Drinking and Driving Laws in New Hampshire
In the State of New Hampshire it is illegal to drive with a blood alcohol concentration (BAC) of .08 percent or above.
The .08 limit is the standard measurement used across the United States for the "impaired" driver. New Hampshire has lower BAC limits for drivers of commercial vehicles and drivers under the age of 21. In addition to alcohol the New Hampshire DUI law also includes driving under the influence of controlled substances such as marijuana, cocaine and other drugs.
How many drinks does it take to reach the legal limit in New Hampshire?
This question is usually asked by drivers who want to know how many drinks they can have before they are considered legally drunk. There are charts and calculators that can give you some idea of how many drinks it takes to reach the .08 percentage limit, but these tools cannot predict with certainty an individual drivers impairment level. In most states you can be arrested for a DUI without reaching the .08 limit if the law enforcement officer believes that you are too intoxicated to operate a motor vehicle.
The best answer is not to drink and drive . The State of New Hampshire has strict laws for drunk driving, and when you drink and drive in New Hampshire, you risk your freedom, finances and your future.
Drunk Driving Laws in New Hampshire
State of New Hampshire BAC Laws:
All drivers with a BAC of .08 or higher.
Under 21 with a BAC of .02 or higher.
Commercial Vehicle Driver with a BAC of .04 or higher.
New Hampshire Drunk Driving Fines & Penalties
First Drunk Driving Conviction
The first time you receive a drunk driving conviction in New Hampshire you will receive a fine up to $500. You will also have your license suspended for a period of 9 months up to 2 years. To get your drivers license back after the suspension you will need to attend and complete an impaired driver intervention program at your own expense. The court may also order a drug and or alcohol treatment program and may require the convicted driver to submit random urinalysis or other tests that the court deems appropriate.
Second Drunk Driving Conviction
If you are arrested a second time for drunk driving in New Hampshire you will face a mandatory minimum jail sentence of 10 days. You will also be fined up to $750 and your drivers license will be revoked for not less than 3 years. To get your drivers license back after the suspension you will need to attend and complete a 7 day multiple DWI offender intervention detention center program at your own expense. The court may also order a drug and or alcohol treatment program and may require the convicted driver to submit random urinalysis or other tests that the court deems appropriate.
Third Drunk Driving Conviction
If you are convicted of a 3rd DWI in New Hampshire your drivers license will be suspended indefinitely and will not be restored for a minimum of 5 years. You will also be sentenced to a minimum of 180 days in the county correctional facility followed by a 28 day residential treatment program paid for at the convicted drivers expense. The court may also order a drug and or alcohol treatment program and may require the convicted driver to submit random urinalysis or other tests that the court deems appropriate.
The Implied Consent Law in New Hampshire
The implied consent law in New Hampshire means that a driver in the State of New Hampshire has given their consent to submit a chemical test of their blood, breath or urine if an officer of the law has reasonable cause to believe that the driver is under the influence of alcohol, drugs or both. Refusal to submit to such a test will result in a suspension of your drivers license for a period of 180 days. If you have refused a prior test within 7 years of the current request your drivers license will be suspended for a period of 2 years. Like most states New Hampshire treats a refusal to submit to a DUI test with equal or greater penalties and fines as a conviction for drunk driving.
Additional Information on Drunk Driving Laws, Penalties and Fines in New Hampshire
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