A $4.95 toll becomes $9.50 for some trucks in New Hampshire
A major toll hike is coming to New Hampshire.
Just weeks after Gov. Kelly Ayotte rejected a toll bill, lawmakers came back swinging. They overrode her veto.
In July, lawmakers approved plans to raise transportation money. The bill would make some out-of-state drivers pay more to use New Hampshire’s turnpikes.
Ayotte vetoed the bill. The Republican governor pointed to her push to keep New Hampshire affordable.
Critics, including those in her own party, called the move short-sighted. They say toll revenue can help fund major road projects without putting more pressure on state taxpayers.
On Wednesday, Aug. 19, lawmakers got their chance to respond during a veto session.
Lawmakers override toll veto
The Legislature overrode Ayotte’s veto of a bill that raises tolls to bring in more transportation money.
The House vote was 292-25. The Senate followed suit in a unanimous vote.
Both margins met the two-thirds majority needed for an override.
State transportation officials say they need the cash to keep roads and bridges in shape.
The New Hampshire Department of Transportation says its 10-year plan faces a $400 million funding gap without new revenue.
The plan is updated every two years. Those updates allow the state to shift priorities, keep projects moving, drop others and add new work.
HB2026 doubles toll rates for drivers without a New Hampshire E-ZPass account.
The hit depends on the toll plaza and vehicle.
For a five-axle truck at the Hampton tolls on Interstate 95, the price will nearly double. The toll jumps from $4.95 to $9.50.
At six other toll plazas, the same truck faces increases of $1.25 to $3.25.
The new toll rates take effect Jan. 1, 2027. Rates can also rise later to keep pace with inflation.
Governor fires back
Ayotte didn’t stay quiet after lawmakers overrode her veto. She called the bill “a tax on Granite Staters.”
Her message was blunt: Drivers who pay cash will pay double. So will those who fail to get a new transponder after moving to New Hampshire.
Ayotte said she will keep using her veto power to fight tax hikes.
“Politicians will always want to spend more of your money, but when they double costs, it makes life less affordable and crushes working families,” she said.
E-ZPass offers a way around the hike
The New Hampshire Motor Transport Association points to one break in the bill.
Anyone who opens or maintains a New Hampshire E-ZPass account will be eligible for a free transponder for 210 days.
You do not have to live in New Hampshire to get one.
Free E-ZPass transponders will be available starting Dec. 1. LL