HB 1176-FN - AS AMENDED BY THE HOUSE
12Feb2026... 0197h
2026 SESSION
26-2473
06/05
HOUSE BILL 1176-FN
AN ACT relative to the display of license plates on vehicles.
SPONSORS: Rep. Notter, Hills. 12; Rep. Alexander Jr., Hills. 29; Rep. Labrie, Hills. 2; Rep. Aures, Merr. 13; Rep. Aldrich, Belk. 6; Rep. Spillane, Rock. 2; Rep. Ammon, Hills. 42; Sen. Murphy, Dist 16
COMMITTEE: Transportation
─────────────────────────────────────────────────────────────────
AMENDED ANALYSIS
This bill removes the requirement that a motor vehicle display a front license plate unless the vehicle is used for commercial purposes or is towing a trailer or other apparatus.
- - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - -
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Matter which is either (a) all new or (b) repealed and reenacted appears in regular type.
12Feb2026... 0197h 26-2473
06/05
STATE OF NEW HAMPSHIRE
In the Year of Our Lord Two Thousand Twenty-Six
AN ACT relative to the display of license plates on vehicles.
Be it Enacted by the Senate and House of Representatives in General Court convened:
1 Number Plates. Amend RSA 261:75, II to read as follows:
II. Every vehicle driven in or on any way in this state, if required to be registered hereunder, shall have displayed conspicuously [thereon] on the rear of the vehicle a single number plate [or plates] to be furnished by the department, together with any current validation sticker issued by the department and which has a changeable designation of their effective period, unless excluded by paragraphs II-a and II-b. The director may make special rules relative to [the number of plates,] the location of said plate [or plates] on the vehicle, and the material and design thereof, provided, however, that number plates for passenger vehicles shall have the state motto "Live Free or Die" written thereon. The plate shall be kept clean.
II-a. All vehicles used for commercial activities or registered to a business shall display both front and rear license plates.
II-b. All vehicles with a trailer or apparatus in tow shall display both front and rear license plates.
III. The director shall issue 2 license plates, which shall be maintained throughout the registration period to enable the operator to display both and which may be transferred upon trade or purchase of a vehicle.
2 Effective Date. This act shall take effect 60 days after its passage.
26-2473
02/24/2026
HB 1176-FN- FISCAL NOTE
AS AMENDED BY THE HOUSE (AMENDMENT #2026-0197h)
AN ACT relative to the display of license plates on vehicles.
FISCAL IMPACT:
The Department of Safety states it can implement the provisions of this bill within its existing budget and resources. Therefore, this bill is not expected to have an impact on state, county and local expenditures or revenue.
AGENCIES CONTACTED:
Department of Safety
| Date | Amendment |
|---|---|
| Jan. 28, 2026 | 2026-0197h |
| Date | Body | Type |
|---|---|---|
| Jan. 13, 2026 | House | Hearing |
| Jan. 26, 2026 | House | Exec Session |
| Jan. 27, 2026 | House | Exec Session |
| Jan. 27, 2026 | House | Floor Vote |
Feb. 12, 2026: Lay HB1176 on Table (Rep. S. Smith): MA RC 321-27 02/12/2026 HJ 4
Feb. 12, 2026: Ought to Pass with Amendment 2026-0197h: MF DV 159-188 02/12/2026 HJ 4
Feb. 12, 2026: Amendment # 2026-0197h: AA VV 02/12/2026 HJ 4
Feb. 2, 2026: Minority Committee Report: Inexpedient to Legislate
Feb. 2, 2026: Majority Committee Report: Ought to Pass with Amendment # 2026-0197h 01/27/2026 (Vote 9-7; RC) HC 6 P. 20
Jan. 21, 2026: ==CONTINUED== Executive Session: 01/27/2026 01:00 pm GP 232
Jan. 14, 2026: ==RECESSED== Executive Session: 01/20/2026 02:45 pm GP 234
Jan. 8, 2026: Public Hearing: 01/13/2026 11:00 am GP 234
Dec. 1, 2025: Introduced 01/07/2026 and referred to Transportation HJ 1 P. 9