Recent New Hampshire DWI Law Changes
What changed, when it took effect, and who it affects.
January 1, 2026
Wrong-way driving added to aggravated DWI (HB 776, 2025 chapter 290)
Driving the wrong way while impaired is now an aggravating factor under RSA 265-A:3. A DWI with wrong-way driving can be charged as aggravated DWI, with its mandatory jail and higher fine.
Official sources
- NH General Court — HB 776 (2025), aggravated DWI and wrong-way driving
- NH DMV — Pay a Restoration Fee
- NH Administrative Rules — He-A 500, Impaired Driver Programs
- NH Judicial Branch — Hillsborough County District Divisions
- NH Judicial Branch — Merrimack County District Divisions
- NH Judicial Branch — Strafford County District Divisions
- NH Judicial Branch — Find a Court
- NH Department of Safety — Request for Administrative License Suspension Hearing
- NH Department of Safety — Hearings FAQs
- NH Department of Safety — How to Request a Hearing
- NH DMV — Suspension and Restoration
- NH DMV — Insurance Requirements / SR-22 FAQs
- NH DMV — Commercial Driver’s License Manual
- RSA Chapter 265-A — Alcohol or Drug Impairment
- RSA 265-A:3 — Aggravated Driving While Intoxicated
- RSA 265-A:14 — Refusal of Consent
- RSA 265-A:18 — Penalties
- RSA 265-A:21 — Annulment; Plea Bargaining
- RSA 265-A:30 — Administrative License Suspension
- RSA 265-A:31 — Administrative Review and Hearings
- RSA 265-A:36 — Alcohol Ignition Interlock Program
- RSA 263:94 — CDL Violations and Disqualification
- NH Judicial Branch — DWI Third Offense Sentencing Order (NHJB-2644-Se)
- NH Judicial Branch — Acknowledgment and Waiver of Rights, DWI 2nd (NHJB-2822-D)
- NH Judicial Branch — Annulment (District Division)
- RSA 263:57-b — Limited Driving Privilege After Revocation or Suspension
- NH Judicial Branch — Petition for Limited Driving Privileges (NHJB-2026-DSE)
- NH DMV — Restricted license notice (RDMV 115)
- NH Judicial Branch — DWI First Offense Sentencing Order (NHJB-2642-Se)
- NH Judicial Branch — Acknowledgment and Waiver of Rights, DWI 1st (NHJB-2821-DSe)
- NH Judicial Branch — Criminal cases, District Division
- NH Rules of Criminal Procedure — Rule 4, Initial Proceedings in District Division
- NH Rules of Criminal Procedure — Rule 11, Pleas
Educational information, not legal advice. New Hampshire law changes and every case is different. Confirm deadlines with New Hampshire Department of Safety, Bureau of Hearings (suspension imposed by the Division of Motor Vehicles) and talk to a licensed New Hampshire attorney about your situation.
Some details on this page are still being verified against official sources. Check the linked sources before relying on a specific number or deadline.
Last reviewed October 1, 2026.