February 17, 2026
Newest state guidance puts the inspection program back on ice
Days before New Hampshire’s auto inspection requirements were set to be repealed at the end of January, a federal judge ordered the state to continue the program.
Now, the New Hampshire Attorney General has advised the vehicle inspection program is suspended indefinity.
No stickers may be issued, and no drivers are required to obtain an annual inspection. Drivers are still required to ensure their vehicle is safe to operate
The state continues to appeal the court’s decision and to seek final approval to terminate the inspection program.
For more information: Vehicle Inspection Program Public Guidance | New Hampshire Department of Justice
What happened in January? The federal court order came in response to a legal challenge by Gordon-Darby, the state’s longtime program operator, arguing the state could not end the program without first receiving federal approval.
The state initially said the program would continue until the legal challenge was resolved and that vehicle owners had until April 10 to get up to date on their inspection.
The New Hampshire Executive Council declined to extend Gordon-Darby’s contract, which terminated on January 31, to accommodate this plan.
You can read more about the initial fallout here: Federal Judge Blocks Repeal of NH Auto Inspections – NFIB.
NFIB is a member-driven organization advocating on behalf of small and independent businesses nationwide.
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