New Hampshire laws by category

Consumer fireworks are permitted statewide in New Hampshire by state law, but local option is strong: towns and cities may require a local permit to use them or may ban them entirely (RSA 160-C). Always check the community restrictions list and your local fire department.

No permit is needed to carry a handgun in New Hampshire, openly or concealed. Exceptions may apply — read the full rule.

New Hampshire is a control state for spirits and wine: distilled spirits (and much wine) are sold through the state-run NH Liquor & Wine Outlets, including large stores on interstate highways, while beer and some wine are sold at grocery and convenience stores.

Radar detectors are legal in passenger vehicles — New Hampshire has no state ban on them.

In New Hampshire, you need a written fire permit from the town forest fire warden to burn anything outdoors (RSA 227-L:17 II), online at NHFirePermit.com if your town takes part, plus the landowner's permission (227-L:17 I); permit holders must be 18. Exceptions may apply — read the full rule.

In New Hampshire, you need a freshwater fishing license from age 16. Licenses are issued by the NH Fish and Game Dept. (NHFG).

New Hampshire has no general sales tax (state or local).

New Hampshire allows medical cannabis only — a program known as "therapeutic cannabis" and administered by New Hampshire DHHS. Recreational use is illegal and legalization bills have repeatedly failed, though small-amount possession is decriminalized.

Hunter orange is not required by law in New Hampshire (RSA 207:38-b); hunters are recommended to wear it for visibility.

New Hampshire sports betting is legal statewide, online/mobile and retail, and you must be 18+. Offered exclusively through DraftKings under contract with the NH Lottery (RSA 287-I).

In New Hampshire, no one may operate a motorized vessel with a motor over 25 horsepower on public waters without a safe boater education certificate (RSA 270-D:10). Exceptions may apply — read the full rule.

New Hampshire's weapon-carry statute bans only blackjacks, slung shots and metallic knuckles; knives (incl. switchblades) were removed in 2010, so automatics are legal to own and carry (RSA 159:16).

New Hampshire (RSA 644:9) makes it a class A misdemeanor to use any device — including a drone — to observe/record a person in a private place without consent (RSA 644:23).