Expired car inspection sticker? Be prepared to pay up

As a dark winter drags on, many Granite Staters are seeking a minor victory with the repeal of a law requiring annual vehicle inspections. Beginning Feb. 1, any new car purchased will not require a state inspection, nor will those due for renewals need to head to City Hall. 

But readers shouldn’t get too excited: If their sticker is past due, they still need to pay.

“I would say that we have been trying to use a mixture of common sense and discretion when it comes to expired inspection stickers,” said Lt. Evan Boulanger of Belmont Police. “We have been using the opportunity to educate drivers about the law change, while keeping the safety of our roads as the main priority.”

Last summer, state legislators voted to end mandatory car inspections. Beginning next month, folks are off the hook, although they must stay on top of their vehicle’s maintenance, or risk getting stopped for a safety violation. 

“While the inspection requirement is going away, basic safety requirements are not,” said Laconia Police Chief Matt Canfield. “It is on the owner or operator of the vehicle to ensure that their vehicle is in safe operating condition while operating on the roadways. Other safety statutes will continue to be enforced for the good of the general motoring public.”

The change to the law comes with some worry for Lakes Region auto mechanics, who see firsthand the destruction salt can have on vehicles, for example. 

“As far as safety goes, we have winter, and we get a lot of rain. There’s so many parts to vehicles that people don’t think about, and that’s kind of what the inspection is for, so we can inspect the parts of your car you don’t get to see everyday,” said Peter Sanborn Jr. of Sanborn’s Auto Repair in Laconia.

“The biggest thing up where we live is how much salt we put down in the winter, and how much that rusts vehicles,” he said, pointing out how easily parts of the suspension can corrode.  

And as Ginny Sanborn said, car registration prices increased on Jan. 1, after a change to the state budget prompted an increase in monthly, weight-based state fees for operators.

There are some shop owners, though, who think repealing the law makes a lot of sense for the Live Free or Die state.

“It's going to be great to be rid of this burden. I can't wait to see people getting the most from their vehicles and having the ability to make informed decisions for themselves,” said Neil Trindade, an L1 certified master technician and owner of Neil’s Laconia Garage. “I can't wait to have customers ask me to check over their vehicles, willingly pay what it takes to do so, and not be disparaged for offering my honest opinion.”

As far as policing the new change to law, patrol officers are looking for standard safety violations.

“While there will no longer be an annual inspection requirement, vehicles will still be required to meet the same safety requirements, such as safe tires, working lights, windshield wipers that are operational and effective, safe brakes,” Canfield said. “There are statutes governing these safety measures aside from the inspection requirement, and these will still be enforced.”

Sanborn Jr. and Trindade both recommend regular maintenance appointments, as well as a common-sense approach to vehicle safety. 

“Pay attention to your car and make it a point to pay a certified mechanic a fair price to inspect your car if you are concerned,” Trindade said. “Most establishments, like Neil's Laconia Garage, check the vehicle brakes, suspension, steering, tires and more if it has been some time or miles since the last visit for free with some other billable service.”

Sanborn Jr. agreed. 

“Every year or so is really good.”

The New Hampshire Department of Safety cautions drivers on the importance of operating a safe vehicle. 

“Accountability will rest with the driver or owner of a vehicle to ensure it meets legal requirements. A vehicle driver or owner can voluntarily bring their vehicle to a repair shop to be examined for any number of safety-related issues,” said Tyler Dumont, spokesperson for State Police. “Members of the New Hampshire Department of Safety are continuing to work collaboratively with state legislators to develop clear and consistent guidelines that define what is required to ensure vehicles on New Hampshire’s roads remain roadworthy. Additionally, we encourage all Granite State residents and visitors to ensure their vehicles are safe for themselves and others on the road.”

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Katlyn Proctor can be reached at katlyn@laconiadailysun.com or by calling 603-524-0150.