New Hampshire's new negligent driving law goes into effect Jan. 1 outlawing everything from snow and ice buildup on a truck (or car) to using a cell phone while driving. Penalties could be up to $1,000 in fines and up to a year without a driver's license.

In Maine's 2002 legislative session, lawmakers will consider a similar law requiring truckers to remove snow and ice from their rigs. This bill, sponsored by Sen. Norman Ferguson Jr. (R-Hanover), is on an approved list of emergency matters for consideration in 2002. Maine's constitution reserves even-numbered years for legislative items submitted by the governor, except for budgetary and emergency issues. Sen. Ferguson's office number is (207) 287-1505.