Committee votes ITL on bill to loosen 'antique' vehicle maintenance standard amid safety concerns

Senator Sue Prentiss introduced House Bill 11315 to revise the statutory definition of an "antique motor vehicle" so that a qualifying vehicle would not have to be "maintained for primary transportation use." Prentiss said antique vehicles would still be allowed on New Hampshire roads but argued the change clarified the antique classification.

DMV staff initially indicated the agency "are okay with this bill," but Division Director John Marasco later told senators the DMV does not support the bill and would offer informational testimony. Marasco said striking language that requires an antique vehicle to be restored to original condition could reduce safety expectations; he referred to RSA 266 elements (lighting, windshield, tires, horn) that remain applicable but said removing maintenance language may not make the roads safer.

Committee members pressed the issue of enforcement and how to determine whether an owner uses an antique vehicle for "primary transportation." Senators noted there is no practical DMV log or clear measure for how often a vehicle is driven, and questioned whether law enforcement could reliably enforce an honor‑system rule.

After discussion a motion to recommend ITL (Inexpedient to Legislate) for HB11315 was moved, seconded, and carried by voice vote; the transcript records members saying "Aye." The committee did not advance the bill.

What happens next: The committee recommended ITL; the bill would not advance from this committee unless reconsidered by the body.