Overview
- State Rep. Ellen Read was stopped twice while driving to or from the State House, once in December 2024 for an alleged more-than-100-mph run on I-93 and again in June 2025 for an alleged 92 mph in a 65 mph zone.
- A judge found Read guilty of negligent driving after an August 2025 bench trial and imposed a $1,240 fine with parts deferred and conditions to avoid further moving violations.
- Read asked the New Hampshire Supreme Court to decide whether the 1784 clause that bars arrest of lawmakers during travel protects her from being stopped, but the court declined review on June 11 and rejected a motion for reconsideration on July 2.
- Court records show both cases remain active despite a spokesperson’s claim they were closed, and Read’s team disputes the speed allegations citing the car’s high mileage, lack of radar use, and testimony from a State House employee who was on the phone during one stop.
- Colleagues have publicly rebuked Read’s privilege defense as inappropriate for routine traffic enforcement, and the unresolved question could shape future limits on police stops of legislators and public expectations of accountability.