NH Car inspections

John Mercier · 01-23-2026, 02:56 PM

Not every State is required to do tailpipe emissions or OBD compliance testing.

Even in NH, if I remember my history correctly, it was the southern counties that were in violation; and an ongoing argument to the fact that quite a bit of air pollution is transient from the wind direction.

HB 1560-FN has its first public hearing in the House Transportation Committee on the 27th (Tuesday). So a while before that one sees any determination of direction in the least.

Though the summary at the bottom is sort of interesting...

steve-on-mark · 01-24-2026, 08:45 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by John Mercier

Not every State is required to do tailpipe emissions or OBD compliance testing.

Even in NH, if I remember my history correctly, it was the southern counties that were in violation; and an ongoing argument to the fact that quite a bit of air pollution is transient from the wind direction.

HB 1560-FN has its first public hearing in the House Transportation Committee on the 27th (Tuesday). So a while before that one sees any determination of direction in the least.

Though the summary at the bottom is sort of interesting...

The Nashua area was the only one being regulated. I was working in the seacoast area and tailpipe testing wasn't a thing at the time, although a lot of shops had the equipment in the event someone came in for state inspection and lived in an area demanding the sniff test.

Sent from my Pixel 10 Pro XL using Tapatalk

Descant · 01-24-2026, 06:10 PM

Growing up, NH was known for clean air, clean weater and cheap booze. The EPA messed up by requiring MtBE in gasoline which leaked into water supples. The EPA totally dropped the ball on PFAS which cotaminated air and mostly water. Not much help with cyanobacteria either. At least, we still have cheap booze.

John Mercier · 01-24-2026, 10:41 PM

I believe that MbTE over ethanol was a State choice?
https://archive.epa.gov/mtbe/web/html/gas.html

Could have been an economic one as having a "designer" fuel for just NH might have been problematic.

PFAS are also being regulated by each State. Some are quicker than others to place the limitations or restrictions.

And CB is definitely a State issue, as EPA run-off proposals are not popular with our Legislature.

OBD over tail pipe testing was a State choice, and expanding it across the State rather than only the areas that had Clean Air Act requirements again was the State.

Currently, we may still just have a few areas - if any - in the State that have problems meeting the standards. Which is why requesting a waiver would be smart regardless of the actual safety requirements that the Legislature may choose to reimpose.

Descant · 01-25-2026, 01:58 PM

John Mercier--This is an issue that has so many factets that it is beyond this forum. So, I summarized and pointed at EPA as the organization with the research skills that Congress and others relied on to make various decisions. When oxynates were required to clean up the air, there was a general movement to MtBE. Doesn't matter why, the EPA siad it was an option. It was added to gasoline all over NH by most gasoline vendors. Outdated, single line stoarge tanks leaked and MtBE contaminated drinking water. The Oil Fund Disbursement Board paid for a lot of clean ups and I believe it was in 2003, at the urging of that board and others, the AG went after the gasoline companies. If I remember correctly, about 80 comanies settled and paid the state. Exxon did not settle, and in 2013, they lost and were required to pay about 220 millionm dollars to the state. They appealedc and in 2016, finally paid close to $300 million to the State ($220 million plus interest). Led by NH Senate President Chuck Morse (R-Salem) a bill was passed to establish and fund the Clean Drinking and Groundwater Fund. By that time many of the MtBE problem areas had been resolved and PFAS was a new focus and the CDGW funds were aimed in that direction with both grants and low cost loans. Similarly, with PFAS, the EPA had the sklll set to determine appropriate regualtions, but the advisories they published were too high and very vague. As problems arose, states were left on their own and the legilslature pushed DES to establish necessary regulations. NH set some of the toughest standards. Towns like Merrimack, Bedford and Litchfield were particularly hard hit by contaminats from St. Gobain Performance Plastics which has now closed their doors. This all gets away from a lakes region focus, but I'll note that for many years I chaired the Oil Fund Disburtsement Board, and was Vice-Chair of the CDGW Committee which was chaired by Senaror Morse. Among other state level committees, I served on the Exotic Aquatic Weeds and Species Committee (Milfoil, etc), the State Parks Advisory Committee (SPAC) and the Public Water Access Advisory Board (PWAAB), so I think I have a 30,000 foot view as well as some direct activity.

John Mercier · 01-25-2026, 06:24 PM

PFAS problem... wait three years for the ban to take effect.

Energy Policy Act of 2005... NH ban MbTE January 2007

CB mitigation funding... let's just hope for the best.
Because the aluminum sulfate treatment was very expensive, limited in area, and not as effective as advertised.

TiltonBB · 01-28-2026, 08:58 AM

From WMUR:

The change in the state budget passed last year is about to leave New Hampshire without a statute defining an "unsafe" vehicle, at least temporarily.

That means that starting this weekend, there will be no legal basis for state police to issue a citation if they find a defective vehicle on the road.

"I think it's important that consumers have some guidance and that our roads are kept safe, and we define what a safe or unsafe vehicle is," said state Sen. Tim McGough, R-Merrimack.

The Senate is fast-tracking an amended bill to clarify the definition of unsafe vehicle that is expected to pass on Thursday. The House is not going to meet for a session day until next week.

https://www.wmur.com/article/new-ham...12726/70162990

TheProfessor · 01-28-2026, 03:33 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by TiltonBB

The change in the state budget passed last year is about to leave New Hampshire without a statute defining an "unsafe" vehicle, at least temporarily.

"On August 19, 1997, at about 2:30 p.m., New Hampshire state trooper Scott Phillips stopped Drega in the parking lot of LaPerle's IGA supermarket in neighboring Colebrook for having too much rust on his pickup truck."

TomC · 01-28-2026, 04:24 PM

An internet search did not yield the number of citations for unsafe vehicles written by the NH state police. I can’t imagine there were many…

Slickcraft · 01-28-2026, 04:29 PM

Federal judge ruling:

https://www.wmur.com/article/injunct...tests/70173940

Alan

Biggd · 01-28-2026, 05:16 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Slickcraft

Federal judge ruling:

https://www.wmur.com/article/injunct...tests/70173940

Alan

Do we still even have a clean air act and an EPA under this administration?

Descant · 01-28-2026, 06:22 PM

In part, the "road toll" (gas tax) is used to fund state police and others, like DES. I remember when Gov. Lynch referred to the Dept of Transportation as the state's ATM. Perhaps we (the legilsture and the Commissioner, should reconsider the duties and goals of the state police. We don't need highly trained LEO's giving out tickets for bald tires and missing tail lights. Focus on crime.

John Mercier · 01-28-2026, 08:40 PM

Small "s". I think they meant police within the State of NH.

Though State Police could enforce an "unsafe" vehicle statute, so could so many others - even NH F&G; but would most likely be local PDs.

TiltonBB · 02-13-2026, 10:07 PM

The New Hampshire Attorney General has suspended vehicle inspections until further notice.

The Attorney General's Office said inspection stations are no longer authorized to issue state inspection stickers, and vehicles will not be required to get a sticker at this time.

https://www.wmur.com/article/new-ham...ended/70350804

John Mercier · 02-14-2026, 12:29 AM

I believe that it is suspended until April 10th.
Though not sure what happens if NH doesn't get the waiver, and a higher court rules.

tis · 02-14-2026, 02:28 PM

The President has issued cutbacks on remissions. I assume this will affect the testing in all states.

jeffk · 02-14-2026, 02:57 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by John Mercier

... Though State Police could enforce an "unsafe" vehicle statute, so could so many others - even NH F&G; but would most likely be local PDs.

"The Attorney General's Office said inspection stations are no longer authorized to issue state inspection stickers"

I would think it would be impossible to ticket someone for not having an inspection sticker when the state is no longer providing them. No agency is going to annoy drivers by ticketing them for something that would be laughed out of court.

Judge: I see you failed to renew your inspection sticker.
Defendant: Yes your honor. I tried but the State refused to issue one to me.
Judge: Case dismissed. Officer, why are you bringing this stupidity to my court?
Officer: (Red faced) I'm sorry your honor. Unfortunately, the next 5 cases are the same issue.
Judge: You've GOT to be kidding me.

John Mercier · 02-14-2026, 04:34 PM

You missed it.

They would not ticket for a failure to inspect.

They would ticket for the underlying safety item that exists.
You can still get a ticket for having a vehicle that does not meet the standards.

The State tried to make that clear.

01-28-2026, 08:58 AM	#7
TiltonBB Senior Member Join Date: Feb 2005 Location: Gilford, NH and Florida Posts: 3,159 Thanks: 748 Thanked 2,277 Times in 986 Posts	Unsafe vehicle definition From WMUR: The change in the state budget passed last year is about to leave New Hampshire without a statute defining an "unsafe" vehicle, at least temporarily. That means that starting this weekend, there will be no legal basis for state police to issue a citation if they find a defective vehicle on the road. "I think it's important that consumers have some guidance and that our roads are kept safe, and we define what a safe or unsafe vehicle is," said state Sen. Tim McGough, R-Merrimack. The Senate is fast-tracking an amended bill to clarify the definition of unsafe vehicle that is expected to pass on Thursday. The House is not going to meet for a session day until next week. https://www.wmur.com/article/new-ham...12726/70162990

02-13-2026, 10:07 PM	#14
TiltonBB Senior Member Join Date: Feb 2005 Location: Gilford, NH and Florida Posts: 3,159 Thanks: 748 Thanked 2,277 Times in 986 Posts	Inspections Suspended The New Hampshire Attorney General has suspended vehicle inspections until further notice. The Attorney General's Office said inspection stations are no longer authorized to issue state inspection stickers, and vehicles will not be required to get a sticker at this time. https://www.wmur.com/article/new-ham...ended/70350804

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01-23-2026, 02:56 PM	#1
John Mercier Senior Member Join Date: Jun 2021 Posts: 3,973 Thanks: 3 Thanked 678 Times in 561 Posts	Not every State is required to do tailpipe emissions or OBD compliance testing. Even in NH, if I remember my history correctly, it was the southern counties that were in violation; and an ongoing argument to the fact that quite a bit of air pollution is transient from the wind direction. HB 1560-FN has its first public hearing in the House Transportation Committee on the 27th (Tuesday). So a while before that one sees any determination of direction in the least. Though the summary at the bottom is sort of interesting...

01-24-2026, 06:10 PM	#3
Descant Senior Member Join Date: Mar 2006 Location: Merrimack and Welch Island Posts: 4,591 Thanks: 1,413 Thanked 1,703 Times in 1,107 Posts	Growing up, NH was known for clean air, clean weater and cheap booze. The EPA messed up by requiring MtBE in gasoline which leaked into water supples. The EPA totally dropped the ball on PFAS which cotaminated air and mostly water. Not much help with cyanobacteria either. At least, we still have cheap booze.

The Following User Says Thank You to Descant For This Useful Post:
GregW11 (02-06-2026)

01-24-2026, 10:41 PM	#4
John Mercier Senior Member Join Date: Jun 2021 Posts: 3,973 Thanks: 3 Thanked 678 Times in 561 Posts	I believe that MbTE over ethanol was a State choice? https://archive.epa.gov/mtbe/web/html/gas.html Could have been an economic one as having a "designer" fuel for just NH might have been problematic. PFAS are also being regulated by each State. Some are quicker than others to place the limitations or restrictions. And CB is definitely a State issue, as EPA run-off proposals are not popular with our Legislature. OBD over tail pipe testing was a State choice, and expanding it across the State rather than only the areas that had Clean Air Act requirements again was the State. Currently, we may still just have a few areas - if any - in the State that have problems meeting the standards. Which is why requesting a waiver would be smart regardless of the actual safety requirements that the Legislature may choose to reimpose.

01-25-2026, 01:58 PM	#5
Descant Senior Member Join Date: Mar 2006 Location: Merrimack and Welch Island Posts: 4,591 Thanks: 1,413 Thanked 1,703 Times in 1,107 Posts	John Mercier--This is an issue that has so many factets that it is beyond this forum. So, I summarized and pointed at EPA as the organization with the research skills that Congress and others relied on to make various decisions. When oxynates were required to clean up the air, there was a general movement to MtBE. Doesn't matter why, the EPA siad it was an option. It was added to gasoline all over NH by most gasoline vendors. Outdated, single line stoarge tanks leaked and MtBE contaminated drinking water. The Oil Fund Disbursement Board paid for a lot of clean ups and I believe it was in 2003, at the urging of that board and others, the AG went after the gasoline companies. If I remember correctly, about 80 comanies settled and paid the state. Exxon did not settle, and in 2013, they lost and were required to pay about 220 millionm dollars to the state. They appealedc and in 2016, finally paid close to $300 million to the State ($220 million plus interest). Led by NH Senate President Chuck Morse (R-Salem) a bill was passed to establish and fund the Clean Drinking and Groundwater Fund. By that time many of the MtBE problem areas had been resolved and PFAS was a new focus and the CDGW funds were aimed in that direction with both grants and low cost loans. Similarly, with PFAS, the EPA had the sklll set to determine appropriate regualtions, but the advisories they published were too high and very vague. As problems arose, states were left on their own and the legilslature pushed DES to establish necessary regulations. NH set some of the toughest standards. Towns like Merrimack, Bedford and Litchfield were particularly hard hit by contaminats from St. Gobain Performance Plastics which has now closed their doors. This all gets away from a lakes region focus, but I'll note that for many years I chaired the Oil Fund Disburtsement Board, and was Vice-Chair of the CDGW Committee which was chaired by Senaror Morse. Among other state level committees, I served on the Exotic Aquatic Weeds and Species Committee (Milfoil, etc), the State Parks Advisory Committee (SPAC) and the Public Water Access Advisory Board (PWAAB), so I think I have a 30,000 foot view as well as some direct activity.

The Following User Says Thank You to Descant For This Useful Post:
ishoot308 (01-25-2026)

01-25-2026, 06:24 PM	#6
John Mercier Senior Member Join Date: Jun 2021 Posts: 3,973 Thanks: 3 Thanked 678 Times in 561 Posts	PFAS problem... wait three years for the ban to take effect. Energy Policy Act of 2005... NH ban MbTE January 2007 CB mitigation funding... let's just hope for the best. Because the aluminum sulfate treatment was very expensive, limited in area, and not as effective as advertised.

The Following User Says Thank You to TiltonBB For This Useful Post:
Biggd (01-28-2026)

01-28-2026, 04:24 PM	#9
TomC Senior Member Join Date: Apr 2004 Location: Lakes Region Posts: 816 Thanks: 42 Thanked 185 Times in 116 Posts	An internet search did not yield the number of citations for unsafe vehicles written by the NH state police. I can’t imagine there were many…

01-28-2026, 04:29 PM	#10
Slickcraft Senior Member Join Date: Mar 2008 Location: Welch Island and The Taylor Community Posts: 3,384 Thanks: 1,260 Thanked 2,148 Times in 983 Posts	Federal judge ruling: https://www.wmur.com/article/injunct...tests/70173940 Alan

01-28-2026, 06:22 PM	#12
Descant Senior Member Join Date: Mar 2006 Location: Merrimack and Welch Island Posts: 4,591 Thanks: 1,413 Thanked 1,703 Times in 1,107 Posts	In part, the "road toll" (gas tax) is used to fund state police and others, like DES. I remember when Gov. Lynch referred to the Dept of Transportation as the state's ATM. Perhaps we (the legilsture and the Commissioner, should reconsider the duties and goals of the state police. We don't need highly trained LEO's giving out tickets for bald tires and missing tail lights. Focus on crime.

01-28-2026, 08:40 PM	#13
John Mercier Senior Member Join Date: Jun 2021 Posts: 3,973 Thanks: 3 Thanked 678 Times in 561 Posts	Small "s". I think they meant police within the State of NH. Though State Police could enforce an "unsafe" vehicle statute, so could so many others - even NH F&G; but would most likely be local PDs.

The Following User Says Thank You to TiltonBB For This Useful Post:
Biggd (02-14-2026)

02-14-2026, 12:29 AM	#15
John Mercier Senior Member Join Date: Jun 2021 Posts: 3,973 Thanks: 3 Thanked 678 Times in 561 Posts	I believe that it is suspended until April 10th. Though not sure what happens if NH doesn't get the waiver, and a higher court rules.

02-14-2026, 02:28 PM	#16
tis Senior Member Join Date: Jan 2006 Posts: 6,941 Thanks: 795 Thanked 1,493 Times in 1,040 Posts	The President has issued cutbacks on remissions. I assume this will affect the testing in all states.

02-14-2026, 04:34 PM	#18
John Mercier Senior Member Join Date: Jun 2021 Posts: 3,973 Thanks: 3 Thanked 678 Times in 561 Posts	You missed it. They would not ticket for a failure to inspect. They would ticket for the underlying safety item that exists. You can still get a ticket for having a vehicle that does not meet the standards. The State tried to make that clear.