Skip to content

New Hampshire Auto Inspections Suspended Indefinitely

New Hampshire Auto Inspections Suspended Indefinitely

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Days before New Hampshire’s auto inspection requirements were set to be repealed at the end of January, a federal judge ordered the state to continue the program.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.

Get to know NFIB

NFIB is a member-driven organization advocating on behalf of small and independent businesses nationwide.

Receive our newsletter and email notification
Knowledge is power. Let us help you stay informed with breaking legislative news, regulatory updates, business tips, and more.

Related Articles

April 8, 2026
U.S. Rep. Mark Messmer Discusses Heat Standard Mandates on NFIB’s Podcast
Congressman Messmer joined NFIB’s Small Business Rundown podcast.
Read More
April 8, 2026
Small Businesses Oppose Overreaching Federal Heat Standard
WASHINGTON, D.C. (April 8, 2026) – The National Federation of Independent Business (NFIB), the nation’s leading small business advocacy organization, opposes t…
Read More
Mississippi State Capitol, Jackson, MS. Public domain image from Library of Congress.
April 6, 2026
MS Lawmakers Deliver Wins for Small Business, But More Work Remains
This year’s session ended on Sunday, April 5.
Read More
April 6, 2026
Vermont Fuel Inventory Lays Groundwork for Energy Taxes
H.740 could also require fuel suppliers to provide customer data to state.
Read More

© 2001 - 2026 National Federation of Independent Business. All Rights Reserved. Terms and Conditions | Privacy Policy | Accessibility