As part of the state’s two-year budget agreement in June, lawmakers eliminated the annual safety and emissions inspection requirement for most passenger vehicles. The repeal is effective on January 31, 2026.

Recently, the New Hampshire Department of Motor Vehicles published guidance for the last months the inspection requirement is in effect: Inspections & Emissions | NH Division of Motor Vehicles.

The NH DMV guidance addresses questions we commonly hear from repair shops and other small business owners, including:

When will the emissions inspection requirement end? Both the safety and emissions inspection requirement will end on January 31, 2026.

The end of emissions inspections was originally uncertain due to the need for federal approval to unwind the program, which was granted following passage of the state legislation in June 2025.

Are inspections still required for vehicles between now and January 31, 2026? 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.

Do commercial vehicles still need to get inspected? YES, most commercial vehicles are still required to undergo annual inspections pursuant to federal law.

NH DMV is also emphasizing that safety laws intended to ensure safe operation of vehicles on public roads still apply to passenger vehicles even after the inspection mandate ends.

Read more about the end of passenger vehicle inspections here: Inspections & Emissions | NH Division of Motor Vehicles.

It remains to be seen if lawmakers make an effort to bring back safety and emissions inspections in some form during future sessions.

Have other questions or feedback? Reach out to NFIB New Hampshire State Director John Reynolds at john.reynolds@nfib.org.