Effective February 1, 2026, revisions were made to RSA 358-F:2, which governs safety inspections of used motor vehicles prior to sale. Although the state inspection program is currently suspended, dealer obligations under RSA 358-F:2 remain in effect and still require action when a consumer requests an examination.
Key Changes to RSA 358-F:2
The version of RSA 358-F:2 in effect through January 31, 2026 required dealers to perform a safety inspection upon customer request before the sale of a used vehicle to determine whether it was safe for highway operation. If a vehicle failed inspection, dealers were required to notify the customer of deficiencies using the DSMV 950 Unsafe Motor Vehicle form.
The revised statute establishes a new process. The requirement now applies when a customer believes a vehicle may be unsafe for operation under RSA 266. The updated language removes the specific reference to failing a New Hampshire inspection and instead requires a general written statement that the vehicle is unsafe for operation under RSA 266. Dealers must still list all defects that must be corrected, but only those covered under RSA 266 rather than all inspection-related defects.
Documentation requirements remain largely unchanged. Dealers must continue to record the date of the inspection, identify who performed it, and may charge a reasonable fee for conducting the examination.
Dealer Responsibilities During the Inspection Suspension
Even while New Hampshire’s state inspection program is suspended, RSA 358-F:2 still applies when a consumer requests an examination.
In practice:
The suspension of the inspection sticker program does not eliminate a dealer’s obligation to disclose safety deficiencies when an inspection is requested. The statute continues to emphasize consumer awareness and clear communication regarding vehicle safety conditions.