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🚗 Keeping Manchester Moving Safely: Clearing Up The Continuing Confusion Around NH's Vehicle Inspection Repeal

While out on the campaign trail in Ward 9 and listening to residents, one topic that has frequently come up is the upcoming change to New Hampshire’s vehicle inspection laws. With the legislature voting to repeal the mandatory annual safety and emissions inspection for most passenger vehicles beginning January 31, 2026, many drivers are left asking what this really means for them.

 

Even though the repeal has passed, confusion remains. Does this mean inspections are gone entirely? Are taxis and rideshare vehicles exempt? And what about the safety of vehicles on our roads here in Ward 9 and the city overall?

 

As your prospective Alderman, I believe it is important to cut through the uncertainty and provide residents with straightforward answers.


📜 The State Law Change: What’s Happening

Fact: The repeal passed as part of the 2025 state budget bill (House Bill 2) and ends the state’s mandatory annual inspection for most private passenger vehicles on January 31, 2026.

 

Myth: The repeal means all inspections are gone.


Reality: Safety laws in RSA Chapter 266 regarding brakes, tires, lights, and other equipment remain in effect. Driving an unsafe vehicle is still illegal.

 

👉 Why Ward 9 should care: Even if inspections go away statewide, our neighborhoods still depend on safe vehicles on the road, from school drop-offs to rideshares to public transit.


🚕 Impact on Taxis and Livery Vehicles in Manchester

Myth: Taxis will no longer be inspected since the state law is repealed.


Reality: Manchester ordinances are stronger. Licensed taxicabs and livery vehicles are still required to undergo inspections.

 

✅ Ordinance Requirement: Manchester City Code §118.39 mandates a mid-year inspection in addition to the state inspection. While the state requirement is ending, the city requirement is still in place.

 

✅ Local Oversight: Inspections must occur at New Hampshire registered stations, with oversight from the City Clerk’s office.

 

👉 Ward 9 takeaway: Whether it’s catching a taxi downtown or getting a ride from South Willow, inspections for public vehicles will still apply here in our city.


🚙 Impact on Rideshare Services (Uber, Lyft, etc.)

Myth: If the state stops inspections, Uber and Lyft drivers won’t need them either.


Reality: Rideshare companies have their own requirements that are not tied to state law.

 

✅ Company Policy: Uber, Lyft, and other Transportation Network Companies (TNCs) require annual inspections for vehicles on their platforms.

 

✅ Enforcement: Failure to submit proof of inspection results in deactivation.

 

👉 Ward 9 takeaway: Even if the state steps back, anyone Manchester residents driving for Uber or Lyft will still need an annual inspection to stay active.


🔎 Next Steps for Manchester

While our ordinances have strong protections for riders, the language in §118.39 ties city inspections directly to the annual state inspection. With the state law changing in 2026, this section of our code will need an update.

 

👉 Why this matters: If the ordinance is left unchanged, there could be uncertainty about how and when taxicabs must be inspected. That confusion could delay enforcement and weaken public safety oversight.

 

✅ My commitment: As Alderman, I will push to update the city ordinance so that inspections for taxis and livery vehicles remain clear, enforceable, and independent of whether the state requires inspections.

 

🚕 The goal is simple: Keep passengers safe, support local drivers with clear rules, and make sure Manchester stays ahead of changes happening in Concord.


💡 My Commitment to Ward 9

As we navigate these changes, my commitment to you as Alderman for Ward 9 will be to ensure that our city’s ordinances continue to prioritize the safety and well-being of all residents. This includes:

  • Advocating for clear communication regarding regulations

  • Supporting local businesses that provide essential services like vehicle inspections

  • Ensuring our public transportation options remain safe and reliable

 

If you have further questions or concerns about this or any other issue, please don’t hesitate to reach out. Together, we can ensure Manchester remains a safe and thriving community.

 

Guided by Values. Focused on Outcomes.


🛠️ Where to Get Your Inspections Done in Ward 9 and Nearby

It is vital to know where you can reliably get these inspections performed. Thankfully, our city has numerous certified stations. These facilities are authorized by the State of New Hampshire to conduct vehicle inspections and will continue to do so for commercial and for-hire vehicles, as well as for those who choose voluntary inspections.

 

Here is a list of inspection stations in Manchester’s Ward 9:

 

ℹ️ Please note: While other general repair shops exist, this list focuses on official NH inspection stations in Ward 9. Regardless, a quick call to confirm their certification is always recommended.


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© 2025 Troy Micklon for Alderman, Ward 9 - All Rights Reserved.

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