01/28/2026
New Hampshire has repealed mandatory annual safety inspections and emissions testing for most passenger vehicles, effective January 31, 2026. However, a recent court injunction means the program will continue for now, as a judge has temporarily blocked the end of the program. Until further notice or the end of the lawsuit, you must continue to get your vehicle inspected, as the law requires.
Key Details on the Ruling:
• Current Status: Due to a lawsuit, a federal judge has ordered New Hampshire to continue its vehicle inspection and emissions program, blocking the planned January 31, 2026 shutdown for now.
• What was supposed to happen: The state budget (House Bill 2) aimed to eliminate inspections for most passenger vehicles, making NH the 37th state to eliminate them.
• Impact on 2025: If your car is due for inspection in 2025, you must get it done during your birthday month.
• Commercial Vehicles: Commercial vehicles are not part of this change and will still require annual inspections due to federal regulations (49 CFR 396.17).
• Roadside Safety: Even if inspections are eventually repealed, you are responsible for maintaining your vehicle in safe working order, and law enforcement can still ticket for unsafe equipment.
For the most current information, monitor updates from the State of NH Division of Motor Vehicles
What you need to know about vehicle inspections, emissions and On-Board Diagnostics.