Termination of NH Vehicle Inspection and Emissions Testing

NH State Vehicle Safety Inspections are still required through January 31, 2026. Please make sure your vehicle and all safety equipment are in good working order. Let’s keep our roads safe together!

FAQs

Are vehicle inspections and emissions testing ending in New Hampshire?

Under the new State budget (House Bill 2), New Hampshire repealed mandatory annual safety inspections for most passenger vehicles effective January 31, 2026. Emissions/on-board diagnostics testing will also end on that date. Until then, safety and emission inspections remain required as usual.

Do I still have to get my car inspected in 2025?

Yes. A valid inspection sticker is still required until January 31, 2026. Registered owners and/or drivers should continue to have their vehicle(s) inspected during their normal renewal month.

If my car fails inspection in late 2025, can I just wait until 2026?

No. The law requiring inspections remains in effect until January 31, 2026. If your vehicle fails inspection in 2025, it must be repaired and pass a reinspection to be legally driven on the road.

Will commercial vehicles still need inspections after 2026?

Yes. The new law mainly affects safety inspections for passenger vehicles, and commercial vehicles are still subject to federal annual inspections, per 49 CFR 396.17.

Will there still be safety laws for vehicles after inspections end?

Yes. Even after mandatory annual safety inspections for passenger vehicles end on January 31, 2026, New Hampshire’s safety laws still apply. It will still be illegal to drive a vehicle that is unsafe or defective.

Examples of laws that still apply include:

• Requirements for working brakes, lights, tires, and other essential equipment.
• Rules about unsafe vehicle conditions, fuel and exhaust leaks.
• Noise and exhaust laws for vehicles and motorcycles.

Drivers will still be personally responsible for making sure their vehicles meet all safety standards, even without annual inspections. Vehicle safety requirements are found in New Hampshire Revised Statutes Annotated (RSA) Chapter 266.

Do I still need an inspection sticker on my windshield in 2025?

Yes. Until the repeal takes effect in 2026, vehicles are still required to display a valid inspection sticker as proof of compliance with current laws. No stickers will be issued as of February 1, 2026.

See NH State website for additional information.