Motorcycles, OHRVs, and Snowmobiles Under the New Hampshire Lemon Law
How New Hampshire's lemon law expressly covers motorcycles, OHRVs, and snowmobiles — a distinctive feature fitting the state's powersports culture — with the dedicated mileage-offset denominators (mopeds are excluded).
New Hampshire’s lemon law is distinctive: RSA 357-D:2 expressly covers motorcycles, off-highway recreational vehicles (OHRVs), and snowmobiles — not just cars and light trucks. This fits New Hampshire’s powersports and trail culture, where snowmobiling and OHRV riding are major recreational activities. (Mopeds are excluded — the statute carves out tractors and mopeds from the four-wheel-vehicle category.)
Expressly covered
Unlike most states — including Maine, where motorcycle coverage is uncertain — New Hampshire names these vehicles in the statute:
- Motorcycles.
- Off-highway recreational vehicles (OHRVs) — ATVs, trail bikes, side-by-sides.
- Snowmobiles — significant given New Hampshire’s extensive groomed-trail network.
The dedicated mileage-offset denominators
Because these vehicles accumulate fewer miles, New Hampshire uses smaller use-offset denominators (RSA 357-D:3, IX):
- 20,000 for motorcycles/OHRVs of 250cc or less.
- 40,000 for those over 250cc.
- (Standard four-wheel vehicles use 100,000.)
As with cars, the numerator is miles driven before the first repair attempt.
How a powersports claim qualifies
- A covered motorcycle/OHRV/snowmobile, within the protected period (warranty term plus one year).
- A defect substantially impairing use, value, or safety.
- 3 repair attempts or 30 business days out of service, with same-dealer repair orders. See the presumption.
Common powersports defects
- Engine / fuel-injection defects — stalling, hard starting.
- Electrical / charging-system failures — salt/moisture-accelerated.
- Transmission / drivetrain defects.
- Brake-system failures — safety-critical.
- Snowmobile track, suspension, and clutch failures.
- Frame defects — recall-tied; corrosion-prone.
The CPA and Magnuson-Moss also apply
For disputes outside the lemon-law window, the CPA (treble + mandatory fees) and Magnuson-Moss (§ 2310(d)(2) fees) remain available.
Bottom line
New Hampshire is one of the few states that expressly covers motorcycles, OHRVs, and snowmobiles under its lemon law, with dedicated 20,000/40,000-mile offset denominators. File with the Arbitration Board within the protected period. Get a free case review.
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