NH State Inspections

Every state has slightly different rules of the road when it comes to driving, registration, auto insurance, and more. That is why it is important to stay on top of what your state requires in terms of your vehicle and what is or is not allowed. 

For example, in New Hampshire, all registered vehicles must have a yearly auto inspection to be sure the vehicle is safe for the driver and other drivers out on the road. You can learn more about this state inspection process, why it exists, and what is required of you for this process below. 

Also, if you have any questions, reach out to us at Skip’s Garage. Our expert staff can answer your questions and help you with any of your vehicle needs. 

NH Vehicle State Inspections

When you register your vehicle in New Hampshire, you are required to get a vehicle safety inspection. This inspection needs to happen within 10 days of the registration. You also need to get a vehicle safety inspection every year after, during the owner’s birth month. This safety inspection makes sure that your vehicle is safe for you to be driving it, and it is safe to be on New Hampshire roads. Also, when a vehicle is sold in New Hampshire, it must be inspected by the new owner of the vehicle when the vehicle is registered. 

Why Does Your Vehicle Need an Inspection Every Year? 

Some people ask why a yearly vehicle inspection is necessary because not every state requires this. Check out a few reasons for these yearly inspections here. 

• Preventative Maintenance for Your Vehicle – A safety inspection for your vehicle can be a way to perform preventative maintenance. This safety inspection checks your vehicle to make sure that it is road ready. The inspection looks at all parts of your vehicle like brakes, tires, lights, steering, electrical systems, and more. If something is not working as it should, or it is in need of repair, the inspection will show that. This can be helpful to know about a potential issue before it causes lots of problems with your vehicle. 
• Accident Prevention – Another reason that inspections are required is for accident prevention. These inspections can help keep you safer, but they can also help keep the roads safer and other people safer. If the inspection finds a problem with your vehicle that could cause an accident later on, that can be helpful for you and for others. For example, if your brakes are faulty, an inspection will show that, and it can help you get your brakes fixed before they cause other issues or even a potential collision that could hurt you and other people. 
• Peace of Mind – When you get a safety inspection for your vehicle, it can offer you peace of mind to know that your vehicle is safe for you and your family to drive. That also means it is safer for other drivers and passengers out on New Hampshire roads. Getting that yearly inspection can be beneficial because New Hampshire has a lot of unique weather and road conditions that can be hard on a vehicle. 

Those are a few reasons why the state of New Hampshire requires inspections of your vehicle every year. It is a safety inspection, so it is about the safety of your vehicle, yourself, and others on New Hampshire roads. Below, you can learn a little bit more about the inspection process in New Hampshire and where you can go to get your vehicle inspected. 

Inspection Process in New Hampshire

Now that you know more about why inspections take place, let’s talk a little bit more about how they work. How do inspections work? Where does the inspection information go? What is involved in the inspection process? Learn about all of this and more below. 

To get your vehicle inspected, you need to take it to a state inspection station or a service center that is authorized to complete these inspections. When your vehicle is inspected in New Hampshire, there will be multiple records of this inspection. Your mechanic will give you an official copy of your Vehicle Inspection Report (VIR), and they will also enter this information into a computer system. This system will electronically transfer the information to the DMV. The DMV will then issue an inspection sticker that will be valid for a year or until the registration is due again. However, you can hold onto your copy of the vehicle inspection report to have further proof of your inspection. 

You may be wondering about the specific parts or requirements of the vehicle safety inspection. This inspection looks thoroughly at your vehicle and the different parts to make sure it is operating as it should be, and there are no safety issues. 

Below is a list of items which are included in the general inspection process:

• Registration, plates, registration certificate, and vehicle identification number.
• Steering, front end, and suspension.
• Brakes, including parking brake.
• Odometer and speedometer.
• Electrical system, horn, and defroster.
• Lights and reflectors, including headlight aim.
• Glass, glazing, and mirrors.
• Wipers.
• Exhaust system.
• On-board diagnostics system.
• Body, chassis, and bumper height.
• Fuel system.
• Tires and wheels.
• Emissions/On-Board Diagnostics (OBD)

The vehicle inspection will include a check of all the parts and systems above. Also, if your vehicle is newer than the 1996 model year, the vehicle must also have an On-Board Diagnostics (OBD) test. This test will be included as part of the inspection process, so you do not have to do anything additional. This part of the inspection checks out the computer system that is found in newer vehicles. This computer system is important because it is involved with the engine components, as well as emission control components. When a mechanic checks out this system, it can tell them if the vehicle is producing excess pollution, or if there are other problems with vehicle components. The OBD system check can help mechanics learn of problems so that they can make effective repairs. 

Where Can You Get Your Vehicle Inspected? 

Now, you may be wondering where you have to go to get your vehicle inspected. This is a good question. Not every mechanic or service center can perform these inspections. Your vehicle must be inspected at a state-licensed inspection station, or an authorized New Hampshire automobile dealer. How do you know if the dealer or service center is authorized? Authorized stations are required to post a notice that their facility is authorized to perform these state inspections. At Skip’s Garage, we can help you out with your New Hampshire state vehicle inspection, so reach out to us to learn more today.  

Service with Skip’s Garage

If you need service or repair for your vehicle, you can trust Skip’s Garage to get the job done right. Check out some reasons to choose Skip’s Garage for your next service appointment below. 

• Knowledgeable, Experienced Staff – Our service staff is knowledgeable and experienced. We can help you out with whatever repair, part replacement, or regular maintenance you may need. We keep ourselves up-to-date on the latest tools and technologies to give you the highest quality service. 
• Thorough and Timely Service – At Skip’s Garage, we will do a thorough job fixing your vehicle, but we will also do it as efficiently as possible. We know your time is valuable, and your life is busy, so we work extra hard to get done quickly for you. Reach out to us if you have any questions about how long a particular repair might take. 
• We Make Things Easy and Convenient – We also work to make things as easy as possible for you. You can schedule a service appointment online, and we work to make things as convenient as possible for you. 

If you need your vehicle serviced or inspected, you can come down to Skip’s Garage. Our experienced staff is ready to help you get back on the road in no time. Reach out to us today about scheduling an appointment to service your vehicle. We look forward to helping you.