Is it acceptable for a pickup truck's ball hitch to obstruct the view of the license plate during an inspection?

In New Hampshire, during a state vehicle inspection, it is essential that all vehicle identification, including the license plate, remains clearly visible. A ball hitch that obstructs the view of the license plate fails to meet the state's requirements for visibility and proper identification of the vehicle.

The license plate is crucial for law enforcement and regulatory purposes; it must be easily readable from a reasonable distance. If the plate is obstructed, it can create complications in identifying the vehicle, potentially leading to issues with compliance and enforcement of state traffic laws. Therefore, any obstruction by a ball hitch, regardless of the extent, would not be considered acceptable during an inspection.

Ensuring that the license plate is unobstructed is a fundamental aspect of vehicle compliance and contributes to road safety and proper identification of vehicles on the road.