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F.A.Q.

The governmental inspection process in New Hampshire has existed for decades. This is how the state determines whether your vehicle is in good functioning order, ensuring the safety of you, other drivers, and pedestrians. As you will soon discover, environmental safety is also a consideration.


This must be passed by every car on the road. Ten days after registration, newly-registered automobiles in the state must be examined. There are two components to the program: emissions testing and a safety check. Your car must pass both in order to be certified road-worthy.

The emissions inspection applies to newer automobiles, specifically ones with onboard diagnostic systems that are less than 20 years old. These vehicles are assessed for environmental and health concerns. Transportation is the leading generator of smog in the United States. Air pollution is responsible for numerous ailments.


Emissions testing guarantees that your car is not producing dangerously high amounts of air pollutants. Common contaminants such as nitrogen oxide, carbon monoxide, and carbon dioxide are analyzed. The emissions inspection is completed in a matter of minutes.


How can you maintain your vehicle's peak condition for the emissions inspection? Simply tune your engine and change the oil according to the manufacturer's instructions.

Safety inspections are required for all passenger cars. This comprehensive inspection of your vehicle includes the most critical checkpoints, such as:

  • Exterior: Windshield, Bumpers, Tires, Wheels
  • Interior: Rearview Mirror, Horn, and Steering Wheel.
  • Mechanical: Brakes, suspension, and exhaust system

Your license plate must be visibly displayed in order to pass the safety inspection. Large cracks should not be present in your windshield, and all windows, tires, wheels, and airbags should be in place. Your brakes should be in complete working order, including the brake pads, rotors, and calipers.


You can drive with confidence if you know that these parts and systems are functioning properly. Stay safe on the roads and have confidence in your vehicle's optimal performance.

All New Hampshire vehicles still require an annual safety inspection. In addition to the normal safety checks, light-duty (8500 lbs GVWR and less) gasoline-fueled and diesel passenger vehicles whose model year is 20 years old and newer must have an OBD test as part of the inspection process. In order to perform this test, those cars are connected to the NHOST inspection unit via the standardized OBD port. The inspection unit communicates with the vehicle's OBD system to determine whether or not the monitors are working properly and if they are detecting any problems. 

All New Hampshire public, automobile inspection stations are required to use the NHOST inspection equipment. Maroun's Auto Sales is the perfect place to get your vehicle inspected. With our high-quality and reliable services and affordable prices, you can rest assured that your car is in good hands.

As the vehicle owner, it is your responsibility to ensure the vehicle complies with inspection requirements. Just as you are required to correct any safety issues with the vehicle before it will pass the safety inspection, you are also required to correct any OBD system problems before your vehicle can pass the inspection and receive an inspection sticker.


The OBD system is installed on the vehicle to ensure that it runs smoothly, lasts longer and releases as few pollutants as possible. Repairing problems sooner rather than later could save you money in repairs and at the pumps.

nspection information from both the safety and emission inspections will be entered into a computer system and electronically transferred to the DMV. Vehicles which pass both the safety and emissions inspections will be issued an inspection sticker. It will be valid for the same time period as the vehicle's registration. The mechanic is required to give a copy of the official Vehicle Inspection Report (VIR) to the motorist every time the vehicle is inspected.


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.

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Ready to have a simple, no hassle used car experience and affordable service? Call Maroun's Auto Sales today! Whether you're looking for reliable used cars, repairs or your annual New Hampshire inspection, we're here to help.