Lawmakers in New Hampshire have decided to end the annual safety and emissions inspection requirement for most passenger vehicles, with the repeal set to take effect on January 31, 2026. This change was included in the state’s two-year budget agreement reached in June.
The New Hampshire Department of Motor Vehicles (NH DMV) has released updated guidance to clarify the transition period leading up to the repeal. The department’s information addresses questions from repair shops and small business owners regarding inspection deadlines and requirements. According to the NH DMV, “Both the safety and emissions inspection requirement will end on January 31, 2026.”
Initially, there was uncertainty about when emissions inspections would end because federal approval was needed to discontinue the program. Approval was granted after the state legislation passed in June 2025.
Until the repeal takes effect, vehicles due for inspection must still comply with existing requirements. The NH DMV states that “Even though the need for the inspection sticker expires on January 31, 2026, passenger vehicles due for inspection must still pass inspection – or make necessary repairs and pass reinspection – prior to that date to legally operate on the road.”
Commercial vehicles are not affected by this change. The department clarifies, “YES, most commercial vehicles are still required to undergo annual inspections pursuant to federal law.”
The NH DMV also emphasizes that general safety laws for vehicle operation remain in place after the inspection mandate ends.
Further details are available through the NH Division of Motor Vehicles’ Inspections & Emissions page: Inspections & Emissions | NH Division of Motor Vehicles.
It is not yet clear if lawmakers will consider reinstating some form of safety or emissions inspections in future legislative sessions.
Questions or feedback can be directed to NFIB New Hampshire State Director John Reynolds at john.reynolds@nfib.org.
