Drink-driving limits in New Hampshire (2026)

Last reviewed: 29 October 2026

In short: New Hampshire sets its own drink-driving rules. Fields not shown are not yet verified.

Rule	What applies
Random breath tests without suspicionDriving after drinking alcohol	⚠ Not yet verified
Blood alcohol limit for ordinary driversDriving after drinking alcohol	0.08 % blood alcohol ^[1]
Lower limit for novice or young driversDriving after drinking alcohol	0.02%: for a person under the age of 21, an alcohol concentration of 0.02 or more is an offence. ^[1]
Limit for professional or commercial driversDriving after drinking alcohol	0.04%: a commercial licence holder driving a commercial vehicle with an alcohol concentration of 0.04 or greater is subject to commercial licence penalties. Separately, a person may not drive a commercial motor vehicle with any alcohol in the system (out of service for 24 hours). ^[2]
Maximum penaltiesDriving after drinking alcohol	First offence: class B misdemeanour, fine of at least USD 500, licence revoked at least 9 months. Second offence: class A misdemeanour, fine of at least USD 750, revoked at least 3 years. Third offence: revoked indefinitely, at least 5 years. Fourth or later: felony, no petition for a licence for at least 7 years. Aggravated DWI: class B felony, fine of at least USD 1,000. ^[3]

Notes

RSA 265-A:23 refers to 0.04 for commercial licence holders; RSA 265-A:24 separately bars any alcohol in the system while driving a commercial motor vehicle, so the effective limit for such drivers is the stricter one. The fines are minimums set by statute; the maximum is not stated in the sections read.

These rules are set at national level in the United States and apply here too, alongside the rules above. All national rules for the United States

Limit for professional or commercial drivers	0.04% alcohol concentration or more: a driver subject to commercial driver's licence rules must not report for or remain on duty performing safety-sensitive functions, and an employer who knows of it must not let the driver continue. (source: Electronic Code of Federal Regulations (Office of the Federal Register))

State	Blood alcohol limit for ordinary drivers	Lower limit for novice or young drivers	Limit for professional or commercial drivers	Random breath tests without suspicion	Maximum penalties
New Hampshire	0.08%	0.02% (under 21)	0.04%; none in CMV (any alcohol)	⚠ Not yet verified	Felony on 4th offence; min. USD 500 fine
Massachusetts	0.08%	0.02% = licence suspension (under 21)	Zero (commercial vehicles)	⚠ Not yet verified	Fine $500-$5,000 or up to 2.5 years
Maine	0.08%	0.00 (under 21)	0.04% (commercial vehicle)	⚠ Not yet verified	Class D crime; fine min. $500

CannabisPossession for personal use: Violation: $100 fine up to 3/4 oz
Car speed limitsBuilt-up areas: 30 mph · Outside built-up areas (single carriageway): 55 mph (45 mph on unimproved rural highway)
Minimum age for a car driving licenceMinimum age for a car licence: 16 (youth operator licence) · Earliest age to drive a car supervised: 15½ (learning to drive, accompanied)
E-bikes and speed pedelecsLegal class: Class 1, 2, 3 (bicycle) · Minimum age: 16+ for Class 3
FireworksConsumers may buy and use category F2 fireworks: Yes (permissible fireworks, licensed sellers) · Minimum age to buy: 21 (18+ if on active duty)
Knives and pepper sprayFolding pocket knives: Knives not named in the carry offence · Locking or one-handed knives: Not named in the carry offence
Statutory minimum wageNational statutory minimum wage: Yes · Current adult minimum wage (gross): $7.25 per hour
Using a mobile phone while drivingHolding a phone while driving banned: Banned · Hands-free use: Hands-free allowed (18+)
Seat belts and child seatsSeat belt compulsory in front seats: Under 18 only · Seat belt compulsory in rear seats: Under 18 only
Tobacco and nicotine age limitsMinimum age to buy tobacco: 21 · Minimum age to buy e-cigarettes: 21

General information, not legal advice. Rules change: check the official source before you fly or ride.