New Hampshire Code of Administrative Rules
Saf - Department of Safety
Subtitle Saf-C - Commissioner, Department of Safety
Chapter Saf-C 3200 - OFFICIAL MOTOR VEHICLE INSPECTION REQUIREMENTS
Part Saf-C 3211 - WHEELS AND TIRES
Section Saf-C 3211.07 - Steering, Alignment and Suspension

Universal Citation: NH Admin Rules Saf-C 3211.07

Current through Register No. 40, October 3, 2024

(a) A vehicle shall be rejected if:

(1) A steering or suspension component or any connecting part does not at least meet the vehicle manufacturer's specifications;

(2) On the bounce test, the vehicle continues to oscillate for more than 2 cycles;

(3) The suspension has been altered, and the bottom edge of the horizontal bumper bar:
a. Is less than 16 inches or more than 20 inches above level ground on a passenger vehicle;

b. Is less than 16 inches or more than 30 inches above level ground on a multipurpose passenger vehicle and light-duty truck; or

c. Is less than 16 inches or more than 30 inches to the bottom of the front or rear frame rails of a light-duty truck, measured where the bumpers would be attached by the manufacturer;

(4) The vehicle is misaligned from component looseness or suspension damage that affects the safe operation of the vehicle;

(5) The wheel camber, caster or toe-in exceed the manufacturer's specifications, that affects the safe operation of the vehicle;

(6) Steering wheel lash or free-play exceeds 3 inches of total movement at steering wheel rim or 2 inches on power-steering equipped vehicles, before the front wheels or the steering wheel moves, except those designed for handicapped operators, is not circular or equivalent in size and material strength as approved by the manufacturer;

(7) The front wheels cannot be turned from full right to full left lock without binding or interference;

(8) Shear capsule, if so equipped, on energy-absorbing steering column is separated from bracket, there is general looseness of the steering wheel and column or the steering wheel and column can be moved as a unit;

(9) Steering gear, component part, or mounting is loose;

(10) Electronic steering component is faulty;

(11) Power steering fluid is below minimum level indicated by manufacturer;

(12) Any power steering system component exhibits an active fluid leak which could result in failure; or

(13) Visual observation reveals excessive dry rot, or cracks on the hose or belt, or foreign contaminant on a belt, which could result in failure;

(14) Steering linkage free-play exceeds the manufacturer's specifications or is:
a. In excess of 1/4 inch, for wheels 16 inches or less in diameter;

b. In excess of 3/8 inch, for wheels 17 or 18 inches in diameter; and

c. In excess of 1/2 inch, for wheels over 18 inches in diameter;

(15) Any wheel bearing exceeds the manufacturer's tolerance for looseness; or

(16) Any ball joint is broken, cracked or exceeds manufacturer's specifications.

(See Revision Notes at chapter heading Saf-C 3200) #8915, eff 6-22-07

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