ROCHESTER, New Hampshire — New Hampshire will terminate its annual vehicle inspections starting in January, leaving only 13 states, including Maine, that still require them.
The decision comes after New Hampshire Republicans advocated for the change, citing the $50 cost to taxpayers, which is more than double the cost in Maine.
Opinions among drivers in Rochester, N.H., are mixed.
Paul Stewart expressed relief, stating, “[they’ve] been a rip-off,” and criticized the system for failing vehicles over minor issues like windshield wipers.
State lawmaker Sam Farrington, a Rochester Republican, supported the move, calling the inspections “a scam” and arguing that they do not enhance safety but can lead to unexpected expenses.
However, some drivers, like Coreen Cameron, worry about the financial burden of repairs, saying, “there’s going to be people that can’t afford to fix their cars.”
Zach Milliken raised concerns about road safety, fearing that without inspections, “people will not maintain their cars enough.”
The New Hampshire Automobile Dealers Association opposed the change, emphasizing the importance of safety inspections for road safety.
Meanwhile, Maine drivers also have varied views.
Kyra Pardue suggested that better road maintenance could justify eliminating inspections, while Emma Cole stressed the importance of inspections for safety.
Despite the end of mandatory inspections, New Hampshire drivers will still be responsible for their vehicle’s upkeep.
Police can ticket drivers for unsafe vehicles, including issues like pollution emissions, bald tires or broken lights. Milliken noted that such fines “are going to be more than paying for an inspection.”
The new law will take effect at the end of the month.
