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1 Purpose. The general court finds that while New Hampshire does not require every driver to maintain automobile insurance, RSA 264:3 requires that all drivers be financially responsible for damages caused by their operation of a motor vehicle. Current law enforces this requirement only after an accident has occurred. To protect responsible motorists and the public, this act requires that drivers demonstrate proof of financial responsibility at the time of vehicle registration. This maintains individual choice while ensuring that no motorist operates a vehicle without the ability to pay for damages.
2 New Sections; Motor Vehicles; Financial Responsibility; Proof Required at Registration. Amend RSA 264 by inserting after section 2 the following new sections:
264:2-a Proof of Financial Responsibility Required at Registration.
I. No motor vehicle shall be registered in this state unless the applicant provides one of the following to the division of motor vehicles:
(a) Proof of a motor vehicle liability insurance policy in effect which meets the minimum coverage limits established in RSA 264:20; or
(b) A certificate of deposit, surety bond, or other evidence of financial responsibility in an amount not less than the minimum liability limits set forth in RSA 264:20, filed with the state treasurer and verified to the division of motor vehicles.
II. The division shall record such proof at the time of registration and shall adopt rules pursuant to RSA 541-A for implementation.
3 New Section; Suspension for Lack of Proof. Amend RSA 264 by inserting after section 3 the following new section:
264:3-a Suspension for Lack of Proof.
I. Any person operating a motor vehicle who, upon lawful request by a law enforcement officer, fails to produce evidence of financial responsibility as required by RSA 264:2-a shall have their driver's license and registration privileges suspended immediately by the division of motor vehicles.
II. Such suspension shall remain in effect until the person provides proof of financial responsibility in compliance with RSA 264:2-a, or until all claims and judgments arising from the accident have been satisfied in accordance with RSA 264:3.
III. The division of motor vehicles shall adopt rules pursuant to RSA 541-A for administration and enforcement of this section.
4 Effective Date. This act shall take effect January 1, 2027.
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1 Purpose. The general court finds that while New Hampshire does not require every driver to maintain automobile insurance, RSA 264:3 requires that all drivers be financially responsible for damages caused by their operation of a motor vehicle. Current law enforces this requirement only after an accident has occurred. To protect responsible motorists and the public, this act requires that drivers demonstrate proof of financial responsibility at the time of vehicle registration. This maintains individual choice while ensuring that no motorist operates a vehicle without the ability to pay for damages.
2 New Sections; Motor Vehicles; Financial Responsibility; Proof Required at Registration. Amend RSA 264 by inserting after section 2 the following new sections:
264:2-a Proof of Financial Responsibility Required at Registration.
I. No motor vehicle shall be registered in this state unless the applicant provides one of the following to the division of motor vehicles:
(a) Proof of a motor vehicle liability insurance policy in effect which meets the minimum coverage limits established in RSA 264:20; or
(b) A certificate of deposit, surety bond, or other evidence of financial responsibility in an amount not less than the minimum liability limits set forth in RSA 264:20, filed with the state treasurer and verified to the division of motor vehicles.
II. The division shall record such proof at the time of registration and shall adopt rules pursuant to RSA 541-A for implementation.
3 New Section; Suspension for Lack of Proof. Amend RSA 264 by inserting after section 3 the following new section:
264:3-a Suspension for Lack of Proof.
I. Any person operating a motor vehicle who, upon lawful request by a law enforcement officer, fails to produce evidence of financial responsibility as required by RSA 264:2-a shall have their driver's license and registration privileges suspended immediately by the division of motor vehicles.
II. Such suspension shall remain in effect until the person provides proof of financial responsibility in compliance with RSA 264:2-a, or until all claims and judgments arising from the accident have been satisfied in accordance with RSA 264:3.
III. The division of motor vehicles shall adopt rules pursuant to RSA 541-A for administration and enforcement of this section.
4 Effective Date. This act shall take effect January 1, 2027.