Marginal Way named one of USA TODAY’s best scenic views
Explore Marginal Way in Ogunquit, Maine, named one of USA TODAYs Most Treasured Views in America for 2025.
On June 27, Gov. Kelly Ayotte signed HB 260, which authorizes the design, sale and distribution of a cover plate that celebrates America’s 250th anniversary, into law.
As a cover plate, it would replace your front license plate and would not bear your unique license plate number.
The plates will cost $25 and proceeds will go to the Land and Community Heritage Investment Program (LCHIP) Administrative Fund.
New Hampshire residents will soon be able to buy a new license plate that celebrates the 250th anniversary of American Independence.
On June 27, Gov. Kelly Ayotte signed HB 260 into law. The bill authorizes the design, sale and distribution of a plate that recognizes America’s 250th anniversary.
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It would be a cover plate, meaning it would replace your front license plate and would not bear your unique license plate number. Buyers would be able to use it for a year while the celebration takes place.
Here’s what to know about the 250 commemorative license plate.
What is America 250?
Next year on July 4, 2026, the United States will celebrate the 250th anniversary of the signing of Declaration of Independence. The federal government, as well as individual states and cities, are planning celebrations all around the country.
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New Hampshire was the first colony to declare its independence from Great Britain on Jan. 5, 1776 – almost six months before the signing of the Declaration of Independence.
Some towns in New Hampshire are already beginning their preparations. In Portsmouth, City Councilor Andrew Bagley is pushing for $50,000 to be committed for a fireworks display and event in July 2026 to celebrate the 250th anniversary.
How to get the special 250 license plate
The American Independence plate law goes into effect 60 days after signing and will last until July 4, 2027.
The NH Department of Safety will provide the plates, which will cost $25. Proceeds will go to the Land and Community Heritage Investment Program (LCHIP) Administrative Fund, which supports historic and natural resource preservation in New Hampshire.
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What will be on the 250 license plate?
Originally, the bill called for the plate to feature the Battle of Bunker Hill. However, it was amended to celebrate the 250th birthday more generally.
The Department of Safety will be responsible for the design of the plate, but it’s unclear what that will be yet.
Specialty license plates in New Hampshire
Looking for a special license plate but not sold on the American anniversary plate?
More: What’s the most popular specialty license plate in NH? This plate takes the crown
In New Hampshire, there are three types of specialty license plates to choose from: The NH Conservation and Heritage License Plate (the “Moose Plate” featuring a moose on the left side), the NH State Parks Plate (which has the parks logo on the left side and the Old Man of the Mountain on the right) and the Conservation Parks Plate (a combination of the two plates with a moose on the left and the state parks logo on the right).
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There are also “decal plates,” which have a blank square on the left side of the plate for a special decal from a legislature-authorized organization.
CONCORD – While Republican Gov. Kelly Ayotte has said she opposes increasing highway toll rates across the state, the Senate voted Thursday to increase rates for out-of-state license plate holders.
It now goes to the House for consideration.
This would be a $1 increase for those who have out of state plates going through the tolls at Hooksett, Hampton and Bedford for out-of-state plates, a 75 cent hike for those taking Hampton’s Exit 2 and on the Spaulding turnpike at Rochester, and a 50 cent hike for those taking the exit off I-93 to Hooksett.
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An analysis in the bill shows that this would increase toll revenue by $53.3 million in fiscal year 2027 and go up each year to generate $81.4 million a year in 2036.
Senate Bill 627 passed on a voice vote with two Republicans, Senators Regina Birdsell of Hampstead and William Gannon of Sandown opposing.
Senator Mark E. McConkey, R-Freedom, moved to take the bill off the table and offered an amendment. He said the last time there was a systemwide increase to the turnpike toll was 19 years ago.
“I am sure we could all agree the cost of operations…has continued to escalate when revenue is not rising with it,” and he noted that with an enterprise fund, the state can only spend what it takes in.
The state has just completed a 10-year highway plan and there was a $400 million shortfall in projects that could not be paid for under the current income.
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McConkey said the measure would not increase tolls for New Hampshire drivers with a state license plate.
“Why don’t we ask our neighbors,” to pay a toll increase. “We are getting the best of all worlds,” by passing the bill, he said, including “protecting our residents” and having resources for improvements to the turnpike system.
Sen. Gannon, R-Sandown, asked McConkey if there are any studies on impacts near the border on businesses.
If implemented, McConkey said the state will be the 27th lowest in per mile cost still. McConkey said the bill would also increase from seven to 14 days the amount of time for those with NH license plates to pay for a toll adding there are other states that also have different rates for out-of-state users.
The Hampton toll cost would go from $2 to $3, while Hooksett and Bedford would rise from $1 to $2 for out-of-state plates.
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New Hampshire currently has the lowest rate per mile among states with tolls roads. The governor said she does not support a toll increase.
“We are not going to put a burden on drivers for a toll increase,” Ayotte said. “Families are struggling.”
WILTON, N.H. (WHDH) – A woman died in a Wilton, New Hampshire, house fire Wednesday morning, according to the New Hampshire State Fire Marshal’s Office.
At 9:08 a.m., Wilton firefighters responded to Burns Hill Road after a caller said their home was filling up with smoke. When they arrived, a single-family home was on fire and they found out two people were still inside on the second floor.
A man and a woman were both taken out of the house by firefighters and taken to Elliott Hospital. The woman was pronounced dead and the man is in serious condition.
Officials have not released the name of the victim at this time.
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At this time, investigators are looking into the cause of the fire and are trying to determine if a power outage in the area played a factor. The fire is not currently considered suspicious.
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