HB 1703 · 2026 · House · Transportation Committee
Registration fee for bicycles
AI-generatedrelative to establishing a registration fee for bicycles and electric bicycles using state or municipally funded bike paths, trails, or roadways.
Requires an annual $50 registration fee for bicycles and electric bicycles used on state or municipally funded paths, trails, or roadways, with a $100 penalty for noncompliance, and directs the funds to bicycle infrastructure projects.AI-generated
Status
Killed in the House — Inexpedient to Legislate · February 19, 2026- ✓Introduced
- ✕House
- Senate
- Governor
- Law
Analysis
This bill establishes a required annual registration fee for all bicycles and electric bicycles operating on state or municipally funded paths, trails, and roadways which bicycles and electric bicycles are permitted to be ridden on. The bill also establishes a penalty for failure to register and directs funds from said fees and penalties to the commissioner of the department of transportation for the creation and maintenance of bicycle routes, lanes, paths, or trails in the state.
From the bill's official ANALYSIS section.
In the bill's words
Quoted verbatim from the bill as introduced.
“All bicycles and electric bicycles, if operated on a public way shall be registered with the division of motor vehicles.”
The requirement in one line: register your bicycle with the DMV.AI-generated
“The fee for registration of a bicycle or electric bicycle shall be $50 per year. All fees shall be collected by the division of motor vehicles and immediately transferred to the commissioner of the department of transportation to be used for the creation and maintenance of bicycle routes, lanes, paths, or trails, pursuant to RSA 230:75, XI.”
The number that drew the attention — $50 a year, dedicated to bike infrastructure.AI-generated
“it is a violation for any person to operate a bicycle or electric bicycle on a public way unless said bicycle or electric bicycle maintains registered status with the division of motor vehicles, pursuant to this section. The fine for a violation of this section shall be $100 per violation.”
Riding unregistered would have been a violation carrying a $100 fine.AI-generated
“Every operator of a bicycle or electric bicycle shall have the certificate of registration for said bicycle or electric bicycle upon their person or the registration number permanently affixed to said bicycle or electric bicycle.”
Carry the certificate or bolt the number to the frame — the practical shape of the proposal.AI-generated
“This section shall not apply to bicycles or electric bicycles owned or operated by any peace officer wearing a distinctive uniform during the course of their duties. This section shall also not apply to pocket bikes, mopeds, motorcycles, or any other motorized vehicle not within RSA 259:27-a.”
The exemptions, which cover uniformed officers and every motorized vehicle that is not an e-bike.AI-generated
Official record
gc.nh.gov · the authoritative source
Sponsors
- Rep. Gregory HillRChair· Legislative Administration
- Rep. Ted GorskiRVice Chair· Transportation
Public testimony
14,159 signed in online · 9,085 wrote testimony
0% support100% oppose0% neutral
ForCyclists should pay their fair share for road and trail infrastructure
AgainstFee is an unaffordable burden on families with multiple bikes
AI-generatedLeading arguments, summarized by the testimony tool.
Read the argumentsIn their wordsVerbatim, exactly as submitted
“Unregistered cyclist ruin traffic and endanger the public by avoiding traffic laws and regulations.”
“Bicycles and bicycle riders cause numerous accidents, injuries and deaths. They should be subject to the same requirements as an automobile operator. I strongly support this bill, and also believe bicyclists should also be required to have insurance. Thank you.”
“Absolutely 100% support this bill. Bicycle Lanes on a public roadway cost money to build. Those roads are funded through automobile registrations. Bicyclists want to be able to use those roads without paying their Fair share.…”
“This is bad for the state’s economy, and discriminatory against cyclists. It is very poorly written. Most people do not have proof of ownership of their bicycles, to be able to register them in that way, so this aspect of the bill is not even based in reality.…”
“As a bike owner, an avid cyclist in Concord, New Hampshire, I do not support this bill. As a state in which many families are looking and wanting to move to additional barriers to that, such as registration of bicycles will be a hindrance to families moving to New Hampshire.…”
“I respectfully oppose this bill requiring state registration of bicycles. Bicycle registration programs have been tried elsewhere and consistently fail due to low compliance, high administrative costs, and minimal public benefit.…”
“I can't come to the hearing for this "Proposed New Hampshire Bill Would Require $50 Annual Bicycle Registration For Every Bike!"…”
“Wasteful spending for taxpayers,for peddling bikes and manual mode of transportation. I wouldn't be opposed of e-bikes and e-scooters being registered”
“The cost of the proposed fee is disadvantageous to families with children and may disenfranchise disabled persons for whom there is no alternative but to cycle.…”
Verbatim excerpts of submitted testimony, quoted from the testimony tool.
Read the testimony · as of Aug 12, 2026
Votes
yeanay- Feb 10, 2026HouseCommittee report· consent calendar: Inexpedient to Legislate16–0Overall100% yea
- Feb 19, 2026HouseVoice voteInexpedient to Legislateadopted
Hearings and debates
- Jan 27, 2026Public hearingHouse Transportation2:10:04–2:13:133m 9slocated in the stream transcript==ROOM CHANGE== Public Hearing; Executive Session
- Feb 19, 2026Floor debateHouse floorWatchnot located in the transcript — opens the full streamInexpedient to Legislate — adopted, voice vote
Timestamps locate where this bill is taken up in the chamber's YouTube stream.
Legislative history
- Jan 7, 2026HouseIntroduced 01/07/2026 and referred to Transportation HJ 1 P. 32
- Jan 27, 2026House==ROOM CHANGE== Public Hearing: 01/27/2026 11:00 am GP 232
- Jan 27, 2026HouseExecutive Session: 01/27/2026 11:00 am GP 232
- Feb 10, 2026House: Inexpedient to Legislate 02/10/2026 (Vote 16-0; CC) HC 7 P. 22
- Feb 19, 2026HouseInexpedient to Legislate: MA VV 02/19/2026 HJ 5 P. 36
Coverage
No reporting linked yet.
Documents (PDF)
Bill text & amendments link direct to gc.nh.gov; committee reports stream from the state record.