News

Federal court appeals court gives Granite State the “OK” to end motor vehicle inspections

Federal court appeals court gives Granite State the “OK” to end motor vehicle inspections

A computer monitor indicates for an employee to increase the car's speed as he runs it on a dynamometer for an emissions test at a motor vehicle inspection station in Lawrence Township, N.J. Tuesday, July 10, 2001. The State Commission of Investigation opened two days of public hearings Tuesday to investigate New Jersey's failed $400 million enhanced auto inspection system and the awarding of the contract for its implementation to Parsons Infrastructure Group . The problem plagued system caused drivers to wait in line for hours for the mandatory inspections when it began operating in late 1999. Photo: Associated Press/AP Photo/Daniel Hulshizer


CONCORD, N.H.- A federal appeals court has granted a request from New Hampshire officials that stays a previous order telling it to resume motor vehicle inspections.

On Thursday the First Circuit Court of Appeals in said State officials… “met their burden of making a “strong showing” that the district court likely erred in concluding that Gordon-Darby adequately alleged a violation based on conduct that was, at the time of the complaint, wholly prospective.” meaning the state is no longer obligated to comply with a previously issued injunction requiring it to begin efforts to reinstate motor vehicle inspections.

This latest victory comes after the state appealed Judge Landya McCafferty’s injunction saying it was “terminally flawed” in concluding the state was violating the Clean Air Act by ending its motor vehicle inspection program without federal approval.

This latest victory is the second in one week for New Hampshire, after a federal judge Wednesday denied a motion from Gordon-Darby Holdings asking that the state be heled in contempt and fined for not following McCafferty’s injunction, as the company originally brought the lawsuit after the state terminated its contract with Gordon-Darby after lawmakers passed a bill which puts an end to state inspections.

Recent Headlines

15 hours ago in Entertainment, Music

The 2026 Academy of Country Music Awards are coming up. Here’s who’s nominated and how to watch

It's time to cowboy up, y'all. The 2026 Academy of Country Music Awards are right around the corner, and they look different this time around.

15 hours ago in National

Redistricting battle intensifies in states after US Supreme Court ruling on Voting Rights Act

A Supreme Court decision striking down a majority Black congressional district in Louisiana has amplified an already intense national redistricting battle by providing Republican officials in several states new grounds to redraw voting districts.

22 hours ago in Entertainment

Britney Spears charged with driving under the influence of alcohol and drugs

Britney Spears was charged in California on Thursday with driving under the influence of drugs and alcohol, authorities said. The 44-year-old pop star was charged with a single misdemeanor count of driving under the combined influence of alcohol and at least one drug, the Ventura County District Attorney's Office said.

22 hours ago in Sports

Jaden McDaniels and the feisty Timberwolves oust the Nuggets and move on to meet the Spurs

The Minnesota Timberwolves had plenty of lulls during the regular season, seemingly coasting at times while struggling to recapture the form that fueled them to consecutive Western Conference finals appearances over the last two years.

22 hours ago in Sports

Caitlin Clark scores 21 points, gives the Fever a brief scare in her 1st home game in 9 months

Caitlin Clark's first home game in more than nine months was supposed to be a celebration. Instead, she gave the Indiana Fever and fans a scare Thursday night.

22 hours ago in Entertainment, Music

Foo Fighters bring their stadium show to a modest NYC venue. Inside the exclusive, surprise concert

Foo Fighters announced two surprise shows Wednesday: one at Irving Plaza on Thursday and another at the Starland Ballroom on Saturday in New Jersey. Tickets were priced at $30, limited to two per purchaser and available only on a first-come, first-served basis at 10 a.m. Thursday at each venue.