Beginning January 31, 2026, the state of New Hampshire will no longer mandate their drivers to get yearly car inspections, according to WMUR.
This is something that's been in place for many decades.  
The inspection program in New Hampshire helped to make sure cars were ready to drive safely on the roadways, especially in the winter when the ice, snow, and the (never ending) potholes can show hidden car problems.
Drivers would pay up to $50 for each vehicle, every year for their inspection stickers.  
Some mechanics and auto industry folks are worried that not having inspections may lead to less safe roads and repairs, as per the article.  
However, on the other hand, the folks that are pleased with this change think inspections are an unnecessary expense that can also lead to “scam” repair bills. Many of us have no choice but to trust our mechanics and take their word for the problems with our vehicles.  
As per the article, one Rep. Sam Farrington says that inspections didn’t really make the roads any safer.  
So what does this mean for Maine drivers?
At this time, according to Maine law, Maine still requires you to have a your car inspected each year saying, 
"A motor vehicle required to be registered in this State must have an annual inspection."
However, many are hoping that the New Hampshire move will influence what we do in Maine.  
For a lot of Maine drivers, getting your car inspected isn’t just about safety, it’s stressful. You bring your car in for what you think is a quick sticker and leave with a bill for hundreds of dollars, for repairs you don’t understand. 
Read More: Is There a Maximum Age Limit for Driving in Maine? 
And if you aren’t a “car person” it can feel intimidating because you don’t always know what is urgent or what can wait a few hundred more miles. 
What say you? Do you think that Maine should get rid of yearly inspections? Or do you think that inspections are necessary to keep your vehicle roadworthy.  
Gallery Credit: Unsplash
Gallery Credit: Arlen Jameson

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