NH Legislature overrides veto on tolls increase
NH lawmakers override Governor Ayotte's veto, doubling tolls for vehicles without NH E-ZPass starting Jan. 1, 2027. Free transponders available Dec. 1, 2026 — regardless of residency.
Earlier this year, Governor Ayotte vetoed legislation that would increase tolls in New Hampshire on any vehicle without a New Hampshire-issued E-ZPass transponder. On August 19, 2026, the legislature voted to override that veto, meaning tolls will double for any vehicle without a New Hampshire E-ZPass transponder. The effective date of the toll increases will be January 1, 2027.
NHMTA was involved with this legislation early in the legislative session because, as initially written, it would have raised tolls across the board, and NHMTA would have opposed a toll increase for NHMTA members. It was quickly amended so that New Hampshire E-ZPass holders would not face a toll increase.
Furthermore, the legislation includes a provision requiring the free issuance of transponders for 210 days to anyone who opens or currently maintains a New Hampshire E-ZPass account. E-ZPass transponders will be available free of charge beginning on December 1, 2026.
Due to the New Hampshire E-ZPass provisions described above, supporters are framing this as raising tolls on out-of-state vehicles that drive in New Hampshire and using the money to fund needed highway, road, and bridge projects and maintenance. Of course, anyone can obtain a New Hampshire E-ZPass transponder; it is not necessary to be a New Hampshire resident in order to get one.
A schedule of the new toll rates by location for non-New Hampshire E-ZPass holders can be found in the legislation.