Bill > SB151

This bill makes several changes to parking regulations for individuals with walking disabilities, focusing on increasing penalties and preventing placard fraud. The legislation increases fines for parking in spaces designated for individuals with walking disabilities from $250 to $500, with 50% of the fine payable to the local municipality. It introduces a new provision that makes it a violation or misdemeanor to use a counterfeit, forged, stolen, or purchased handicap placard, with fines ranging from $1,000 for a first offense to $1,500 for subsequent offenses. The bill also clarifies that free parking privileges for disability placards are only valid when the person with the disability is being transported in the vehicle. Additionally, the law specifies that access aisles adjacent to disability parking spaces cannot be obstructed, with separate fines starting at $100 for first-time offenders. The changes aim to protect parking spaces for those who genuinely need them and prevent misuse of disability placards. The bill is set to take effect on January 1, 2026, and is expected to have a minimal fiscal impact of less than $10,000 annually.

Justice, Transportation and Infrastructure

https://gc.nh.gov/bill_status/legacy/bs2016/bill_docket.aspx?lsr=1092&sy=2025&sortoption=&txtsessionyear=2025&txtbillnumber=SB151