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Bill

SB 273

relative to motorist duties when approaching highway emergencies involving a stopped or standing vehicle.

2025 Regular Session Introduced by Debra Altschiller and 12 co-sponsors

SB 273 requires New Hampshire motorists to slow down and increase clearance when passing stopped vehicles on highways, effective September 2025.

Signed by the Governor on 07/15/2025; Chapter 0254; Effective 09/13/2025
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Bill Summary · SB 273

Legislative bill overview

SB 273 establishes new motorist duties and safety protocols when approaching stopped or standing vehicles on New Hampshire highways. The bill requires drivers to exercise caution, reduce speed, and provide adequate clearance when passing emergency vehicles, disabled vehicles, or other stopped motorists on roadways.

Why is this important

Highway incidents involving stopped vehicles create dangerous conditions where emergency responders and stranded motorists are at significant risk of being struck by passing traffic. This legislation aims to reduce injuries and fatalities by legally mandating defensive driving behaviors and potentially imposing penalties for violations, aligning New Hampshire with similar "move over" or "slow down" laws adopted by many other states.

Potential points of contention

  • Enforcement challenges: Determining whether a driver adequately reduced speed or provided sufficient clearance may be subjective and difficult for law enforcement to prove consistently
  • Driver compliance and awareness: New motorists unfamiliar with the law or inattentive drivers may not comply, limiting the legislation's effectiveness without robust public education campaigns
  • Economic impact on commercial drivers: Trucking and transportation industries may face increased operational costs, citation risks, and liability concerns if the law is broadly interpreted or aggressively enforced

Compiled from official sources — confirm details with the bill’s official record.

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