New Hampshire § 31-39 - Section 31:39 Purpose and Penalties.

Full text of New Hampshire New Hampshire Revised Statutes Annotated § 31-39 — Section 31:39 Purpose and Penalties., with citation guidance and answers to common questions.

§ 31-39. Section 31:39 Purpose and Penalties.

I. Towns may make bylaws for: (a) The care, protection, preservation and use of the public cemeteries, parks, commons, libraries and other public institutions of the town; (b) The prevention of the going at large of horses and other domestic animals in any public place in the town; (c) The observance of Memorial Day, whereby interference with and disturbance of the exercises for such observance, by processions, sports, games or other holiday exercises, may be prohibited; (d) Regulation of the use of mufflers upon boats and vessels propelled by gasoline, oil or naphtha and operating upon the waters within the town limits; (e) The kindling, guarding and safekeeping of fires, and for removing all combustible materials from any building or place, as the safety of property in the town may require; (f) The collection, removal and destruction of garbage, snow and other waste materials; (g) Regulating the operation of vehicles, except railroads as common carriers, upon their streets; (h) Regulating the conduct of public dances; (i) Regulating the conduct of roller skating rinks; (j) Regulating the sanitary conditions of restaurants within town limits in accordance with the provisions of RSA 147:1; (k) Issuing a license for the operation of a restaurant and other food serving establishments within the town limits and charging a reasonable fee for same; (l) Making and ordering their prudential affairs; (m) Issuing permits for tattooing facilities and charging a fee for the permit; and (n) Regulating noise, except that no ordinance or bylaw that attempts to regulate noise from activities related to farms, agriculture, and farming as defined in RSA 21:34-a shall be enforceable within a town. This exception shall not apply to agritourism as defined in RSA 21:34-a, II(b)(5). (o) Requiring the reporting of contributions to, and expenditures by, any candidate or political committee made for the purpose of influencing the election of any candidate for local elective office, or any person or committee for the purpose of influencing the vote on any local ballot or referendum question. (p) Regulating the retail display and accessibility of martial arts weapons including throwing stars, throwing darts, nunchaku, blow guns, or any other objects designed for use in the martial arts that are capable of being used as lethal or dangerous weapons. II. Towns may appoint all such officers as may be necessary to carry the bylaws into effect. III. Towns may enforce the observance of the bylaws by suitable penalties not exceeding $1,000 for each offense to enure to such uses as the town may direct.

Source: official New Hampshire text · Last verified 2026-08-27

Frequently Asked Questions About New Hampshire § 31-39

What does New Hampshire Revised Statutes Annotated § 31-39 cover?

Section 31-39 ("Section 31:39 Purpose and Penalties.") is part of the New Hampshire Revised Statutes Annotated, the codified statutory law of New Hampshire. It sets out the legal rule or procedure described in the text above. Statutes are amended regularly, so always verify against the official source.

How do I cite New Hampshire § 31-39?

A common citation format is "New Hampshire Revised Statutes Annotated § 31-39" (New Hampshire). Legal writing may require the code abbreviation, section number, and year or edition. Match the style required by your court, professor, or publisher.

Is this the official text of New Hampshire law?

No. This page is for research and education and may not include the most recent amendments. For official current law, check the New Hampshire official source linked on this page or consult a licensed New Hampshire attorney.

How does New Hampshire § 31-39 apply to my situation?

Statutes are interpreted in context, and application depends on your specific facts. Only a licensed attorney in New Hampshire can advise on how this section applies to you. Contact your state or local bar association for a referral.

Sources & Verification

Not legal advice. Verify against the official source and consult a licensed attorney in New Hampshire.