RSA 265:73-a Handicap Parking Defense
NH issues handicap plates and placards under RSA 261:88 (plates) and RSA 265:73-a (parking privileges). RSA 265:73-a authorizes display by a holder when present in the vehicle as operator OR passenger. Common officer errors: (a) ticket issued where placard was on dash because vehicle had no rearview mirror; (b) ticket issued to family driver of disabled passenger who briefly stepped out to assist; (c) plate misread — NH plates with handicap symbol; (d) photograph from cruiser dashcam shows placard clearly but officer didn't review before citing. Combine with photographs of placard placement and a copy of the placard issuance certificate for a near-automatic dismissal.
Legal basis
RSA 261:88 (handicap plates); RSA 265:73-a (parking privileges); ADA Title II
Sample appeal wording
[DATE] [Municipality] Parking Division [Address] Re: Citation #[NUMBER] — RSA 265:73-a Defense Dear Hearing Officer: I dispute citation #[NUMBER] issued [DATE] at [LOCATION] for an alleged handicap-space violation. I / a passenger held a valid NH handicap [placard #/plate #] issued under RSA 261:88, with parking privileges under RSA 265:73-a. The placard was properly displayed [hanging from rearview mirror / on dashboard, vehicle having no operative mirror]. Photographs and copy of placard enclosed. I request dismissal. Sincerely, [NAME] [ADDRESS] [PHONE] [EMAIL]
Replace [PARKING DATE], [NtK DATE] etc. with your own dates before sending.
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Scan my ticketSources
- RSA 261:88; RSA 265:73-a
- NH DMV — handicap placard application