What does your exhaust system have to do with NH state inspections? Well, NH is one of the 34 states that have emissions testing as part of their vehicle inspection requirements. If you are repairing your exhaust system or upgrading to a custom exhaust system, you need to ensure that it will still comply with state laws and pass inspection. To do that, you should be familiar with the laws that govern exhaust and emissions in the state of NH.
Will your exhaust system modifications stand up to NH state inspections? Here are the regulations you need to follow.
No Excessive Fumes
Car manufacturers are continuing to develop ways to reduce emissions. Catalytic converters are one of the most important innovations in that area. A catalytic converter controls the oxygen level in the fuel to achieve the ideal fuel-to-air ratio. In NH, all cars manufactured since 1996 monitor emissions through the OBD, and inspectors can access that reading for the purpose of vehicle diagnostics and emissions testing.
No Exessive Noise
The exhaust system also controls how much noise your car makes, primarily with the muffler. To prevent excessive noise, every vehicle must be equipped with a working muffler. The state law does not specify the exact decibel level that qualifies as “excessive noise,” but individual municipalities have local laws that include specific decibel levels.
No Straight Pipes
Further concerning exhaust noise, state law also bans straight exhaust pipes. Straight exhaust pipes do not include any baffles that would dampen the noise. This ordinance is relevant to custom exhaust builds that include aftermarket or custom parts. Custom builds often emphasize performance, making them louder than standard exhaust systems. While this increase in noise does not necessarily violate the law, using a straight exhaust pipe without baffles definitely will. However, our team at Erick’s Custom Exhaust has experience building custom exhaust systems that both meet your requirements and comply with state laws.
NH State Inspections | Erick’s Custom Exhaust
Whether you need an exhaust repair or want to install a custom exhaust system, you can rely on our team at Erick’s Custom Exhaust. We’ll ensure your exhaust system meets your performance specifications and passes the NH state inspections’ requirements.
