New Hampshire
New Guidance, More Confusion Over Vehicle Inspections in NH
By NANCY WEST, InDepthNH.org
CONCORD – The vehicle inspection program is suspended until further notice, but drivers are still responsible under current law to ensure “that any vehicle driven in New Hampshire is safe to operate, regardless of the status of the inspection program.”
That’s according to a press release issued late Friday afternoon by Attorney General John Formella and Safety Commissioner Robert Quinn.
But they failed to say how a driver can guarantee the safety of their vehicle without an inspection program.
The vehicle inspection program has been a source of confusion since a new law to end it was supposed to go into effect Jan. 31.
On Friday, the New Hampshire Department of Justice and Department of Safety said they are providing a further update on the state’s vehicle inspection program in response to the federal District Court’s Jan. 27, 2026 preliminary injunction order:
- The vehicle inspection program is suspended until further notice.
- Inspection stations will no longer be authorized to issue state inspection stickers and vehicles will not be required to obtain an annual state inspection at this time.
- Drivers are still responsible under current law to ensure that any vehicle driven in New Hampshire is safe to operate, regardless of the status of the inspection program
Following the Executive Council’s denial of the Department of Safety’s request to extend the termination date of the State’s vehicle inspection contract with Gordon-Darby NHOST, Inc, the State currently has no approved vendor to operate the State’s vehicle inspection program, the release said.
It was Gordon-Darby NHOST that sued the state in federal court arguing it couldn’t end the inspection program because it would have ended emissions testing, which would violate the federal Clean Air Act.
“As a result, and after careful review of the legal implications under current state statutes of the lack of
an approved vendor, the vehicle inspection program is suspended until further notice. Inspection stations will no longer be authorized to issue state inspection stickers and vehicles will not be required to obtain an annual state inspection at this time,” Friday’s news release said.
“The Department of Safety and the Department of Environmental Services are exploring all options to continue to comply with the Court’s order but currently lack the legal authority to operate a vehicle inspection program given that there is no approved vendor for the program.
“In addition, the State is continuing to seek relief from the Court’s order and has filed a Notice of Appeal to the First Circuit Court of Appeals as well as a motion requesting that the Court stay its preliminary injunction order.
“While the vehicle inspection program is currently suspended, the status of the program remains subject to change as the legal landscape continues to evolve. The State will update its public guidance on vehicle inspections as more information becomes available and will provide additional regulatory flexibility as needed in the event of future changes, including further deadline extensions should the program resume.
“At this time, the public is reminded that they are responsible under current law to ensure that any vehicle driven in New Hampshire is safe to operate, regardless of the status of the inspection program. Vehicle safety requirements are set forth in New Hampshire Revised Statutes Annotated (RSA) Chapter 266,” the news release said.
The federal government has activated the New Hampshire National Guard’s 157th Air Refueling Wing in connection with the war with Iran.
“I’ve had a briefing myself, a classified briefing, but it’s really important on the messaging on this that we really coordinate with the Pentagon,” Gov. Kelly Ayotte told reporters during a press briefing following Wednesday’s Executive Council meeting.
Ayotte said she was unable to share additional details about the nature of the New Hampshire National Guard’s activity related to the conflict, including how many guard members have been activated or what role they are playing.
“We’re going to respect what messaging comes out of the Pentagon just to make sure that our men and women in uniform are fully protected and that we aren’t providing any information that could be used in a way that would be harmful to them,” Ayotte said.
In a statement Thursday, Ayotte said the unit had been deployed in late February to the U.S. Central Command area of responsibility in support of the operation.
Earlier this week, Pentagon officials confirmed that members of the Vermont National Guard were involved in attacks against Iran over the weekend, though our news partners at Vermont Public were not able to confirm additional details on the nature of the operation.
During the briefing with local reporters, Ayotte also stressed her support for servicemembers and those close to them.
“I have such respect for our men and women in uniform,” Ayotte said. “As you know, I come from a military family, and they have our full support, and we appreciate them and their families, and obviously anyone who is serving right now, and my thoughts and prayers go out to those who have lost someone that they love.”
By PAULA TRACY, InDepthNH.org
CONCORD – While Republican Gov. Kelly Ayotte has said she opposes increasing highway toll rates across the state, the Senate voted Thursday to increase rates for out-of-state license plate holders.
It now goes to the House for consideration.
This would be a $1 increase for those who have out of state plates going through the tolls at Hooksett, Hampton and Bedford for out-of-state plates, a 75 cent hike for those taking Hampton’s Exit 2 and on the Spaulding turnpike at Rochester, and a 50 cent hike for those taking the exit off I-93 to Hooksett.
An analysis in the bill shows that this would increase toll revenue by $53.3 million in fiscal year 2027 and go up each year to generate $81.4 million a year in 2036.
Senate Bill 627 passed on a voice vote with two Republicans, Senators Regina Birdsell of Hampstead and William Gannon of Sandown opposing.
Senator Mark E. McConkey, R-Freedom, moved to take the bill off the table and offered an amendment.
He said the last time there was a systemwide increase to the turnpike toll was 19 years ago.
“I am sure we could all agree the cost of operations…has continued to escalate when revenue is not rising with it,” and he noted that with an enterprise fund, the state can only spend what it takes in.
The state has just completed a 10-year highway plan and there was a $400 million shortfall in projects that could not be paid for under the current income.
McConkey said the measure would not increase tolls for New Hampshire drivers with a state license plate.
“Why don’t we ask our neighbors,” to pay a toll increase. “We are getting the best of all worlds,” by passing the bill, he said, including “protecting our residents” and having resources for improvements to the turnpike system.
Sen. Gannon, R-Sandown, asked McConkey if there are any studies on impacts near the border on businesses.
If implemented, McConkey said the state will be the 27th lowest in per mile cost still. McConkey said the bill would also increase from seven to 14 days the amount of time for those with NH license plates to pay for a toll adding there are other states that also have different rates for out-of-state users.
The Hampton toll cost would go from $2 to $3, while Hooksett and Bedford would rise from $1 to $2 for out-of-state plates.
New Hampshire currently has the lowest rate per mile among states with tolls roads.
The governor said she does not support a toll increase.
“We are not going to put a burden on drivers for a toll increase,” Ayotte said. “Families are struggling.”
From Belmar to Asbury Park, here’s why NJ goes all-in for St. Patrick’s Day
New Mexico (NMAA) High School Boys Basketball State Championship Brackets, Schedules – March 7, 2026
Top prospect decommits from North Dakota, considering Michigan State
Two Ohio men arrested on drug charges in Raleigh County after traffic stop
Kansas State women’s basketball stuns Oklahoma State, moves on to Big 12 semis
Florida High School Football Rankings: Top 25 teams – Oct. 21
Cleary's 21 help Le Moyne down Central Connecticut State 69-64 in OT
How old is Bo Nix? What to know about Oregon quarterback ahead of 2024 NFL Draft
99th annual Pony Swim held in Virginia
Indiana Members Credit Union announced as new anchor tenant at Bottleworks District
Appeals court declares DC ban on certain gun magazines unconstitutional
‘No deal with Iran except unconditional surrender,’ Trump says
A dead woman’s key fob and two grisly crime scenes: How the Utah triple-murder suspect was tracked across state lines | CNN
DOJ continues Biden autopen probe despite former president unlikely to face charges
Fact check: Did French border guards mock influencers returning from Dubai amid Iran war?
-
World1 week agoExclusive: DeepSeek withholds latest AI model from US chipmakers including Nvidia, sources say
-
Wisconsin5 days agoSetting sail on iceboats across a frozen lake in Wisconsin
-
Massachusetts4 days agoMassachusetts man awaits word from family in Iran after attacks
-
Massachusetts1 week agoMother and daughter injured in Taunton house explosion
-
Maryland6 days agoAM showers Sunday in Maryland
-
Florida5 days agoFlorida man rescued after being stuck in shoulder-deep mud for days
-
Denver, CO1 week ago10 acres charred, 5 injured in Thornton grass fire, evacuation orders lifted
-
Oregon1 week ago2026 OSAA Oregon Wrestling State Championship Results And Brackets – FloWrestling