A lookback period is how long a DUI remains on a driver's record. New Hampshire's DUI lookback period is 10 years. This means if a driver is charged with DUI and receives another one in that 10-year span, they are considered a repeat offender. Subsequent DUI offenses result in harsher penalties than first-time offenders receive. However, if that driver is charged with a second DUI after the lookback period ends, it's considered a first offense, resulting in a less severe penalty. In regards to car insurance, companies typically look back three to five years for a DUI when determining your premium.
It's imperative to maintain a good driving record after you receive a DUI violation. This practice will help keep your car insurance rates down. In fact, you might even decrease your premium over time if you manage to avoid further traffic violations.
New Hampshire DUI Penalties
First-time DUI offenders in New Hampshire typically face a $500–$1,200 fine, but no jail time. A second offense could lead to 17 days to one year in jail, however. In New Hampshire, drivers could be charged with an "aggravated DWI" if their incident involved excessive speeding, a passenger under the age of 16, bodily injury, or a BAC of.16 or more. In this instance, the driver could face five days to one year in jail and a $750–$2,000 fine.
Drivers under the age of 21 charged with a DUI in New Hampshire could also face fines of $500–$1,200 and a minimum one-year loss of license. Loss of license could be increased to two years if there was a passenger 16 or younger in the car. Underage drivers charged with a DUI in New Hampshire also have to go through a substance use disorder evaluation. They might also be ordered to have an ignition interlock device in any vehicle they drive until they turn 21 or for no less than 12 months, whichever is longer.