NH State Inspections & Vehicle Safety Checks
Current Status and What Drivers Need to Know
Updated February 2026
New Hampshire has issued updated public guidance regarding the vehicle inspection program. As of February 13, 2026:
The vehicle inspection program is suspended until further notice.
Inspection stations are no longer authorized to issue state inspection stickers.
Vehicles are not required to obtain an annual state inspection at this time.
This suspension is due to the state currently having no approved vendor to operate the inspection program, following the Executive Council’s denial of a contract extension.
The legal status of the program remains subject to change as court proceedings and appeals continue.
What has not changed
Regardless of how the inspection program is resolved:
Vehicle safety remains the driver’s responsibility.
Unsafe conditions such as worn brakes, bald tires, broken lights, or exhaust issues can still create safety risks and potential legal consequences depending on future enforcement decisions.
Will you still inspect my car?
Yes.
And more importantly, we always have.
At Baldassarre Automotive, every vehicle is checked for safety every time it comes into our shop. This is not a separate service. It is not optional. It is not something we turn on or off.
It is simply how we work.
What we mean by a vehicle safety check
Every vehicle we see is reviewed for core safety items, including:
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Brakes and brake warning indicators
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Tires and tread condition
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Steering and suspension concerns
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Exterior and interior lighting
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Wipers and windshield visibility
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Exhaust condition and obvious leaks
If something is unsafe, we tell you.
If something is safe now but will need attention later, we tell you that too.
About charging for safety inspections
We want to be very clear about this.
We are aware that some dealerships and repair facilities are choosing to charge separately for vehicle safety inspections or health checks that were previously included as part of routine service. That is a business decision others may make. It is not how we operate.
That is not how we do business.
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We do not charge to inspect your vehicle for safety.
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We do not charge to explain what we see.
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We do not charge to answer questions about whether your car is safe.
We never have, and we never will.
If someone is charging you simply to tell you whether your vehicle is safe, that is their choice. It is not our approach.
Vehicle safety checks at Baldassarre Automotive are performed as part of our standard service process. This does not replace a state-mandated inspection where required by law.
Why we do it this way
We believe safety inspections are part of responsible auto repair.
They are not:
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A sales tool
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A line item
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A fear tactic
They are the baseline for taking care of people and their vehicles.
You should never feel like you have to pay just to understand whether your car is safe to drive.
What you are responsible for as a driver in NH
Even without inspection stickers, drivers can still be cited for unsafe conditions such as:
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Bald or damaged tires
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Inoperative lights
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Unsafe brakes
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Exhaust or fuel leaks
Regular safety checks help prevent surprises and keep your vehicle road-legal and reliable.
Our recommendation to drivers
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If you are unsure what applies to your vehicle right now, ask questions.
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If you want to know whether your car is safe to drive, that should never feel complicated or transactional.
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We are here to provide clarity and honest guidance, regardless of how the inspection program is ultimately resolved.
Who this page is for
This is for you if:
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You are confused by NH inspection changes
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You are hearing conflicting information
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You were quoted a fee just to inspect your vehicle
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You want an honest explanation without pressure
Why this page exists
We continue to receive questions about New Hampshire state inspections as the situation evolves.
Recent court rulings, legislative action, and decisions by the Executive Council have created uncertainty about emissions testing and inspection enforcement. As of now, the future of the program remains unresolved, and enforcement has been temporarily suspended.
We are updating this page to reflect what drivers need to know right now and how we approach vehicle safety regardless of state action. We are getting a lot of questions from drivers about NH state inspections and vehicle safety as inspection requirements change.
Most questions sound like:
• Do I still need a NH state inspection?
• Will shops still inspect my car?
• What am I responsible for now?
• How do I know my car is still safe?
Many of those questions come from hearing that:
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Some dealerships and shops are now charging for safety inspections.
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Services that were once included are being separated into paid add-ons.
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Drivers are unsure what they actually need to do now.
This page exists to answer those questions clearly and explain exactly how we operate.
Questions or want to schedule service?
If you have questions about your vehicle or want to schedule service, we are here to help.