Policy Pulse - Vehicle Emissions Testing
The Unexpected Ripple Effect of Ending State Vehicle Inspections in New Hampshire
New Hampshire drivers are likely aware that the state will eliminate its annual vehicle safety and emissions inspection requirement beginning January 1, 2026. What many may not realize, however, is why vehicle emissions testing was introduced in the first place—and what its removal means for air quality compliance.
New Hampshire is part of the Ozone Transport Region (OTR), a group of northeastern and mid-Atlantic states working together to reduce pollutants that contribute to ground-level ozone, such as nitrogen oxides (NOx) and volatile organic compounds (VOCs). Participation in the OTR requires states to implement programs that monitor and control these emissions, including vehicle emissions testing, which New Hampshire adopted in 2005.
With the end of the emissions testing program, New Hampshire technically falls out of compliance with the Clean Air Act (CAA). To address this, the New Hampshire Department of Environmental Services (NHDES) has submitted a petition to the U.S. Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) requesting that the state be removed from the OTR while the new law takes effect.
For more information, contact Katy Ward.