§ 234:39-a — Damage to Covered Wooden Bridges

New Hampshire § 234:39-a

• Jurisdiction: New Hampshire
• Title XX: TRANSPORTATION
• Ch. 234: BRIDGES AND BRIDGE AID
• Subdivision: Bridge Regulations

Text

I. An operator of any motor vehicle, as defined in RSA 259:60, that exceeds any weight, height, or other dimensional limit posted for a wooden covered bridge, who damages any part of said wooden covered bridge within the state as a result of such operation shall be guilty of a violation and fined $1000 for a first violation. If the offense substantially impedes the flow of traffic, the fine shall be up to $2,000.
II. An operator of a motor vehicle, as defined in RSA 259:60, that exceeds any weight, height, or other dimensional limit posted for a wooden covered bridge shall be guilty of a violation and fined $500 for a first violation if no damage occurs to the bridge. If the offense substantially impedes the flow of traffic, the fine shall be up to $2,000.
III. For the purposes of this section, "any part" means anything attached to a wooden covered bridge, including, but not limited to, roofs, portals, siding, bracings, railings, and signs. Towing a trailer or other vehicle shall be deemed a violation of "other dimensional limit" where a bridge is posted with a sign stating "nothing in tow" or has posted a similar restriction.
IV. All fines under this section shall inure to the municipality or other agency that is responsible for the bridge.
V. In addition to any fine levied under this section, the owner of any vehicle that causes damage to a wooden covered bridge shall be responsible for the full cost of repairs to the bridge, which cost shall be assessed by the community or other agency responsible for the bridge as soon as practicable. If the full cost of repairs is not paid within 30 days after submission of a demand for payment by the municipality or other agency responsible for the bridge, the registered owner of the vehicle, whether a natural person or other entity, shall be assessed a civil penalty in the amount of the cost of repairs plus $100. In the event of damage by a rental vehicle, the renter shall be responsible for any civil penalty.

Legislative History

2024, 135:1, eff. Jan. 1, 2025.