The Liberty Daily 
(WND)—An elected lawmaker who allegedly is a lead-foot driver is making the outrageous claim that speeding laws don’t apply to her because she’s a member of the legislature.
The Boston Globe reports: “A New Hampshire state lawmaker who was caught driving 107 miles per hour in 2024 and accused of driving 92 miles per hour on the same highway in 2025 has been making an audacious argument to avoid legal consequences for her speeding.
“Ellen Read, a Democratic state representative from Newmarket running for reelection, claims the sheriff’s deputies who stopped her on Interstate 93 had no authority to detain or charge her, since the state’s Constitution says lawmakers cannot be arrested while traveling to or from the Legislature.
“Court records show Read has repeatedly asserted “legislative privilege” to ask that charges stemming from the two traffic stops be dismissed on account of the office she holds. She pressed her case all the way to the New Hampshire Supreme Court, which declined in June to hear her appeal at this stage.”
Read has not voiced any emergency that may have justified her exceeding of the posted speed limit.
Major Christopher Bashaw with the Rockingham County Sheriff’s Office told the Globe the lawmaker’s immunity argument is ridiculous.
“I don’t think anyone in the general public believes that just because a state representative is traveling to or from session that they are immune to committing any violation or crime,” he said.
“That would be absurd to think that somebody could cause an accident and kill somebody and not be held accountable.”
The Daily Mail reports: “Her attorney, former fellow state lawmaker Daniel Hynes, argued that legislative privilege meant evidence that led to Read’s negligent driving charge was illegally obtained and moved to have it dismissed, but the motion was denied.
“She was found guilty of the non-criminal charge and fined $1,240. The court also threatened to revoke her license if she received another moving violation within five years.
“Her August hearing is for a deferred portion of the sentence, during which she may face greater repercussions, especially in light of her other speeding charge.
“During the second traffic stop that led to the speeding charge, Read allegedly shouted at the deputy and angrily told him he had no understanding of the state constitution or her privileged status as a lawmaker, according to Major Bashaw.”
Read is seeking dismissal of all traffic-related charges against her, and has taken her case to to the New Hampshire Supreme Court, which declined to hear her appeal in June.
She was found guilty of negligent driving after her first traffic stop, and has a sentencing hearing set for August.
Some reaction online includes:
“Another DemonRat putting themselves above the law. Rules for thee but not for me. Hypocrites.”
“Gives a whole new meaning to the term ‘diplomatic immunity.’”
“Become a Democrat and commit any crimes you want.”
“I’m a Democrat. She needs to go. She’s gonna kill someone.”
“I would not trust her doing 35 in a 35. There’s no WAY she’s not ALSO eating every time she’s behind the wheel. It’s shaped like a dinner plate.”
Follow Joe on X @JoeKovacsNews
