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Bill would remove limit on number of handicap license plates a person may obtain
Summary
House Bill 259 would allow individuals with walking disabilities to receive a handicap license plate for every vehicle they own rather than a limited number; sponsors and disability groups said the change would simplify access, while senators asked about potential misuse and placard issues.
A bill to remove the statutory limit on the number of handicap license plates an individual may obtain drew questions about abuse and related placard rules at the Senate Transportation Committee hearing. Representative Matthew Pitaro, prime sponsor of House Bill 259, described the measure as a simple fix: if a person with a qualifying walking disability owns multiple registered vehicles, each vehicle could carry a handicap plate.
Proponents’ case: Disability advocates, including New Hampshire ABLE and the United Spinal Association (represented in testimony), supported the bill as removing an administrative obstacle for people who legitimately need accessible parking across several vehicles. Sponsors described the process of obtaining a plate as unchanged: medical certification at the DMV would continue to be required.
Concerns and clarifications: Senators asked how the program would prevent misuse — for example, a non‑disabled family member using a plate to occupy accessible parking when they are alone. Sponsors and advocates said existing rules governing authorized use (caregivers transporting a disabled person) would remain in force and that placard misuse is a separate problem the legislature may address; the sponsor indicated willingness to work on follow‑up legislation on placards.
Fiscal and administrative details: The bill does not change the vetting process for eligibility; fees for additional plates would be the same as the current plate fee. Representative Pitaro said the bill passed the House unanimously on voice vote.
Next steps: Committee discussion in the hearing referenced other ongoing work on placards; no committee vote was recorded during the hearing transcript.
