Motorcycle Laws & Licensing for New Hampshire, United States

Introduction If you are a motorcyclist who frequently travels to New Hampshire or plans to make periodic trips through this state, you will have to become familiar with the latest version of New Hampshire’s motorcycle laws. To better ensure personal safety, you need to become familiar with the type of motorcycle helmet you need and how to maintain the condition of your vehicle. It would also be beneficial for the well-being of others if you knew the correct way to carry passengers and whether it is safe to attempt lane splitting. If you are considering becoming a motorcyclist, you would have to know the procedure for how to obtain a New Hampshire motorcycle license.

This post will provide an overview of the essential motorcycle laws and a step-by-step explanation of the licensing process in the state of New Hampshire.

It is illegal for a rider to operate his/her vehicle without at least owning the minimum requirements for New Hampshire motorcycle insurance. Whenever you are riding your motorcycle, you must carry proof of ownership on your person or secured somewhere on your motorcycle. You must be able to produce the relevant documents when requested by local law enforcement or affected parties following an accident. Failure to produce New Hampshire motorcycle insurance will result in hefty fines and your driving privileges being suspended.

Your New Hampshire liability insurance coverage must be able to cover the minimum costs for the following accident-related fees:

• $25,000 for bodily injury to a person per accident
• $50,000 for bodily injuries to multiple people per accident
• $25,000 for property damages sustained per accident
• $1,000 for medical payments coverage

If you wish to protect your health and property, you will need to acquire optional forms of motorcycle insurance coverage. As these are not mandatory, only purchase what you can afford and what will be useful under specific circumstance during an accident:

• Uninsured coverage
• Underinsured coverage
• Collision coverage
• Comprehensive coverage
• Bodily injury coverage

In New Hampshire, all riders under the age of 18 must wear an approved motorcycle helmet while operating their vehicles. If you are above the age restriction, you can choose to go without having protective headgear on. However, this is not recommended since you would be deprived of protection needed to prevent severe or fatal head injuries.

When browsing for an approved motorcycle helmet, you should pick out one that was manufactured by the Snell Memorial Foundation. It should also meet or exceed the safety standards provided by the U.S. Department of Transportation. The two types of motorcycle helmets that provide the best protection and visibility are the three-quarter and full-face helmets.

When acquiring an approved motorcycle helmet, look for the features listed in the table below when searching so you can find one that offers the most protection for your head and eyes:

You can begin applying for a New Hampshire motorcycle learner’s permit if you are at least 16 years old.

You will have to pay a fee of $30 to be issued your first New Hampshire motorcycle learner’s permit that is valid for 45 days.

To be given the permit, you must complete the following tasks and fulfill all of the listed criteria:

• If you are under the age of 18
  • Have signature and consent from parent or legal guardian
• Present current New Hampshire driver’s license
• Complete an approved driver education course
• Present identification documents
• Provide proof of New Hampshire residency
• Provide proof of U.S. citizenship
• Provide your Social Security Number
• Take a photo
• Pass the knowledge exam
• Pass the vision exam
• Pay the required fees

When you are operating with a New Hampshire motorcycle learner’s permit, you will have to comply with the following restrictions as you practice:

• You cannot transport passengers
• You can only operate between after sunrise and before sunset

You are eligible to receive a New Hampshire motorcycle endorsement if you are at least 18 years old.

You will have to pay a fee of $55 to be issued a motorcycle only New Hampshire driver’s license.

Listed below are the requirements you will need to fulfill to obtain a New Hampshire motorcycle license endorsement. Depending on your age when you approach the final step, the list of criteria may differ between motorcyclists:

*If you are over the age of 18, you are not required to enroll in a Basic Motorcycle Rider Training Course. However, if you submit proof of completion, you will have the option of waiving the road skills portion of the New Hampshire motorcycle license test.

• Will be completed on touch-screen computers
• Complete 40 multiple-choice questions
• Questions will be based on content from New Hampshire Motorcycle Operator Manual
• Will be tested on understanding of road rules and safe riding practices
• Requires a passing grade of 80% or higher

• Will be conducted in a controlled, off-street area or an actual traffic environment
• Your motorcycle will be subjected to a pre-ride inspection to ensure it meets safety standards
• Demonstrate basic understanding of motorcycle operation
• You will be tested on your ability to stay within the speed limit, adjusting speed and position, maintaining visibility, operating under stress, accelerating, braking, turning, stopping, and swerving
• The examiner will grade you based on how well you ride at safe speeds, stay within the lanes, and demonstrate riding maneuvers

In New Hampshire, there is no minimum age requirement in regards to motorcycle passengers. However, any motorcycle passengers under the age of 18 are required to wear approved protective headgear at all times. The passenger’s motorcycle helmet must satisfy the same requirements as the operator’s protective headgear.

If you wish to improve safety for the sake of your passenger, you will need to equip and adjust the current state of your motorcycle. The required equipment for carrying an additional person include a designated passenger seat, handholds, and footrests.

Your passenger should never be seated in front of the driver’s seat. There must be space between the passenger and operator’s seats so that the passenger can fully extend their legs while the operator can drive without distractions. The designated passenger seat can only be positioned at the following places on your motorcycle:

• The back part of a large driver’s seat
• Towards the rear as a separate saddle
• Fixed to the side as a sidecar

The lack of an age restriction means that there are other criteria to check when determining who can safely ride on your motorcycle. A popular rule of thumb is that a passenger must be able to reach and plant their feet against the footrests. Therefore, it is best to avoid transporting young children or elderly individuals. Other characteristics to look for in a motorcycle passenger include the following:

• Your passenger must be able to reach the footrests
• Your passenger must wear an approved motorcycle helmet
• Your passenger cannot be carrying any packages
• Your passenger must be able to understand and follow your directions

It is illegal for motorcyclists to engage in lane splitting while in New Hampshire. Because lane splitting involves getting precariously close to larger vehicles and maneuvering in their blind spots, the chances of getting into a fatal accident become higher. To avoid collisions and trouble with local law enforcement, motorcyclists should avoid engaging in the following behavior:

• Riding on top of the dividing lines between lanes
• Riding in between adjacent rows of stopped vehicles
• Overtaking a larger vehicle ahead in the same lane

However, thanks to the high maneuverability and compact design of motorcycles, riders are entitled to certain rights regarding how they can act when on the road. Motorcyclists are allowed to attempt the following behavior in New Hampshire:

• You are allowed to make full use of the space within your current lane
• You can only share a lane with another motorcycle if:
• Both parties stay apart at least two abreast
• Both parties consent beforehand

After you have registered your motorcycle in New Hampshire, it must be brought to a state approved inspection station within 10 days of registration. So long as you have ownership of your motorcycle, you must bring it in for a safety and equipment inspection every year no later than 10 days after the end of your birth month.

An inspection will help determine whether your motorcycle is still in working condition or if there are primary components that need replacing before final approval. Due to a lack of redundant systems, any damage to the machinery could negatively affect the functionality of your vehicle. It is best to apply repairs or acquire replacement parts as soon as possible if any problems are found with the motorcycle.

Listed below are the equipment your motorcycle must be fitted with to be considered street legal in New Hampshire. These components are essential to your motorcycle’s maneuverability, visibility, and overall functionality:

• Horn
• Wheels
• Tires
• Handlebars
• Front & Rear Brake
• Controls
• Headlight
• Taillight
• Brake Light
• Turn Signals
• Exhaust system
• Muffler
• Rearview mirrors

• State of New Hampshire Motorcycle Operator Manual
• State of New Hampshire Driver Manual
• Your Guide to Understanding Auto Insurance in the Granite State
• New Hampshire Division of Motor Vehicles - Motorcycle License Endorsement
• New Hampshire Division of Motor Vehicles - Licensing Fees
• New Hampshire Division of Motor Vehicles - Inspections and Emissions
• New Hampshire Division of Motor Vehicles - Frequently Asked Questions