This bill introduces new responsibilities for motorists to enhance road safety by establishing RSA 266:8-b, which prohibits the operation of vehicles deemed unsafe due to specific mechanical and structural defects, such as faulty brakes or compromised structural integrity. Law enforcement is empowered to conduct limited safety inspections and issue defective equipment tags, requiring vehicle owners to rectify identified issues within a specified timeframe. Violations can lead to fines, and the director may suspend vehicle registrations if a vehicle poses an immediate hazard. Additionally, the bill amends existing laws to require used vehicle dealers to conduct safety inspections upon customer request and provide written compliance statements. Dealers are prohibited from issuing temporary registrations for vehicles that do not meet safety standards and must inform customers of any defects before selling unsafe vehicles.

Furthermore, the bill establishes a rental fleet passenger vehicle registration program for rental car companies with fleets of 50 or more vehicles, allowing them to register their vehicles as a fleet and select a common two-year registration expiration date. Registrants must pay fees based on existing statutory rates, with prorated fees for vehicles added after initial registration. The bill also clarifies that applicants for temporary registrations must certify that their vehicles are safe for operation, rather than certifying compliance with all inspection requirements. It prohibits dealers from issuing temporary plates for non-compliant vehicles and does not anticipate significant fiscal impacts, although it requires an estimated $45,000 for system changes to implement the new registration program, which the Department of Safety expects to absorb within existing resources.

Statutes affected:
Introduced: 125-S:2, 266:18-d, 266:59-a, 266:60, 266:13, 266:115, 358-F:2, 358-F:4
As Amended by the Senate: 261:56, 261:57, 261:141, 261:153, 358-F:4
As Amended by the Senate (2nd): 358-F:2, 358-F:4, 261:56, 261:57