Plans to Cancel Inspections Halted by Court
Drivers in New Hampshire were already prepared to say goodbye to mandatory annual vehicle inspections. The state announced that as of January 31, this requirement would be canceled, which would relieve residents of annual hassles and save them money. However, this plan encountered a legal obstacle this week when a federal judge intervened to put the brakes on the cancellation, at least for now.
Judge Landya McCafferty issued a preliminary injunction blocking the state’s cancellation of the inspection program, just days before the policy was set to take effect. The decision came swiftly, only a week after Gordon-Darby Holdings filed a lawsuit challenging the state’s decision. This private company currently holds the contract to manage New Hampshire’s inspection system, giving it a direct financial interest in preserving the program.
EPA Approval as a Key Issue
At the heart of the lawsuit is the Clean Air Act. In its suit, Gordon-Darby argues that New Hampshire cannot eliminate an inspection program that includes emissions checks without first obtaining approval from the U.S. Environmental Protection Agency. Canceling the program without the agency’s consent, in their view, would put the state in violation of federal law.
As reported by local news service WMUR, the state did indeed request permission from the Environmental Protection Agency to stop the inspections. However, no decision has been issued yet. Until that happens, the judge’s order effectively keeps the system in force, meaning drivers will still need to bring their cars for the annual check after the January 31 deadline.
The New Hampshire Attorney General’s office issued a brief response following the court’s decision. “We are reviewing the court’s order and considering appropriate next steps,” the office stated. “We note that the order addresses a preliminary matter and does not decide the merits of the case. The state will issue further guidance to the public in the coming days.”
According to House Majority Leader Jason Osborne, a legislative response will be ready next week aimed at satisfying the court’s requirements.
“We will not allow a rogue judge and a greedy out-of-state corporation to undermine the will of the people,” he said.
Money at the Heart of the Dispute
For Gordon-Darby, this issue is not only legal but existential. The company receives a portion of every vehicle inspection fee in the state. According to its lawsuit, terminating the program would force it to completely shut down its operations in New Hampshire and lay off staff.
This situation vividly illustrates the complex interplay of local politics, environmental regulation, and private economic interests. The state’s desire to relieve citizens of an administrative burden is clashing not only with formal federal procedures but also with powerful resistance from a business whose existence depends on these rules. The further development of events will depend both on the decision of the Environmental Protection Agency and on the ability of the state legislature to find a new legal path to implement its political will that can withstand judicial challenges.