Revision: Jan. 24, 2024, 2:19 p.m.
Rep. A. Murray, Hills. 20
January 18, 2024
2024-0195h
09/08
Amendment to HB 1237-FN
Amend the bill by replacing section 1 with the following:
1 New Chapter; Police Vehicles. Amend RSA by inserting after chapter 105-D the following new chapter:
CHAPTER 105-E
POLICE VEHICLES
105-E:1 Vehicles Used for Traffic Enforcement.
I. Any municipal police vehicle purchased on or after January 1, 2025 shall be clearly marked and labeled identifying it as a police vehicle before it may be used by a police officer performing traffic law enforcement. For purposes of this section, stealth or ghost lettering, wherein the markings are not clearly visible, shall be insufficient to permit the vehicle's usage in traffic law enforcement.
II. Nothing in this section should be construed to prohibit the use of unmarked vehicles or vehicles with stealth or ghost lettering for any purpose other than traffic law enforcement.
III. A law enforcement officer operating an unmarked vehicle or a vehicle with stealth or ghost lettering in compliance with paragraph I may effect a traffic stop of a vehicle if the officer develops reasonable suspicion, based on personal observations, that a driver is committing an offense of reckless driving in violation of RSA 265:79 or driving or operating under the influence of drugs or liquor in violation of RSA 265-A, or in any other case where there is an emergency that the officer reasonably believes to be an immediate threat to public safety.
2024-0195h
AMENDED ANALYSIS
This bill establishes a requirement that any police vehicle purchased after January 1, 2025 must be clearly marked and labeled as a police vehicle in order for it to be used in traffic law enforcement, subject to certain exceptions.