The NH Department of Safety, Division of Motor Vehicles recently sent out a letter highlighting changes to temporary plate requirements. Please read the information below regarding these changes.
Temporary Plate Requirements
Dealers shall not issue a temporary plate or temporary registration to any vehicle unless the vehicle has been examined and has been determined to be in compliance with the equipment requirements of RSA 266. The examples below are intended to clarify when a temporary plate should or should not be assigned.
1. Vehicle Passed Examination – Temporary Plate May Be Issued
2. Vehicle Failed Examination – Temporary Plate Cannot Be Issued
3. Vehicle Not Examined – Temporary Plate Cannot Be Issued
In addition to the changes outlined above, changes to RSA 358-F:2 as outlined below, require written notification upon the sale of every used vehicle, even if an examination has not been conducted.
If the used vehicle has been examined at the time of sale and meets the equipment requirements of RSA 266, the dealer shall provide the following statement:
"This motor vehicle has been determined to be in compliance with the equipment requirements pursuant to RSA 266."
If the used vehicle has been examined and does not meet the equipment requirements of RSA 266, the dealer shall provide the following statement:
"This motor vehicle has been examined and determined not to be in compliance with the equipment requirements pursuant to RSA 266. The following defects are identified."
If the used vehicle has had no examination, the dealer shall provide the following statement:
"No examination has been conducted to determine whether this motor vehicle is in compliance with the equipment requirements pursuant to RSA 266.”
All written notices must include:
The date of the examination (if one was performed);
The name of the person who performed the examination; and
A list of all identified defects (if any)
Under RSA 358-F:2, if a customer believes a used vehicle may be unsafe and requests an examination before purchase, the dealer must conduct or arrange for an examination.
If the vehicle is found to be unsafe for operation under RSA 266, the dealer may still sell the vehicle, but must provide the customer with written notice stating:
"This motor vehicle is unsafe for operation upon the highways pursuant to RSA 266. The following defects must be corrected."
The notice must include:
A list of all identified defects;
The date of the inspection; and
The name of the person who performed the inspection.
Dealers may charge a reasonable fee for conducting an examination under RSA 358-F:2.
Recordkeeping
There is no longer a state-required form for these notices. Dealers are responsible for providing the required written disclosures to customers.
If you have any questions or concerns, please feel free to contact the Dealer Desk 603-227-4120.