OBD inspections will be performed annually on 1996 and newer model year light-duty gasoline-fueled passenger vehicles (8500 GVWR and less) and 1997 and newer model year light-duty diesel passenger vehicles (8500 GVWR and less) registered in New Hampshire. The program will enable licensed inspection stations to perform OBD inspections and enable the state to comply with Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) regulations. It will also allow automated collection of Safety Inspection results.

The New Hampshire OBD & Safety Testing (NHOST) program is working to reduce vehicle-related air pollution in New Hampshire. Ongoing vehicle maintenance is important for the proper operation of your vehicle and will help with better gas mileage. Each properly operating vehicle plays a large role in the quality of the air we breathe. This will keep you and your family healthier and will make the air in New Hampshire cleaner and safer,too.

On-board diagnostics, or OBD, systems were developed to help repair technicians identify problems associated with the computerized engine systems of modern vehicles. Federal law requires states that do not meet federal air quality standards to implement an OBD inspection program to ensure that emissions control equipment is operating correctly. Part of the OBD inspection includes verifying that the "Check Engine" or "Service Engine Soon" light is not illuminated on the vehicles dashboard.

Modern vehicles emit less air pollution than older vehicles due to new engine management technology and emission control equipment, but these cars are only cleaner if all emission control systems are operating properly. The OBD system can often detect a vehicle malfunction before the driver becomes aware of the problem. Early detection and repair of malfunctions will result in fewer emissions. In addition, early repair of minor problems may prevent more significant and more expensive engine problems that could develop if left undetected.

With the new Pass/Reject OBD Emissions test comes a new stickering process as described below:

In order to become a licensed NHOST inspection station, you must complete an NHOST enrollment package.

The package includes a Station Agreement and Enrollment Form, as well as a Direct Payment Authorization form. The package (including the Station Agreement, Direct Payment Authorization, and a voided check) needs to be completed by the station and returned to us.

To receive a package, go to the Downloads page of this site or call us at 1-800-383-4124 to request one be faxed or mailed to you.

Completion of the enrollment package will authorize you to receive NHOST equipment, and allow your continued participation in the inspection program.

All participants of the Safety Inspection program need to be certified mechanics prior to performing OBD inspections.

A Computer Based Training program (CBT) will allow mechanics to complete training at their own workplace, right on their shop's NHOST System. The CBT will cover both OBD inspections and use of the NHOST unit. A take-home CD is also available.

The certification test is done by the mechanic on the NHOST unit. Once the mechanic passes, then he or she is immediately authorized to use the NHOST system.

The CBT software will remain on the unit, and can be accessed any time by the mechanics if they need to refresh their knowledge of a particular NHOST feature.