New Hampshire does not have a suspension lift limit or a frame height restriction, however, bumper height is limited to 30 inches. Keeping that in mind, people are free to install suspension lift kits, aftermarket wheels and tires, performance shocks, aftermarket bumpers, and grille guards in New Hampshire.
 Code |
New Hampshire’s street legal laws are covered in the New Hampshire Statutes (NHS). |
NHS Title 21 | ||||||||||||||||||||
 Dimensions |
Vehicle size in New Hampshire is restricted to a maximum width of 102 inches, a maximum height of 13 feet 6 inches, and a maximum single vehicle length of 45 feet. |
NHS 21-266-12 NHS 21-266-10 NHS 21-266-11 |
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 Tires |
All tires on vehicles driven in New Hampshire must be without any bulges or exposed cords. There is no minimum tire tread depth. Tire grooving is prohibited on passenger vehicles under 8,000 GVWR. |
NHS 21-266-47 NHS 21-266-52 |
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 Wheels |
New Hampshire’s code does not have any regulations on wheels. |
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 Brakes |
New Hampshire requires vehicles to be equipped with brakes capable of stopping the vehicle from a speed of 20 mph within 30 feet. A secondary, mechanical, parking brake is also required. |
NHS 21-266-27 NHS 21-266-28 |
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 Steering |
Steering systems are not covered in New Hampshire’s statutes. |
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 Suspension |
There are no specific suspension lift limits or suspension modification restrictions listed in New Hampshire’s laws, however, lift hight is limited by bumper height (see below). Effective 1/1/11, a vehicle’s suspension system cannot be lowered such that any part of the vehicle’s suspension, steering, or chassis can extend below the lowest point of the vehicle’s wheels. |
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 Frame |
New Hampshire does not have a frame height law. |
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 Bumpers |
In New Hampshire, cars and SUVs have a maximum bumper height of 20 inches and trucks have a maximum bumper height of 30 inches. In both cases, the minimum bumper height is 16 inches. ( Measured to the bottom of the bumper. ) |
NHS 21-266-9 | ||||||||||||||||||||
 Fenders |
Fenders and mud flaps are required in New Hampshire. |
NHS 21-266-57 | ||||||||||||||||||||
 Lights |
In addition to headlights and tail lights, vehicles in New Hampshire are allowed to have additional lighting.
( Measured to the center of the light. ) |
NHS 21-266-31 NHS 21-266-44 NHS 21-266-37 |
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 Windows |
The street legal laws in New Hampshire require vehicles to have windshield wipers. It is unclear, however, if windshields are required. |
NHS 21-266-56 | ||||||||||||||||||||
 Exhaust |
In New Hampshire, vehicles are required to be equipped with mufflers. It is unlawful to install any sort of exhaust cutout or bypass. |
NHS 21-266-59 | ||||||||||||||||||||
 Engine |
It is unclear whether or not New Hampshire has any engine swap or engine performance modification rules. |
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 Emissions |
New Hampshire requires an annual safety inspection for all vehicles and an OBD emissions test for vehicles that are model year 1996 and newer. |