NH State Inspection Stickers Suspended, What Drivers in Concord Need to Know

As of February 13, 2026, Accomplished Auto and all other New Hampshire inspection stations are no longer authorized to issue state inspection stickers. This change comes after the NH Executive Council denied an extension of the state’s contract with Gordon-Darby. This is the company that manages the sticker and inspection equipment system. While a court injunction had previously blocked the repeal of NH's inspection law. Now the lack of an active vendor means the state inspection program is suspended until further notice.

The Law Hasn’t Changed the Responsibility Shifts to You

Although we can’t issue stickers right now, the RSA safety and emissions rules haven’t changed. You are still legally responsible for maintaining your vehicle in a safe and compliant condition. Enforcement now falls primarily on local and state police.

At Accomplished Auto, we continue to be concerned about the safety of all vehicles on the road, not just our customers'. While we trust that our regular customers will continue caring for their vehicles responsibly. This does not mean everyone will without an inspection requirement.

What We’re Still Offering

We are still performing comprehensive safety inspections. These are not "state" inspections and no stickers are issued, but they are just as important. Our regular courtesy check covers all major safety systems and many maintenance concerns. This does not include every item listed under RSA 266 the vehicle safety guidelines for NH. (Direct link to RSA 266) For those who want full confidence, we are offering dedicated safety inspections to help you:

·        Stay informed about your vehicle’s roadworthiness

·        Identify potential safety or compliance issues

·        Maintain your car according to the legal standards

What’s Not Included in a Standard Courtesy Check

Some safety and emissions issues aren’t commonly inspected unless requested. These include:

·        Headlight aim – Misaligned lights can reduce nighttime visibility and blind other drivers.

·        Defroster temperature – Poor defrosting impairs visibility in winter weather.

·        Parking brake function – Essential for safety on hills or in the event of brake failure. (Not normally checked as rust and lack of use can cause them to stick)

·        Window tint legality – Tint that’s too dark can reduce driver visibility and is a common violation.

·        Check engine light/emissions diagnostics – Our regular check does not interrogate your vehicle’s computer for stored or pending trouble codes.

These aren’t minor details. A non-functioning parking brake or excessive tint can directly affect your safety. Also, if you're in an accident, driving a non-compliant vehicle could shift liability to you.

Ignoring emissions-related issues can also have far-reaching consequences. A lit or flashing check engine light may indicate that your vehicle is no longer in compliance with emissions regulations. If left unresolved, this could:

·        Reduce your fuel economy and increase fuel costs

·        Cause excessive wear on engine components

·        Lead to costly repairs down the road (like damaged catalytic converters)

Beyond individual vehicles, too many high-polluting cars on the road could cause New Hampshire to fall out of compliance with the federal Clean Air Act. This could potentially put millions in federal infrastructure funding for roads and bridges at risk.

Why This Still Matters

Just because stickers aren't being issued doesn't mean your vehicle doesn’t need attention. In fact, having a second set of professional eyes on your car at least once a year is a smart move. It keeps your car safe, protects you and your passengers. It also ensures you're not unknowingly driving something that could lead to a ticket, or worse.

So even if you do your own maintenance, we encourage you to schedule a safety and emissions inspection. It's about peace of mind — for you, your family, and everyone else on the road.