Revision: March 4, 2026, 12:59 p.m.
Rep. T. Walsh, Merr. 10
March 3, 2026
2026-1022h
07/09
Amendment to HB 1362
Amend the title of the bill by replacing it with the following:
AN ACT relative to motor vehicle equipment specifications.
Amend the bill by replacing all after the enacting clause with the following:
1 New Section; Equipment of Vehicles; Tire Tread Depth. Amend RSA 266 by inserting after section 48 the following new section:
266:48-a Tire Tread Depth; Measurement Requirements. No person shall drive a motor vehicle upon any way unless each tire mounted thereon has a minimum tread depth of not less than 2/32 of an inch.
2 New Section; Equipment of Vehicles; Brake Performance; Brake Lining Measurements. Amend RSA 266 by inserting after section 28 the following new section:
266:28-a Brake Lining Measurement; Lining Thickness.
I. No person shall drive a motor vehicle upon any way unless the brake lining or friction material at each wheel has a minimum thickness of 2/32 of an inch.
II. Brake lining measurements shall be performed using a brake gauge, caliper, or other suitable measuring device calibrated in thirty-seconds of an inch.
(a) For brake shoes or disc brake pads with riveted linings, measurements shall be taken to the top of any rivet head.
(b) For brake shoes or disc brake pads with bonded linings, measurements shall be taken at the thinnest point of the friction material.
3 New Subdivision; Steering and Suspension. Amend RSA 266 by inserting after section 117 the following new subdivision:
Steering and Suspension
266:118 Steering and Suspension Standards.
I. No vehicle shall be operated on the ways of this state if, upon inspection, any of the following conditions are found:
(a) Steering linkage free-play exceeds the manufacturer's specifications or is:
(1) In excess of 1/4 inch for wheels 16 inches or less in diameter;
(2) In excess of 3/8 inch for wheels 17 or 18 inches in diameter; or
(3) In excess of 1/2 inch for wheels over 18 inches in diameter.
(b) Any wheel bearing that is not within the manufacturer's tolerance for looseness.
(c) Any ball joint is broken, cracked, or exceeds the manufacturer's specifications.
II. For purposes of this section, "manufacturer's specifications" means the tolerances and standards established by the original equipment manufacturer for the safe operation of the specified system or component.
4 Effective Date. This act shall take effect January 1, 2027.
2026-1022h
AMENDED ANALYSIS
This bill establishes motor vehicle standards for tire tread depth and brake lining measurements and inspection standards for vehicle steering and suspension systems.