New Hampshire Mechanics Brace for Impact as Vehicle Inspections End
Big changes are coming to New Hampshire’s roads—and its auto shops. Starting January 31, 2026, the state will no longer require annual vehicle inspections. For drivers, it’s a win. For mechanics? Not so much.
What’s Changing?
For decades, New Hampshire drivers have been required to get their cars inspected annually. Mechanics checked everything—brakes, tires, lights, emissions. It cost around $50 per car, and for many shops, it was a steady source of income. But now, that’s all going away. The state’s new budget, signed by Governor Kelly Ayotte, includes a provision to eliminate the inspection requirement.
Why? Supporters of the repeal argue inspections are outdated and expensive. “It’s a scam,” said Rep. Sam Farrington. “The data shows inspections don’t actually lead to safer roads. They just lead to $1,000 repair bills people weren’t expecting.”
Mechanics Are Feeling the Heat
For mechanics, this isn’t just about inspections. It’s about business. Many shops rely on inspections to bring in customers. A failed inspection often leads to repair work—new brakes, fresh tires, or fixing that pesky check engine light. Without inspections, those repairs might not happen.
Jason LaCroix, chairman of the New Hampshire Automobile Dealers Association, called the repeal “reckless and shortsighted.” He worries about the long-term impact on road safety—and on the auto repair industry. “We take pride in keeping these roads safe. By eliminating inspections, we’re throwing that all out the window.”
What About Safety?
Critics of the repeal point to states like Florida and Colorado, where crash rates reportedly increased after inspections were eliminated. New Hampshire’s harsh winters, with salt and potholes wreaking havoc on vehicles, add another layer of concern. Will drivers keep up with maintenance on their own? Or will the roads fill with unsafe cars?
The state’s plan to rely on police to spot unsafe vehicles isn’t sitting well with everyone. New Hampshire State Troopers have already said they’re stretched too thin to take on this extra responsibility.
Financial Fallout
The state itself will feel the pinch, too. New Hampshire collects about $3.5 million annually from inspection fees. That money helps fund road maintenance and infrastructure projects. With inspections gone, that revenue disappears. Cities and towns, which get a cut of the funds, will also lose out.
What’s Next for Mechanics?
Some shop owners are optimistic. Brad Fournier, vice president at Ron’s Toy Shop in Manchester, believes general repair work will keep shops busy. “At any given time, things can happen,” he said, pointing to common issues like failing brakes or suspension problems. But he admits there will likely be a short-term hit.
For now, mechanics are bracing for change. Will drivers still bring their cars in for regular checkups? Or will they wait until something breaks? Only time will tell.
States Still Requiring Vehicle Inspections
While New Hampshire is set to ditch its annual vehicle inspection requirement in 2026, many states are sticking with the program. In fact, 14 states currently require annual safety inspections, though the rules and specifics vary. Here’s a look at where inspections are still the law of the land:
The Northeast: Inspection Central
The Northeast is a hotspot for mandatory inspections. States like Massachusetts, Maine, Vermont, and New York all require annual safety checks. Why? Harsh winters. Snow, ice, and road salt wreak havoc on vehicles, making regular inspections critical for catching rust, brake wear, and other safety issues.
The South: A Mixed Bag
In the South, states like Virginia and North Carolina also require annual inspections. However, some southern states, like Florida, have eliminated the requirement altogether. The result? A patchwork of rules where drivers in one state might need an inspection, while their neighbors across the border don’t.
The West and Midwest: Sparse Requirements
Out west, inspections are less common. States like Utah and Hawaii still require them, but many others, like Colorado, have moved away from the practice. In the Midwest, inspections are rare, with most states opting for emissions testing in urban areas rather than full safety checks.
Emissions Testing: A Different Story
While safety inspections are becoming less common, emissions testing is still required in some states, especially in areas with high pollution levels. For example, California has some of the strictest emissions testing rules in the country, even though it doesn’t mandate annual safety inspections.
Why Do Some States Keep Inspections?
The states that still require inspections argue it’s about safety. Regular checks catch issues like bald tires, faulty brakes, and broken lights before they cause accidents. In regions with tough weather conditions or older vehicles on the road, inspections are seen as a way to keep everyone safer.
As New Hampshire joins the growing list of states eliminating inspections, the debate continues: Are these programs outdated? Or are they a necessary safeguard? For now, drivers in these 14 states will still need to make that annual trip to the mechanic.
A New Era for New Hampshire Drivers
For drivers, the end of inspections means fewer trips to the shop—and fewer surprise repair bills. But it also means more responsibility. Without a mechanic checking their car every year, drivers will need to stay on top of maintenance themselves. Will they? Or will New Hampshire’s roads become a patchwork of bald tires and broken taillights?
One thing’s for sure: January 2026 marks the start of a new chapter. For better or worse.