UPDATED FEB 2026 – Inspections are no longer required
Important Update for NH Drivers
NH Vehicle Inspections Still Required in 2026: Federal Court Blocks State Law
If you’ve heard that New Hampshire is ending its vehicle inspection program on January 31, 2026, you’re not alone. But here’s the important update: a federal court has blocked that change, and inspections are still required.
✓ We confirmed directly with the NH DMV — you still need to get your vehicle inspected.
What Happened?
In June 2025, New Hampshire passed House Bill 2 (HB2), which was set to eliminate the state’s mandatory vehicle inspection program starting January 31, 2026. The state began notifying the public and inspection stations that inspections would no longer be required after that date.
However, there’s a problem: federal law still requires New Hampshire to maintain its inspection program.
Under the Clean Air Act, New Hampshire’s vehicle inspection and maintenance (I/M) program is part of the state’s federally-approved State Implementation Plan (SIP). The state can’t simply eliminate the program without EPA approval — which hasn’t happened.
The Court Ruling
On January 27, 2026, U.S. District Judge Landya McCafferty issued a preliminary injunction in the case Gordon-Darby Holdings, Inc. v. NH Department of Safety (Case No. 25-cv-508-LM-AJ).
The ruling:
- Blocks the state from ending the inspection program
- Orders the state to continue implementing and enforcing vehicle inspections
- Remains in effect until the EPA approves changes to New Hampshire’s plan (which has not occurred)
📄 Read the Full Court Ruling
Don’t just take our word for it — here’s the actual federal court order issued January 27, 2026:
Can’t see the document above? View or download the PDF directly:
What This Means for NH Drivers
Bottom line: You still need to get your vehicle inspected.
Nothing has changed from the inspection requirements you’ve followed in previous years:
📅
Annual inspections are still required
🎂
Due during your birthday month
🔧
Safety & emissions checks included
⚠️
No sticker = still a violation
Why the Confusion?
The state had been actively communicating that inspections were ending:
- The NH DMV posted FAQs stating inspections wouldn’t be required after January 31
- Letters were sent to inspection stations telling them to return inspection stickers
- Public statements were made that the program was being abolished
This messaging led many NH residents to believe they could skip their inspections. In fact, the court noted that monthly inspection rates dropped by as much as 33% compared to the previous year after the law passed.
⚠️ Important: That earlier guidance is now outdated. The federal court ruling supersedes the state’s previous communications.
Do I Need to Get My Inspection Done?
Yes. If your inspection is due, get it done as you normally would. The program is continuing.
If you skipped or delayed your inspection based on earlier news reports, schedule your inspection now to avoid potential fines or other penalties.
Need to get your vehicle inspected?
Schedule an Appointment →
What Happens Next?
The inspection program will remain in place unless and until:
1
The EPA approves New Hampshire’s request to amend its State Implementation Plan
2
The U.S. District Court for New Hampshire lifts the injunction
As of now, neither has happened. The EPA has not acted on New Hampshire’s December 2025 submission requesting to end the program.
Key Takeaways
| ❌ What You May Have Heard | ✓ What’s Actually True |
|---|---|
| NH inspections end January 31, 2026 | Inspections are still required — court blocked the change |
| You don’t need an inspection sticker anymore | You still need a valid inspection sticker |
| The inspection program is abolished | The program continues under federal law |
Frequently Asked Questions
Ready to Get Your Inspection Done?
Don’t wait — avoid fines and stay compliant. We make it easy.
Schedule Your Appointment →
Questions?
For official information on NH inspection requirements, visit the New Hampshire DMV website or contact them directly.
You can also read the full court ruling on CourtListener or through the U.S. District Court of New Hampshire.
Need to schedule an inspection or have questions?
Give us a call at (603) 207-4004 or book online.
Last updated: January 29, 2026
This article is for informational purposes only and does not constitute legal advice.
NH Vehicle Inspections Still Required in 2026: Federal Court Blocks State Law Ending Program
•
January 29, 2026
Why Is My Car Shaking After It Snows? ❄️🚗
•
January 27, 2026
Electric Vehicle Suspension Repair Review – VW ID.4 Service in Hooksett NH
•
January 23, 2026
Volkswagen ID.4 Suspension Repairs and Brake Service
•
January 23, 2026
Carfax Review Highlight: 2018 Audi Q7
•
January 12, 2026
Great, Open & Honest
•
January 9, 2026
Audi S3 Spark Plug and Ignition Coil Service
•
December 17, 2025
2022 Audi S4 Transmission & AWD Service (Why 37k Miles Isn’t Too Early)
•
December 16, 2025
EXCELLENT Based on 260 reviews Posted on Brendan Bilgen Trustindex verifies that the original source of the review is Google. I have not had any work done on any car but have had an exceptional pre inspection service done on a car I was looking to buy saving me a huge amount of money and time steering me away from a car with hidden issues and used car salesman lies. I will go out of my way to recommend Heather and her team moving forward to anyone looking for quality work by honest people. Thanks again! Owner's reply Wow, thank you Brendan! It feels so good to hear that we saved you from a total headache. You are not alone. Buying a car should be fun, not a trap! We love doing car inspections because we get to tell the truth and keep our friends safe from a lot of future problem. I'll pass along the positive feedback to whole team. Let us know when you track down another used car. Even if it is not an Audi, now we are expanding to work on more makes and models. Here is some info if anyone else is looking for information on a PPI: https://reflextuning.com/services/pre-purchase-inspection/ -Heather Reflex Automotive Owner Posted on Christopher Brown Trustindex verifies that the original source of the review is Google. Reflex is a great, open & honest place that does what they say and they do it well. I’ll be returning. Owner's reply Thanks, Chris! It was awesome meeting you. It was a pleasure getting VW Atlas running like new again since it was so overdue for things like spark plugs, fluids and belts. And making sure the snow tires were safe for your wife. It’s a bummer the other shops used cheap parts that made your brakes squeak, but we’re glad we could swap those out for the good stuff! Thanks for trusting us to be your local mechanic. We look forward to servicing your other vehicles soon, and can do the undercoating at the next visit. Heather Posted on Bill Jones Trustindex verifies that the original source of the review is Google. Reflex has taken such good care of my Audi. They are NOT pushy. They always let me know the truth about my car. Since I have been going to Reflex Tuning I had had less issues and my car has honestly never ran better. I recently traded in the Audi for a Volvo and they have been taking such good care of the XC60 since it was new. Even while under warranty. Always recommend Reflex over other European shop...especially the dealership. Owner's reply Thanks! Posted on Lisa Boucher Trustindex verifies that the original source of the review is Google. I have been taking my Audis to Reflex Tuning for 10+ years. There's no other mechanics I trust more than Heather and her team. They have done everything from state inspections to routine maintenance to major repairs. They always take the time to explain everything and answer all of my questions. There have been many times when I don't feel right about information provided at the dealership and they have made themselves available to double check these things for me. They are very professional and provide pictures of issues and rank them in importance so I can make educated decisions about what I should do now and what can wait. They are the reason why I keep buying Audis - I can't imagine not being able to call Reflex when something comes up with my car. Great people. Owner's reply Thank you Lisa! We have known your for so long! From your old Audi A4 to your older Q7, to your new Q7. We keep them going for you! Posted on Carlo Sottile Trustindex verifies that the original source of the review is Google. The engine runs smoother quieter and quicker excellent job reflex Will recommend to everyone Owner's reply Thank you Carlo! We are so happy to service your Volkswagen Tiguan! Posted on Susan Wilson Trustindex verifies that the original source of the review is Google. I've used Reflex Tuning for 8+ years for my Audi. They are extremely knowledge, professional, and accommodating. Most recently I asked them to look at a used VW before I purchased it and go thru it after the purchase. With Heather and her team servicing my vehicle, I'm confident that it will be running perfectly for the next 10 years! Owner's reply Thank you so much, Sue! We are thrilled you chose Merchants Auto for your VW Atlas. Since it didn't have a detailed service history, we wanted to ensure you had total peace of mind. Our team performed a full 'fresh start' service, including spark plugs, belts, transmission and Haldex fluids, and undercoating. We love being able to show our customers exactly what goes on behind the scenes! For anyone interested in seeing the deep dive we did on Sue’s Atlas, you can find the full breakdown video on our YouTube channel. Enjoy the new ride! — Heather" Posted on Adnan S Trustindex verifies that the original source of the review is Google. Brought my Audi A4 to Reflex Tuning for new tires and brake pads/rotors. Heather (the owner) was personable, extremely easy to work with, and provided a very thorough initial quote. She was able to get my car in and out in 24 hours, which I just did not expect. They provided a very thorough inspection report of the overall condition of the car, with detailed pictures and explanations for what looks good now, and what should be considered for maintenance. Really loved this. What impressed me most was that there was no pushy sales for additional items that needed attention. Heather provided recommendations on a few other items that would be ideal to take care of now, and I trusted her judgement overall. Prices were less than the local Audi dealer and extremely reasonable, given that these cars can be more costly to maintain long-term than other brands. I will absolutely be coming back for additional maintenance in the near future and will recommend this shop to others without hesitation. Owner's reply Thank you Adnan for such a detailed review! We take a lot of pride in making vehicle service as easy and transparent as possible. It was a pleasure putting together that quote and getting your A4 serviced for you. We appreciate you trusting my recommendations and recognizing the value we strive to provide. See you at your next service interval! — Heather Posted on Chris Turner Trustindex verifies that the original source of the review is Google. Expertise with a commitment to quality and honesty - I will be coming back! Owner's reply We truly appreciate the kind words! It was a pleasure helping you with your wheel alignment. We pride ourselves on being a shop you can trust for quality work, and we look forward to seeing you again next time!" Heather Posted on Noah Yeaw-Ward Trustindex verifies that the original source of the review is Google. If you are considering purchasing an Audi or VW, do yourself a favor and call Reflex Tuning first. You will be so glad that you did. Heather is fantastic to do business with, knows her stuff, and is genuinely a pleasure to speak with! The courtesy car that I borrowed was clean and had a full tank. If you look at the fine details, you’ll see that Heather and the team at Reflex Tuning really do care, not just about the cars they work on, but also the people driving them. Give them a call and you will see the difference from a dealer! Owner's reply Thanks Noah, it was a pleasure meeting you. I am glad we were able to give you the honest truth about the Audi, and point you in the right direction in finding a replacement. Heather Posted on Cherylanne Williams Trustindex verifies that the original source of the review is Google. Love this place. They keep my baby car in great shape. And the dogs are a bonus! Owner's reply Thank you Cheryl. We have been servicing your baby for such a long time now. I know you love that car, and we love taking care of you and the car! The dogs love seeing you every time you come in!