Whether you’re a new or seasoned car owner, getting your vehicle inspected can always be a bit of a stressful experience! Often, many car owners are unsure of what exactly the New Hampshire inspection process entails. Luckily, HM Motorworks has the full breakdown of the vehicle inspection process. Let’s take a deeper dive into what exactly a vehicle inspection is and how your car is assessed during an inspection.
What Is a Vehicle Inspection?
To put it simply, a vehicle inspection reviews your car’s safety and emissions systems, ensuring your vehicle is fit for driving in New Hampshire. If you own a newly registered vehicle, you must receive a safety inspection within 10 days of the date on your registration documents. From there, you must have an inspection conducted every year. This inspection is due within 10 days after the end of your birth month. However, in January 2026, the annual safety inspection requirement for passenger vehicles will end, with emissions testing theoried to follow suit soon after.
Though mechanics can perform inspections, not every mechanic in New Hampshire is licensed to inspect your vehicle. Before bringing your car to your local auto dealer or repair shop, always ask if they have the proper certifications in place to inspect your vehicle.
What Is Included in a Vehicle Inspection?
In New Hampshire, you can expect a vehicle inspection to cost anywhere between $25 and $50 on average. There is no specific amount that an inspection location is required to charge you, so if you are concerned about the price, always reach out ahead of your appointment.
You can expect the following components of your vehicle to be reviewed during an inspection:
- Brakes and tires.
- Vehicle lights, windshield, and mirror.
- Steering and suspension capabilities.
- Vehicle wipers and horn.
- Vehicle exhaust system.
- Odometer and speedometer.
- License plates and registration documents.
Your vehicle will also go through an Emissions and On-Board Diagnostics (OBD) test, which is required for all vehicles that are less than 20 years old. Features, such as your car’s check engine light, will be reviewed. If your check engine light comes on and remains on during the test, you will receive a rejection and will have a 60-day period to make any adjustments that will allow you to pass the inspections.
The State of New Hampshire is Eliminating Vehicle Inspections in January 2026
As of January 2026, annual vehicle inspections will no longer be mandatory in New Hampshire. All car owners will assume the responsibility of their car’s operational and emissions safety. Though many drivers consider this new legislation to be a plus, others are concerned that some car owners may neglect this responsibility without the pressure of the annual inspection mandate.
At HM Motorworks, we are dedicated to ensuring your vehicle is as safe as possible. In January 2026, we will begin offering vehicle inspections at no charge. To book your vehicle inspection, connect with us online today!
HM Motorworks is Here To Support All Your Auto Maintenance and Repair Needs!
Vehicle inspections are essential for ensuring your vehicle is safe and legal to operate in New Hampshire. HM Motorworks offers vehicle inspection services to New Hampshire residents. We are also proud to offer a variety of other auto maintenance services, such as oil changes, tire rotation, brake repair, and more! Reach out to our team of car experts today and schedule your appointment!
