Vehicle Maintenance for Safe Driving in New Hampshire

1. What is the minimum age for obtaining a Vehicle Maintenance license in New Hampshire?


The minimum age for obtaining a Vehicle Maintenance license in New Hampshire is 18 years old.

2. What are the legal requirements for Vehicle Maintenance inspections in New Hampshire?


In New Hampshire, vehicles registered in any city or town must be inspected annually. The vehicle must be inspected at a certified inspection station and must pass all applicable safety requirements as well as emissions tests. The inspection sticker must be affixed to the inside of the vehicle’s windshield. The stickers are valid for one year from the month of issue. If a vehicle is more than seven years old, an emissions test is required.

3. What are the laws concerning window tinting for vehicles in New Hampshire?


In New Hampshire, all vehicles must meet the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration’s (NHTSA) standard for tinting. The tint must be less than 35% visible light transmission (VLT) for the front side windows and the back side windows must be more than 20% VLT. The rear window must have more than 35% VLT. Reflective tint is not allowed on the front side windows.

4. Are there any Vehicle Maintenance requirements for registered drivers in New Hampshire?


Yes. New Hampshire requires vehicle owners to have their car inspected every year. The inspection must be done by a New Hampshire State-licensed inspection station. Motorists are also required to keep their vehicle registration and proof of insurance in the vehicle at all times. Additionally, all vehicles must meet minimum safety standards as set forth by the New Hampshire Department of Safety.

5. What are the laws concerning the use of safety belts in vehicles in New Hampshire?


In New Hampshire, all drivers and passengers riding in the front seat of a vehicle must use a seatbelt whenever the vehicle is in motion. Additionally, all passengers under the age of 18, regardless of where they are seated in the vehicle, must wear a seatbelt when the vehicle is in motion. All drivers are subject to fines if they are caught not wearing a seatbelt.

6. Are there any laws requiring daytime running lights on vehicles in New Hampshire?


No, there is not a law requiring daytime running lights on vehicles in New Hampshire.

7. Are any emissions tests required for vehicles in New Hampshire?


Yes, emissions tests are required for vehicles in New Hampshire. The tests are required for cars built after 1966 that have been registered in certain counties. The counties subject to emissions testing include Rockingham, Hillsborough, Merrimack, and Strafford.

8. What are the laws concerning the use of cell phones while driving in New Hampshire?


In New Hampshire, it is illegal to talk on a cell phone or use any type of handheld device while driving. This includes talking, texting, or browsing the internet. Additionally, texting and driving is considered a primary offense in New Hampshire, meaning that law enforcement officers can pull you over if they spot you using a cell phone while driving. Drivers under the age of 18 are prohibited from using any type of electronic device while driving, including hands-free devices. Fines for using a cell phone while driving range from $100 to $500, depending on the severity of the offense.

9. Are there any laws governing the maintenance of tires on vehicles in New Hampshire?


Yes, New Hampshire does have laws governing the maintenance of tires on vehicles. New Hampshire Revised Statute 261:130-A requires that vehicles must have two or more wear indicators gauging at least 2/32 of an inch of tread depth in order to be considered safe for use on public highways. Any vehicles with less than 2/32 of an inch of tread depth must be repaired or replaced prior to being operated on public roadways. Additionally, New Hampshire Revised Statute 261:133 requires that tires must be in good condition and free from any damage or wear that may render them unsafe for use.

10. Are any restrictions imposed on the carrying of hazardous materials on vehicles in New Hampshire?


Yes. The state of New Hampshire has restrictions on the carrying of hazardous materials. These restrictions include the number of placards and signs required on a vehicle, the types of materials that can be transported, and any other applicable laws or regulations.

11. Are there any restrictions concerning the use of car horns in New Hampshire?


Yes. According to New Hampshire law, car horns can only be used as an “urgent warning of impending danger.” Using a car horn for any other purpose is prohibited.

12. Are there any laws concerning headlights and tail lights for vehicles in New Hampshire?


Yes. The New Hampshire Motor Vehicle Code outlines the headlights and tail lights that must be used on vehicles in the state. It states that all vehicles must have two headlights, two tail lights, and two side directional signals. Additionally, all vehicles must have at least one rear reflector mounted at the rear of the vehicle. All vehicles must also be equipped with a red stop light mounted at the center and rear of the vehicle.

13. What is the speed limit for drivers passing through school zones in New Hampshire?


The speed limit in school zones in New Hampshire is generally 15 mph, although it can vary depending on the local municipality.

14. Are any restrictions imposed on the use of radar detectors on vehicles in New Hampshire?


Yes, the use of radar detectors is generally restricted in New Hampshire. In particular, it is illegal to use a radar detector in a vehicle that is registered for commercial use. It is also illegal to use radar detectors in vehicles that are part of a motor vehicle fleet, such as taxis, buses or limousines.

15. Are there any laws governing the maintenance of brakes on vehicles in New Hampshire?


Yes, New Hampshire has laws governing the maintenance of brakes on vehicles. The state Transportation Code requires that all vehicles registered in New Hampshire must have brakes that are in good working condition, and must be able to stop the vehicle within 50 feet when driving at 20 miles per hour. The brakes must be inspected by a qualified mechanic every 6 months or every 5,000 miles driven, whichever comes first.

16. What is the legal driving age for minors in New Hampshire?


In New Hampshire, the legal driving age for minors is 16 with a Junior Operator License.

17. Are any regulations imposed on the use of headlights when it rains or snows in New Hampshire?


Yes, New Hampshire has several regulations regarding the use of headlights when it rains or snows. Drivers must turn on their headlights when visibility is reduced to 500 feet or less, and they must also use their low beam headlights if visibility is less than 1000 feet. Drivers also must use their headlights when they are using their windshield wipers due to inclement weather.

18. Are any safety regulations imposed on school buses operating within New Hampshire?


Yes, New Hampshire has safety regulations for school buses that are enforced by the state’s Department of Education. These regulations include requirements for drivers to pass a physical examination, complete a driver training course, and obtain a Commercial Driver’s License (CDL). Additionally, all school buses must undergo annual inspections from the Department of Education or the Division of Motor Vehicles. Other safety requirements include lighting, emergency exits, stop arms, and seatbelts.

19. Are there any laws concerning seat belt usage for passengers under the age of 16 in New Hampshire?


Yes. All passengers in the front seat in New Hampshire must wear seat belts, regardless of age. Additionally, passengers in the back seat under the age of 16 must also wear a seat belt.

20. Are there any noise pollution regulations imposed on motor vehicles operating within New Hampshire?


Yes, New Hampshire has noise pollution regulations in place for motor vehicles. These regulations are contained in New Hampshire Revised Statutes Annotated (RSA) section 265:54. According to this law, it is illegal to operate any motor vehicle so as to make loud and unnecessary noises, including loud exhaust systems, in a manner that is offensive or unreasonably interfere with the use of the roads and highways. Additionally, the law imposes restrictions on the use of horns and other warning devices.