In New Hampshire, jaywalking is illegal, and pedestrians must cross streets within marked crosswalks at intersections controlled by traffic signals. Walking in unauthorized areas of the roadway is also against the law, and pedestrians should not dart into traffic where motorists cannot stop in time. Motorists, however, are also required to exercise due care to avoid hitting pedestrians no matter where they are crossing.​
Regarding littering, New Hampshire law prohibits depositing garbage, leaves, or any refuse on highways, public streets, or public places. Most littering offenses result in a $62 fine, but more serious cases involving hazardous materials or large amounts of litter can be misdemeanors. Throwing litter from vehicles can also lead to license suspension and court-ordered cleanup. There have been legislative efforts to increase fines for littering to as much as $300 for a first offense, with stricter penalties for repeat offenders.​
Other common laws that people might break daily without realizing include speeding, talking or texting while driving, riding bicycles on sidewalks where prohibited, illegal parking, and not wearing seat belts. Some of these violations are frequent but often overlooked in daily life.​
Additionally, New Hampshire has several unique laws such as prohibiting foot-tapping to music in taverns, no nighttime collection of seaweed, bans on hunting on Sundays, and restrictions on public urination carrying serious consequences. These lesser-known laws might also be unintentionally violated by residents or visitors.​
Overall, jaywalking and littering are common everyday offenses in New Hampshire, often violated unknowingly, along with various other traffic and public conduct laws designed to maintain safety and cleanliness in the community.
If you’d like details on penalties or tips to avoid violating these laws, feel free to ask!
SOURCES
[1](https://www.manningzimmermanlaw.com/who-may-be-liable-if-a-pedestrian-is-hit-while-jaywalking/)
[2](https://www.kevinbrodericklaw.com/crosswalk-laws-in-massachusetts-and-new-hampshire/)
[3](https://www.manchesternh.gov/Residents/Transportation/Pedestrian-Rules)
[4](https://law.justia.com/codes/new-hampshire/title-xxi/chapter-265/section-265-35/)
[5](https://www.collaborativenh.org/civic-engagement-stories/2022/2/18/should-nh-increase-the-fine-for-littering)
