CONCORD, NH — New Hampshire officials announced Thursday they are extending the vehicle inspection deadline to April 10 for vehicles with inspections expiring before March following a federal court order to continue the state’s inspection program.
Attorney General John M. Formella and Department of Safety Commissioner Robert L. Quinn issued the guidance Jan. 30.
A federal court on Jan. 27 ordered the continuation of the state vehicle inspection program, which was scheduled to end Jan. 31 under state law passed last year.
The state intends to appeal the court order.
The Department of Safety extended the inspection deadline due to the public’s reasonable expectation that the program was ending Jan. 31, according to the announcement.
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.
The state plans to appeal the court’s preliminary injunction and will seek to pause the ruling while the appeal is underway.
Future legislative action or court developments could change the status of the inspection program.
Updates will be shared at www.dmv.nh.gov, officials said.
