New Hampshire Truck Driver Phone Law
The federal hand-held ban already covers you in New Hampshire — no holding, dialing past one button, or reaching (49 CFR 392.82). The state bans holding any mobile electronic device and all texting for every driver as a primary offense (RSA 265:79-c). Fines run $100, $250, then $500 within 24 months, and a conviction lands on your New Hampshire record as a demerit-point offense.
A figure on this page is flagged medium confidence. The hand-held rule is solid, but confirm the exact fine or enforcement detail with the state before you rely on it.
The federal ban applies here first
Federal law rides with your CDL in every state. FMCSA 49 CFR 392.82 bans all hand-held phone use while driving a CMV: no holding it to talk, no dialing more than a single button, no reaching for the phone out of your belted seat. A separate rule (49 CFR 392.80) bans texting and manual data entry. Only hands-free counts as compliant (mounted or in close reach, one-touch or voice, no reaching), and the only exception is calling 911. "Driving" includes sitting at a red light or stuck in traffic; you are clear only once fully off the road and stopped. Penalties run up to $2,750 for the driver and $11,000 for the carrier. It is a CSA serious violation: two convictions in any 3-year period disqualify your CDL for 60 days, three or more for 120 days (49 CFR 383.51).
New Hampshire’s rule for all drivers
The federal hand-held ban already covers you in New Hampshire — no holding, dialing past one button, or reaching (49 CFR 392.82). The state bans holding any mobile electronic device and all texting for every driver as a primary offense (RSA 265:79-c). Fines run $100, $250, then $500 within 24 months, and a conviction lands on your New Hampshire record as a demerit-point offense.
- Hand-held: Hand-held ban — all drivers
- Texting: New Hampshire bans holding any mobile electronic device and all texting for every driver (RSA 265:79-c), enforced as a primary offense.
- Fine: $100 first offense, $250 second, $500 for a third or later within 24 months, plus the state penalty assessment on each. Primary enforcement.
- Points: A 265:79-c conviction goes on your New Hampshire driving record and carries demerit points; the state schedule scales points by offense (1, 2, 3, 4, or 6) but does not publish a separate value for this section, so treat it as a point-carrying violation rather than assuming a fixed number. On top of that, the federal CSA count applies: two hand-held convictions in 3 years disqualify your CDL for 60 days.
New Hampshire Truck Phone Law FAQ
Can truck drivers use a phone in New Hampshire?
What is the phone fine in New Hampshire?
Is texting while driving illegal in New Hampshire?
Reference information for planning, not legal advice. Traffic laws change and this can be out of date, so always confirm the current statute and obey posted signs before you rely on it. Last reviewed July 2026. Source: https://gc.nh.gov/rsa/html/xxi/265/265-79-c.htm. See our Terms & Disclaimer.
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