creating an exception to the prohibition on removing VIN tags from vehicles manufactured prior to 1981 where removal is reasonably necessary for repair or restoration.
Summary
HB 298 creates a narrow exception to New Hampshire’s existing law on altered vehicle identification numbers for older vehicles. Under current law, a person who knowingly buys, possesses, sells, or disposes of a motor vehicle with a removed, defaced, obliterated, or changed VIN can be guilty of a misdemeanor. The bill would exempt a person who removes and then reinstalls a manufacturer’s serial number or VIN on a vehicle from model year 1981 or earlier, so long as that removal is reasonably necessary for repair or restoration.
The bill is aimed at classic and antique vehicle repair work, where VIN tags or serial plates may need to be temporarily removed to complete bodywork, frame repair, repainting, or other restoration tasks. The exemption would not apply if the person knows or has reason to know the vehicle is stolen. The act would take effect 60 days after passage.
Impact
HB 298 would amend RSA 262:7, the statute governing changed or removed vehicle identification numbers, by adding a specific carve-out for pre-1981 vehicles undergoing repair or restoration. It would preserve the general criminal prohibition on altered VINs while reducing the risk that legitimate restorers, mechanics, or collectors could be prosecuted for temporarily removing and reinstalling a VIN plate as part of work on older vehicles. The fiscal note indicates no direct revenue impact, but possible indeterminable costs to the judicial and correctional systems because the bill modifies a criminal statute.
Sentiment
The available context suggests generally favorable or at least noncontroversial treatment of the bill. It was referred to the House Transportation Committee, which is consistent with its focus on vehicle regulation and restoration, and there are no recorded committee transcripts or votes indicating organized opposition. The bill appears to be a targeted technical fix intended to accommodate classic car restoration practices while maintaining anti-theft protections.
Contention
The main policy tension is between facilitating legitimate restoration of older vehicles and preserving enforcement against VIN tampering and vehicle theft. Supporters would likely emphasize that the exception is limited to model year 1981 or earlier vehicles and only when removal and reinstallation are reasonably necessary for repair or restoration. Any concern would center on whether the exemption could create a loophole for stolen vehicles or make VIN enforcement harder, which is why the bill expressly excludes anyone who knows or has reason to know the vehicle is stolen.
Carry Over
Creating an exception to the prohibition on removing VIN tags from vehicles manufactured prior to 1981 where removal is reasonably necessary for repair or restoration.
Creating an exception to the prohibition on removing VIN tags from vehicles manufactured prior to 1981 where removal is reasonably necessary for repair or restoration.
Removing the requirement for physical safety inspections and on-board diagnostic tests for passenger vehicles and eliminating funding for the motor vehicle air pollution abatement fund.
Prohibiting the division of motor vehicles from suspending a license on the basis of debt owed to a private entity related to the towing or storing of a motor vehicle.
Prohibiting the operation of antique passenger vehicles, model year 1968 or older, on state or local highways for more than 20 miles unless the vehicle is fitted or retrofitted with seat or safety belts.
Creating a public county registry of the monthly rent charged by landlords for each owned unit and prohibiting landlords from using algorithms or software to determine rental rates.