New Hampshire requires minimum tire tread and brake lining thickness

Drivers must have at least 2/32 inch of tread on every tire. The requirement covers motor vehicles driven on New Hampshire roads, except the listed heavy vehicles. Commercial vehicles, school buses, and mixed use school buses are exempt when they weigh more than 10,000 pounds. The tire requirement took effect July 10, 2026.

Drivers must have at least 2/32 inch of brake lining or other friction material at every wheel. The requirement covers motor vehicles driven on New Hampshire roads, except the listed heavy vehicles. Measurements must use a suitable device calibrated to measure in thirty-seconds of an inch. Riveted linings are measured to the top of any rivet head. Bonded linings are measured at their thinnest point. Commercial vehicles, school buses, and mixed use school buses are exempt when they weigh more than 10,000 pounds. The brake thickness and measurement rules took effect July 10, 2026.

Drivers cannot operate a vehicle when an inspection finds any listed steering or suspension defect. This restriction covers vehicles operated on New Hampshire roads. The section states no exception for heavy vehicles. Steering connections and wheel bearings cannot be looser than the manufacturer allows. Ball joints cannot be broken, cracked, or beyond the manufacturer's limits. These limits come from the original equipment manufacturer's standards for safe operation. The steering and suspension restrictions took effect July 10, 2026.