specific revenue or expenditure increases are anticipated.

Transportation and Infrastructure

https://gc.nh.gov/bill_status/legacy/bs2016/bill_docket.aspx?lsr=852&sy=2025&sortoption=&txtsessionyear=2025&txtbillnumber=HB441