Staff reports 5 a.m.
Saturday, January 31, 2026 5:01 am

future legislative action or court developments could change the status of the inspection program. (Courtesy photo)

CONCORD - The New Hampshire Department of Justice and Department of Safety released a statement on Friday regarding a federal order to continue vehicle inspections following the passage of a state law that ended the practice. The federal court issued the order on Tuesday.

Here is a summary of the federal court's decision.

• The federal court has ordered a continuation of the state vehicle inspection program. The State intends to appeal this court order.
• In the interim, due to the public's reasonable expectation that the program was ending on Jan. 31 the Department of Safety is extending the deadline to obtain a state inspection to April 10 for any vehicle with an inspection that expires prior to March 2026.
• A request to extend a contract to continue operation of the program is anticipated to be considered by the Executive Council in the near future.
• Further guidance will be provided as this situation continues to develop.

Under state law passed last year, New Hampshire's required vehicle inspection program was scheduled to end on January 31, 2026. However, before that change took effect, a federal court ordered the State to keep the inspection program in place for now. As a result, the vehicle inspection program will continue after January 31, 2026.

According to a release from the Attorney Generals Office, the State disagrees with the court's preliminary injunction, plans to appeal the court's decision, and will seek to pause the ruling while the appeal is under way. In addition, future legislative action or court developments could change the status of the inspection program.

If there are any updates, the State will share new guidance at www.dmv.nh.gov and will work to provide additional flexibility where appropriate.