New Hampshire Rep. Ellen Reid Faces Legal Challenges

Democratic Representative Ellen Reid from New Hampshire seems to be at the center of a legal storm.

Reid has been pulled over for speeding on Interstate 93 multiple times. The first incident occurred on December 2, 2024, when she was reportedly clocked at 167 mph. The second incident was on June 5, 2025, where authorities alleged she was driving 92 mph, according to court documents.

Interestingly, the legalities surrounding her speeding tickets have sparked some debate. Reid’s legal team has brought up the concept of “legislative privilege,” arguing that she shouldn’t have been stopped, akin to how police officers can exceed speed limits when responding to emergencies. Dana Albrecht, Reid’s lawyer, compared her situation to that of first responders who bypass traffic laws when in the line of duty.

Albrecht’s argument goes on to assert that members of the legislature should receive similar considerations. Citing the New Hampshire Constitution, which offers some protection to legislators, Belcher, a fellow Republican representative, challenged the notion that this exemption equates to immunity. He emphasized that all individuals, regardless of their position, should be accountable for their actions on the road.

Major Christopher Bashaw of the Rockingham County Sheriff’s Office voiced his skepticism about the idea that lawmakers are above the law. “It’s ludicrous to think someone could evade serious ramifications after causing harm just because they’re on their way to the Capitol,” he remarked.

During the first incident where Reid was cited for driving an alleged 167 mph, she claimed she was returning home after her legislative duties. Although exceeding 100 mph qualifies as reckless driving—a potentially arrestable offense—she only received a citation.

A second Deputy also cited Reid in June 2025 for going 92 mph. Reports indicate that she reprimanded him, asserting that he lacked the authority to stop her.

The state Supreme Court rejected an appeal related to her speeding cases last month. Still, Albrecht is pushing for further contemplation of Reid’s circumstances, positing that lawmakers deserve special treatment in justifying their conduct on the roads.

Reid’s previous legal issues include a conviction for negligent driving from the 2024 incident, where she received a fine and faced a potential license suspension. Currently, a hearing regarding her delayed sentencing is set for August 12, which could influence her future driving privileges.

Reid emphasized the distinction that her legal team’s arguments are not about seeking immunity for lawmakers regarding traffic citations. “People can still be ticketed even if it’s discovered later that they are legislators,” she clarified. Furthermore, while insisting her vehicle couldn’t reach 167 mph, she acknowledged the broader concerns surrounding her case.