New Hampshire guarantees restroom access for truck drivers during deliveries and pickups

New Hampshire has become one of the states aiming to guarantee a basic right for truck drivers: access to restrooms while working. Governor Kelly Ayotte signed a new law requiring companies to allow truck drivers to use existing restrooms during deliveries or pickups of goods.

The measure responds to an issue affecting thousands of transport workers in the United States. Although most workers never need to ask permission to use a restroom at their workplace, many truck drivers must request access at loading or unloading sites and are frequently denied.

Dignified restroom access for truck drivers

New Hampshire’s new legislation covers most publicly accessible businesses, as well as shippers, recipients, factories, warehouses, distribution centers, and other loading points. Companies will not be required to build new restrooms, only to allow access to those already available for employees or customers.

State Representative Henry Giasson highlighted that restroom access is one of the main concerns expressed by female truck drivers. He noted that drivers contribute to the functioning of businesses and deserve, at a minimum, to be able to use a restroom. Meanwhile, legislator Greg Hill said it is hard to believe a law was needed to guarantee something so basic.

The regulations include reasonable exceptions: companies may deny access when there is a risk to health, safety, or facility security. Likewise, service stations and restaurants with employee-only restrooms are exempt.

The legislation also includes land transport drivers operating in ports and rail yards. Terminal operators must provide access to safe and sufficient restroom facilities to meet demand. If long lines form, they are required to add more units.

In addition, they must provide parking spaces so drivers can safely stop while using restroom facilities.

The law will take effect in mid-August.

A basic necessity

New Hampshire’s progress aligns with efforts to extend these protections nationwide. In April, the Truck Driver Bathroom Access Act (HR2514) was reintroduced in the House of Representatives, a bipartisan initiative led by Representatives Troy Nehls, a Republican from Texas, and Chrissy Houlahan, a Democrat from Pennsylvania.

The initiative also has the support of Representatives Brian Babin of Texas and Hillary Scholten of Michigan.

The Owner-Operator Independent Drivers Association (OOIDA), which has supported such measures for years, welcomed the passage of the law in New Hampshire.

For OOIDA and supporters of the measure, ensuring restroom access represents a matter of dignity, respect, and common sense for those who keep the nation’s supply chain running.