Eliminating annual vehicle inspection requirements

New Hampshire currently requires an annual vehicle safety inspection as part of the vehicle registration process. In the 2020 legislative session, New Hampshire’s lawmakers will consider a HB 1114, which would eliminate required annual safety inspections for private passenger vehicles, light trucks, and motorcycles. 

When do you have to get your vehicle inspected in NH? 

Right now, all vehicles registered in New Hampshire must undergo a safety inspection within ten days of registration. After that, they must be re-inspected every year, no later than ten days after the end of the owner’s birth month.  

Who can inspect your vehicle and what do NH vehicle inspections include? 

You can get your vehicle tested at any state licensed inspection station or at an authorized dealership. Find a New Hampshire car inspection station near you here. The cost of a vehicle inspection varies from station to station but is usually around $30-$50.  

When you go, the general inspection will include these items: 

• Registration, plates, registration certificate and vehicle identification number. 

• Steering, front end and suspension 

• Brakes, including parking brake 

• Odometer and speedometer 

• Electrical system, horn and defroster 

• Lights and reflectors, including headlight aim 

• Glass, glazing and mirrors 

• Wipers 

• Exhaust system 

• On-board diagnostics system 

• Body, chassis and bumper height 

• Fuel system 

• Tires and wheels 

• Vehicle inspections in other states 

More than half of US states do not require annual safety inspections. New Hampshire is one of only about a dozen states that requires annual safety inspections on most vehicles. 

Pros and cons 

Proponents argue that annual vehicle inspections are an unnecessary expense for New Hampshire drivers. They feel it should be left up to individuals to ensure that their vehicles are operating safely. Others also argue that these inspections are merely an opportunity for auto garages to make money on unneeded repairs. 

Opponents feel that eliminating the annual inspection requirement would lead to unfit vehicles driving on New Hampshire’s roads. This could lead to dangerous conditions for all drivers. This could especially be of concern in New Hampshire, where our harsh climate can cause vehicles to deteriorate more quickly.