This bill amends existing motor vehicle inspection laws to allow new vehicles purchased in the model year or before to be exempt from inspection until the last day of the registered owner's birth month in the second year after purchase. Specifically, it introduces a new paragraph (IV-a) to RSA 266:1, which states that a vehicle purchased from a licensed dealer by a natural person as the first owner will not require inspection until this specified time. For vehicles purchased by a corporation, the exemption lasts until the last day of the purchase anniversary month in the second year after purchase. Additionally, the bill modifies existing language in paragraphs II, II-a, and IV to incorporate these new provisions and clarify the inspection requirements for newly registered vehicles.

The bill is set to take effect on January 1, 2026, and is expected to have a significant fiscal impact, resulting in decreased revenue for the state and local governments due to fewer inspection stickers being issued. The estimated revenue decrease for the Highway Fund, General Fund, and Motor Vehicle Air Pollution Abatement Fund is projected to be $144,625 in FY 2026 and $289,250 in subsequent years. Local revenue is also expected to decline, with a decrease of $14,685 in FY 2027 and $29,370 in each year thereafter.

Statutes affected:
Introduced: 266:1