Although one would logically think a policy like this already would exist, Gov. Chris Sununu on Monday signed an executive order exempting funeral processions from paying tolls on New Hampshire turnpikes.

Executive Order 2022-05 immediately waives toll fees for funeral processions that pass through the cash lanes on New Hampshire Highways.

While signing the order, Sununu said, “A few weeks ago in a meeting with representatives from the Veterans of Foreign Wars, a member asked if there was anything the state could do to ease the pain on grieving families traveling to pay their final respects.”

A suggestion was made to wave such fees, with Sununu responding, “He’s right – families should not have to pay for tolls while traveling as part of a funeral procession.”

“To that end, I have signed an Executive Order, effective immediately, to direct our toll attendants working in the cash lanes at our toll booths to waive the toll fare for participants in funeral processions,” Sununu said Monday.

A long time coming, yes. This is a move in the right direction that shows respect to the recently departed and their families on the to lay a loved one to rest.

Even though a small gesture, families throughout the state are sure to appreciate this small gesture.