by New Hampshire Eliminates Annual Vehicle Inspections
With the start of the new year, a number of U.S. states are implementing updated laws. For car owners in New Hampshire, these changes will bring significant relief.
Starting January 31, the state of New Hampshire is terminating the mandatory vehicle safety and emissions inspection program for passenger vehicles. This change means that drivers now bear personal responsibility for ensuring their cars meet all safety standards.
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Under the previous rules, vehicles had to undergo an inspection within ten days of registration, as well as annually and with every change of owner.
The cost of such an inspection, which the state did not regulate, typically ranged from $20 to $50 per car. During the check, a mechanic assessed key components and systems such as steering, suspension, exhaust, and electrical systems.
Have you recently had your car inspected? Newly registered vehicles must be checked within the first ten days…
Vehicles from model year 1996 and newer also had to undergo an onboard diagnostic test designed to monitor the operation of key engine components, including emissions control systems.
Public Reaction and Implications
Undoubtedly, these requirements were an additional financial burden for car owners. From now on, they are being eliminated. However, the state warns drivers: if a car did not pass an inspection at the end of 2025, it still needs to be repaired and obtain a positive inspection result to be legally allowed on the roads. Nevertheless, there is an option to place the car in storage until January 31 to avoid the requirements.
According to media reports, after this change, only 13 U.S. states will require annual vehicle inspections. The reaction to the repeal is mixed: some citizens approve of the decision, complaining that previously cars could fail inspection due to minor issues like worn wiper blades. Others fear that drivers will start neglecting repairs and operating unsafe vehicles.
This policy could have a broad impact on the car maintenance culture in the region. On one hand, it removes administrative and financial pressure from owners, especially those with older cars. On the other hand, it shifts all responsibility for technical roadworthiness onto the driver, which could lead to an increase in the number of faulty vehicles on the roads. The experience of other states that have abandoned mandatory inspections shows that the key safety factor remains the awareness of the drivers themselves and their willingness to invest in preventive maintenance, even in the absence of external control.
