NH Insurance Warns Drivers of Insurance Consequences Under New 100 MPH Reckless Driving Law

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For Immediate Release Date: March 09, 2026

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(603) 271-3781 | communications@ins.nh.gov

New Hampshire Insurance Department Warns Drivers of Insurance Consequences Under New 100 MPH Reckless Driving Law

CONCORD, NH (March 9, 2026) – The New Hampshire Insurance Department (NHID) is urging drivers to understand that New Hampshire’s new penalties for driving 100 miles per hour or greater may carry significant insurance consequences that extend well beyond the initial traffic stop. Effective January 1st, 2026, state law imposes stronger penalties for motorists cited for driving 100 miles per hour or more, but the NHID is reminding consumers that the financial impact may continue long after fines are paid and license suspensions are served.

“The implementation of this law is an important public safety measure, but it is also an important consumer awareness issue,” said Insurance Commissioner DJ Bettencourt. “Drivers need to understand that a violation at this level may do far more than result in a fine or a court appearance. It may lead to substantially higher insurance premiums and long-term financial consequences for Granite Staters.”

Under the law, RSA 265:79, a first offense for driving 100 miles per hour or greater carries a minimum $750 fine plus penalty assessment and a mandatory 90-day license suspension. A subsequent offense carries a minimum $1,000 fine plus penalty assessment and a license suspension ranging from 90 days to one year. These penalties reflect the seriousness of the conduct, but they may represent only part of the total cost to the driver.

The NHID is emphasizing that serious moving violations may affect how insurers assess risk. A conviction involving extreme speed may result in higher premium costs or changes to underwriting carrier. For some drivers, that may mean paying significantly more for auto insurance over time, even after the legal case has been resolved.

The department is also reminding consumers that the broader financial impact of a high-speed reckless driving conviction can extend into other areas of household budgeting. Increased insurance premiums, court-related expenses, penalties, and the consequences of a suspended license can create added financial strain for months or even years. For many drivers, the cost of the violation may far exceed the initial fine.

“Driving 100 miles per hour or more is not simply a traffic violation with a one-time penalty,” said Insurance Commissioner DJ Bettencourt. “It is high-risk behavior that may affect a driver’s ability to afford insurance in the private insurance market. Safe driving is one of the most important steps consumers can take to protect both public safety and their own financial stability.”

The NHID encourages all motorists to recognize that extreme speeding creates risk not only on the roadway, but also in the cost and availability of insurance coverage. Drivers should understand that at those speeds, there is little margin for error, and the consequences may be severe for everyone involved.

“These stronger penalties reinforce that dangerous driving decisions can carry lasting financial consequences,” said Deputy Insurance Commissioner Keith Nyhan. “The NHID encourages drivers to make responsible choices behind the wheel and to remember that safer driving helps protect lives, lower costs, and preserve insurance affordability for Granite Staters.”

The full text of RSA 265:79 is available at https://gc.nh.gov/rsa/html/XXI/265/265-79.htm.

The New Hampshire Insurance Department Can Help

The New Hampshire Insurance Department’s mission is to promote and protect the public good by ensuring the existence of a safe and competitive insurance marketplace through the development and enforcement of the insurance laws of the State of New Hampshire. Contact us with any questions or concerns you may have regarding your insurance coverage at 800-852-3416 or 603-271‐2261, or by email at consumerservices@ins.nh.gov. For more information, visit https://insurance.nh.gov/.